Economic Development

Business Retention and Expansion

‍The Hardin County Office of Economic Development relies on feedback from local businesses to inform the directives of our organization and those of local policy makers.
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‍The Hardin County Office of Economic Development operates a comprehensive Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) program that is designed to help connect with local employers and to assist in the implementation of projects that create local businesses growth. Through visits and questionnaires, the BR&E program is able to identify areas where local, state, or federal resources may be available to assist local firms in their profitable growth.
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Whether your organization is seeking building and equipment financing, workforce development funding, site selection assistance, research & development assistance, or permitting assistance; Hardin County Economic Development can help streamline the process.

All local business owners, operators, and management are encouraged to participate in the BR&E program by following the link at the right.

Take the survey

Local Incentives

Foreign Trade Zone

Hardin County has the opportunity to be an extension of the Foreign Trade Zone in Findlay, Ohio (#151). A Foreign-Trade Zone is a site within the United States that is legally considered to be outside of the Customs territory for the purpose of duties, merchandise processing fees and other considerations. Goods may be brought into the site duty-free and without formal Customs entry. These goods may then be manipulated or re-exported without paying duties and with substantially lower Customs fees.

Workforce Investment Act

On the Job Training (OJT) is a federally funded program that assists employers with hiring and training for long-term employment. This is an opportunity for employers to recruit, pre-screen, hire new employees, and train them. The employer is reimbursed for the cost of training per hire, as funding sources remain available.

Port Authority

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority has developed a national reputation for innovative business financing, assisting over 600 economic development projects, representing a total investment of more than $2 billion while helping to create and retain nearly 20,000 jobs.

NEW: Kenton Ohio Port Authority now providing incentives in the Kenton area and beyond.

Funding Programs

Financing programs include fixed interest rate revenue bonds, off-balance sheet transactions, infrastructure financing, conduit revenue bonds, Ohio 166 Regional Load Program, Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program, Brownfield Redevelopment Programs, and more.

Development Partnerships

Regional Growth Partnership

The Regional Growth Partnership 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.

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JobsOhio

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. Visit their website to see the various programs available.

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Small Business Development Center

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.

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Transportation

The Hub of the Global Supply Chain

Highways

The county is easily accessible by US Highway 68, a major north/south route for trade and transportation. Several other state routes run through the county.

Rail

Kenton is located on the CSX Toledo Division Mainline, affording Hardin County the best rail access to all four quadrants.

Airports

Kenton is home to the Hardin County Airport (FAA LID: I95), just over an hour from the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), and 90-minutes from Dayton International Airport (DAY).

Travel Time

Hardin County is 30 minutes from Lima, Findlay, Upper Sandusky, Marion, Marysville, Bellefontaine and Wapakoneta; 60 minutes from Columbus and Toledo; 90 minutes from Dayton; other major cities in our region include Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit and Fort Wayne.

Workforce

Hardin Career Task Force

Formed as a partnership between businesses, employers, workforce development professionals and educators in Hardin County, the Career Task Force collaborates to create awareness of in-demand occupations in our area, and to create an understanding of in-demand knowledge and skills. Access resources about apprenticeships, upskilling with TechCred, learn about our 3E initiative, and more.

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Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation

The Office of Workforce Transformation's mission is to connect Ohio's business, training and education communities to build a dynamically skilled, productive and purposeful workforce.

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Ohio Office of Workforce Development

The Office of Workforce Development offers resources for individuals seeking employment, for employers looking for talent and for workforce professionals.

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