Economic Development
Home of global manufacturing and small business startups.
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Business Attraction & Retention
Available Sites & Buildings
Check out our ZoomProspector site for a list of available development sites and buildings.
Incentives
Our incentives are designed to make Hardin County the clear choice for your business location or expansion.
Business Retention and Expansion
The Hardin County Office of Economic Development operates a comprehensive Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) program designed to actively partner with local employers to facilitate growth.
Our Purpose
By conducting confidential business visits and utilizing targeted questionnaires, the BR&E program gathers essential feedback to inform the directives of our organization and local policymakers. Our primary goal is to identify specific needs and connect your firm with available local, state, or federal resources to ensure your profitable and sustainable growth.
How We Help Streamline Your Projects
Hardin County Economic Development can help your organization streamline the process for major projects. This includes assistance with:
Financing: Securing funding for building, equipment, and research & development (R&D).
Workforce Development: Accessing training and recruitment funding.
Expansion: Providing site selection and permitting assistance.
Get Involved
All local business owners, operators, and management are strongly encouraged to participate in the BR&E program to ensure your voice is heard and your growth needs are met.
Workforce Development
Hardin Career Task Force
The Hardin County Career Task Force is a strategic partnership uniting businesses, educators, and workforce development professionals across the county, working together to address local talent needs by fostering awareness of in-demand occupations and promoting the required knowledge and skills for local success. The Task Force provides direct access to valuable programs and resources, including information on apprenticeships, upskilling opportunities like the state's TechCred program, and our 3E initiative, all aimed at strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
West Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership
The West Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership is an employer-led industry sector partnership dedicated to strengthening the manufacturing talent pipeline across the region.
WCOMP serves as a vital network for manufacturers, educators, and workforce professionals to collaborate and ensure the future success of the sector by: Building the future workforce; increasing awareness; and problem-solving.
WCOMP is a direct link for manufacturers seeking to solve their talent shortages and influence the skills pipeline in West Central Ohio.
Small Business & Entrepreneurship
SBDC at Rhodes State
The Region 3 Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Rhodes State College is a public-private partnership supported by the US Small Business Administration, the Ohio Department of Development, Rhodes State College and other local partners. Through its programs and services, the Center provides entrepreneurial development assistance, training and business consulting to start-up and emerging business owners. The Center's services are offered at no cost to the client and all services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.
For more Small Business Resources, visit our Additional Resources page.
Development Partnerships
RGP
The Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) is part of the JobsOhio partner network, charged with supporting job creation in northwest Ohio.
RGP offers a full range of traditional business development services, working in conjunction with their partners at the regional and state levels, to most effectively manage the site selection process.
RGP also works to support employers in the areas of talent and workforce.
JobsOhio
The mission of JobsOhio is to empower world-class corporations, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals to build their businesses and careers in Ohio. Their advocacy and investments in partnership with the State enable sustainable economic growth and a better quality of life for all Ohioans through the power and dignity of work.
Ohio's competitive and profitable business environment makes it easier for companies to form, relocate, or expand in Ohio with solid financial footing. Ohio’s strategic location and pro-business climate bring together a full range of benefits that align with the financial needs of growing businesses.
Resources
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