Economic Development
Home of global manufacturing and small business startups.
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CEDS Report Public Review
A CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development collaboration. Through research and public and private sector engagement, the Five County Northwest Ohio Collaborative has drafted this CEDS to guide community and economic development opportunities and support economic diversification and enhanced quality of life across Allen - Hancock - Hardin - Putnam - Van Wert Counties. This site will be available from February 10, 2026 - March 11, 2026. We thank you for your review of this draft CEDS and welcome your comments.
Public Review
Review the CEDS Draft Report and submit your feedback by clicking on the SurveyMonkey link.
The Hardin County Office of Economic Development is dedicated to fostering a resilient, diversified, and growing regional economy. Guided by our comprehensive strategic plan, we serve as the central hub for business investment and community prosperity. By uniting local leadership with state resources, we ensure that Hardin County remains a premier destination for global industry, a supportive home for local enterprise, and a land of opportunity for a highly skilled workforce.
Our Strategic Pillars
Our work is driven by four primary objectives designed to stabilize and expand the economic footprint of our region. Each initiative is tailored to meet the specific needs of site selectors, established employers, and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
New Business Attraction: We aggressively market Hardin County’s strategic location, available land, and utility-ready sites to global investors. Our goal is to bring high-value capital investment and diverse job opportunities to Kenton, Ada, and our surrounding villages.
Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E): Our "Existing Industry First" philosophy ensures that our current employers have the support they need to stay and grow. We provide a direct line to local and state resources to solve operational challenges and facilitate facility expansions.
Workforce Development: Through the Hardin Career Task Force and our signature 3E Initiative, we are building a world-class talent pipeline. We bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring our labor force is trained for the high-demand careers of tomorrow.
Small Business & Entrepreneurship: We believe local innovation is the backbone of our economy. Through our partnership with the SBDC at Rhodes State, we provide no-cost consulting and technical resources to help startups and small businesses thrive.
Business Attraction & Retention
Available Sites & Buildings
Strategic Sites and Industrial Buildings in Hardin County, Ohio
Hardin County provides a transparent inventory of industrial sites and commercial buildings at various stages of development. We prioritize data-driven site selection by providing direct access to available due diligence reports, utility capacities, and environmental assessments. Our goal is to reduce your project timeline by offering a clear, honest look at the development readiness of every property in our portfolio.
Search our Property Database
Our searchable database offers more than just a list of addresses; it serves as a portal for site selectors to evaluate the specific feasibility of locations throughout Kenton, Ada, and the surrounding Hardin County region.
Due Diligence Access: View available documentation for specific sites, including topographical surveys and environmental studies.
Scalable Acreage: Identify parcels ranging from small commercial lots to large-scale industrial tracts along major transit corridors.
Infrastructure Insights: Access detailed information on existing utility footprints and proximity to regional infrastructure like the CSX rail line.
Development Support: Our office works directly with site selectors to bridge the gap between "available" and "build-ready," facilitating the necessary steps for your specific project requirements.
Regional Strategy & Planning
Hardin County doesn't just plan for today; we strategize for the future of the entire region. As an active member of the West Central Ohio Regional Planning Organization (WCORPO), we collaborate on critical transportation and infrastructure projects that keep our county connected.
Furthermore, we are proud participants in the 5-County Northwest Ohio Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This regional partnership ensures that Hardin County is aligned with federal development standards, opening doors for large-scale funding and coordinated industrial growth that benefits our local workforce and economy.
Business Growth Incentives and Financing in Hardin County
Hardin County offers a aggressive suite of local and state incentives designed to lower the cost of doing business and accelerate capital investment. From property tax abatements in our established Enterprise Zones to low-interest revolving loan funds, we provide the financial tools necessary for both new arrivals and expanding local industries. Our team works as a single point of contact to package local support with regional resources from JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Development.
Schedule a Consultation
Explore Our Incentive Portfolio
We customize incentive packages based on project scope, job creation, and capital investment. By leveraging both statutory and discretionary programs, we ensure your project has the strongest possible ROI in Northwest Ohio.
Property Tax Abatements: Strategic tax exemptions for new construction or significant renovations through Community Reinvestment Areas (CRA) and Enterprise Zones (EZ) in Kenton, Ada, and Forest.
Hardin County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF): Access gap financing and low-interest loans specifically designed to assist for-profit entities with land acquisition, building improvements, and machinery purchases.
JobsOhio Programs: Targeted grants and loans for workforce training, site revitalization, and research and development for qualifying projects.
Sales Tax Savings: Opportunities for sales tax exemptions on construction materials through structured capital lease transactions.
Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) in Hardin County
The Hardin County Office of Economic Development is committed to the long-term success of our existing industry base. Our Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program acts as a strategic bridge between local employers and the resources they need to scale. By maintaining an open, confidential dialogue with business leaders, we identify operational hurdles and deploy local, state, and federal solutions to ensure your firm remains profitable and competitive in the global market.
Business Retention and Expansion
Our Partnership Approach
We believe the best way to support your growth is through a one-on-one consultation. We prefer to meet with you in person to discuss your specific goals and challenges in depth. However, we recognize the demands on your time; if a personal visit is not currently feasible, we offer a streamlined digital version of our survey to ensure your voice is still represented in our data.
Project Streamlining: We act as your ombudsman, navigating the complexities of permitting, zoning, and site expansion.
Capital & R&D Support: Connect with specialized financing for facility upgrades, machinery acquisition, and research and development tax credits.
Workforce Solutions: Access direct funding for employee training, recruitment initiatives, and talent pipeline development.
Voice to Leadership: Your participation ensures that Hardin County policymakers understand the real-time challenges and opportunities facing our industrial and commercial sectors.
Workforce Development
Workforce Development and the Hardin Career Task Force
Hardin County’s economic strength is powered by a strategic, collaborative approach to talent. Through the Hardin Career Task Force, we unite global industry leaders, local educators, and workforce professionals to build a resilient labor pipeline. We focus on bridging the gap between classroom learning and industrial demand, ensuring our citizens have the specialized skills required for the high-tech manufacturing and commercial roles of tomorrow.
Hardin Career Task Force
Our Task Force is a proactive partnership that streamlines the connection between employers and the future workforce. We provide businesses with direct access to state-funded upskilling programs and local initiatives that introduce students to the rewarding careers available right here in Hardin County.
The 3E Initiative (Employed, Enlisted, Enrolled): A signature program ensuring every student graduates with a clear, celebrated path—whether they are entering the local workforce (Employed), serving in the military (Enlisted), or pursuing further education (Enrolled).
TechCred and Upskilling: We assist local companies in navigating Ohio’s TechCred program, which reimburses employers for industry-recognized, technology-focused credentials.
Apprenticeships & Internships: Facilitating hands-on learning opportunities that allow businesses to train talent according to their specific operational standards.
In-Demand Career Awareness: Ongoing programming that promotes the knowledge and skills necessary for success in Northwest Ohio’s most critical industry sectors.
Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Small Business Support and Entrepreneurship
Hardin County is a fertile ground for innovation, offering a robust support system for startups and emerging enterprises. Through our partnership with the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Rhodes State College, local entrepreneurs have access to professional, no-cost business consulting and technical assistance. Whether you are launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, we provide the roadmap and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of small business ownership.
Your Small Business Resource Hub
We believe that local businesses are the backbone of the Hardin County economy. Our goal is to remove the barriers to entry by providing direct links to essential planning tools, funding networks, and expert advisory services.
Business Plan Development: Work one-on-one with SBDC Certified Business Advisors® to craft a professional business plan, conduct market research, and develop financial projections.
Hardin County Business Resource Guide: Access our comprehensive local directory designed to walk you through the specific permits, regulations, and contacts required to do business in our county.
The Ohio Business Roadmap: Follow a clear, step-by-step state guide to legally establishing your business, from Secretary of State registration to tax compliance.
Small Business Funding Resources: Connect with a network of local lenders and state-level grants designed to provide the capital necessary for equipment, inventory, and operations.
Development Partnerships
Strategic Development Partnerships
Hardin County’s economic success is amplified by a powerful network of regional and state-level partners. We leverage these relationships to provide our local businesses with a competitive edge, connecting them to expansive funding pools, specialized infrastructure financing, and global marketing reach. Our office serves as your local gateway to the combined resources of Northwest Ohio and the entire State.
Our Regional & State Network
We work in daily lockstep with the organizations driving Ohio’s economic momentum. These partnerships ensure that when a business chooses Hardin County, they are supported by the full weight of the state’s incentive and business development apparatus.
JobsOhio & Regional Growth Partnership (RGP): As our primary state and regional partners, JobsOhio and RGP provide Hardin County with global business attraction resources and access to major state-level grants and site-readiness funding.
OhioMeansJobs Hardin County: Our direct link to the state’s workforce system, providing employers with recruitment assistance, labor market data, and federally funded worker training programs.
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority: A regional powerhouse in innovative financing, providing our local projects with access to specialized bond programs and fixed-rate financing for energy efficiency and development.
Kenton Area Port Authority: Our localized tool for fostering economic growth through the acquisition, construction, and financing of port-related and industrial facilities within the county.
Resources
Data and Economic Resources
Informed decision-making is the foundation of successful business development. Our office maintains a comprehensive library of local economic data, labor market insights, and demographic profiles to provide site selectors and business owners with the intelligence they need. These resources are updated regularly to reflect the evolving landscape of Northwest Ohio’s economy.
Economic Intelligence Reports
Access the most recent studies and profiles detailing the competitive advantages of operating in Hardin County. From labor costs to industrial trends, our data-driven resources provide a clear picture of our regional stability and growth potential.
Wage & Benefits Survey
Review the most recent localized data on competitive compensation and benefit structures within Hardin County. This report helps employers benchmark their operations against regional standards to attract and retain top talent.
Economic Profile
A deep-dive into the county’s demographic makeup, major industry clusters, and key economic indicators. This profile serves as an essential tool for understanding the localized market and labor force.
Additional Resources
Access a curated collection of supplemental data, including regional logistics maps, utility capacity reports, and state-level economic trend analyses.
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