Hardin County Local Revolving Loan Fund
The purpose of the Hardin County Local Revolving Loan Fund (Local RLF) is to enable Hardin County to overcome specific gaps in local capital markets that inhibit business and industry from obtaining suitable credit. The Local RLF is designed to be an incentive for businesses that wish to locate or expand in Hardin County. Projects must meet job creation and capital investment requirements. Private, for-profit entities are eligible to borrow funds through the Local RLF. Details are available by contacting our office at 419-673-4131.
Foreign Trade Zone
Hardin County is in the service area of Foreign Trade Zone #151 in Findlay, Ohio through Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development. A foreign-trade zone (FTZ) is a designated location in the United States where companies can use special customs procedures that encourage US activity. FTZs can help businesses reduce production, transaction, and logistics-related costs by lowering effective duty rates, allowing special entry procedures, and encouraging production closer to market.
Toledo-Lucas County 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.
Innovative Financing Programs
- Capital Lease Transaction - Incorporates a Capital Lease Structure into construction financing to provide the borrower with sales tax savings: state and local sales tax savings on construction materials; lease payment will fully amortize the debt; buyout options allows asset transfer for $100 at the end of the lease; no prevailing wage requirement; reduces construction cost and improves Loan to Value (LTV).
- Conduit Bond Structure - The Port Authority can issue bonds for the purpose of making proceeds available to an entity in furtherance of a public purpose: Industrial Revenue Bonds; Hospital Revenue Bonds; Non-Profit Bonds; Housing Bonds; financial strength based upon credit of the organization; rated or non-rated bonds sold in capital markets or privately placed with banks.
Ohio Regional 166 Loan Program - Low interest rate financing for fixed asset purchases such as land, building, and equipment for manufacturer, distributors, and wholesalers throughout Ohio.
US Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program - The US Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program provides fixed asset financing to for-profit businesses with a net worth not exceeding $15 million and net after-tax profit of no more than $5 million. This program can also finance start-ups with a 15% equity injection.
BetterBuildings Northwest Ohio - BetterBuildings Northwest Ohio (BBNWO) offers competitive fixed-rate Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for projects that focus on conserving energy and generating savings through energy efficiency retrofits to new and existing facilities. Eligible energy efficiency improvements to all types and sizes of buildings can be financed through PACE and repaid via a special assessment on the property.
Northwest Ohio Bond Fund - The primary focus of the Northwest Ohio Bond Fund (NWOBF) is to promote economic development, including the creation of new investment and private and public sector jobs in the Northwest Ohio region. The NWOBF, which has an investment grade rating of "A-" from Standard & Poor's, is designed to provide private companies and public entities access to fixed, investment grade interest rates in the national capital markets.
Kenton Ohio Port Authority
The newly created Kenton Ohio Port Authority (KOPA) is designed to offer economic development incentives for projects in the Kenton area. Services include capital (or "synthetic") lease deals to offer sales tax savings on construction costs involved with new facilities.
OhioMeansJobs
OhioMeansJobs offers many resources and services for employers from navigating the Bureau of Workers' Compensation system, finding skilled employees, recruitment and training programs and more. These services can be added to incentive packages for businesses looking to locate or expand facilities in Hardin County. For more information on any of these programs, contact the Hardin County OhioMeansJobs center.
On-the-Job Training - On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a federally funded program that helps employers hire and train individuals for long-term employment. Employers can get help recruiting, pre-screening and hiring new employees; help developing a workforce trained in the skills they need to thrive; and reimbursement for a percentage of the trainee's regular wages during the training period. Benefits to employers include reimbursement of up to 50 percent of trainee wages during the training period (up to six months); training tailored to the employer's needs; increased productivity; and higher retention rates.
Employer Tax Credits - The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program provides federal tax credits to Ohio employers that hire individuals from one of several target groups. Credits range from $1,200 to $9,600, based on the targe group and the number of hours worked. Target groups include veterans; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp) recipients; designated community residents; individuals referred from vocational rehabilitation; ex-felons; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients; eligible summer youth employees; and long-term unemployed.
Rapid Response Employer Services - Provides assistance to businesses experiencing transitions, whether it be expansions, contractions or something in between. Rapid Response services can help you and your workforce navigate the difficult transitions with assistance that is proactive, flexible, and free. Services include: an explanation of your options, including layoff aversion services; layoff and closure assistance, including informational material about Worker Adjustment and Retaining Notification (WARN); resources and information can be provided about filing for a mass layoff number to make it easier for employees to apply for unemployment benefits; surveys of worker training and employment needs; and reemployment services nearby or on site to help the affected employees get reemployed, and possibly retrained, as quickly as possible.
Other Services - Visit the OhioMeansJobs website to learn about Assessments; Basic Skills Training; Business Services and Recruitment; Career Exploration, Job Matching and Job Placement; Co-Op/Internship related training/Apprenticeship; Continuing Education/Professional Development; Education and Training (Certificates, 2-year and 4-year degrees); Licensing and Testing for Careers; Remedial Education and Academic Intervention for Students; Stipend; Supportive Services; and Tax Credits.
Ohio Department of Development
The Ohio Department of Development offers several programs designed to incentivize development in the state.
Collateral Enhancement Program (CEP) - Created to facilitate increased lending by banks to small businesses and minority-owned businesses.
Ohio Capital Access Program (OCAP) - The Ohio Capital Access Program (OCAP) is a loan portfolio insurance program, similar to a loan guarantee, that enables small businesses to obtain credit to help them grow and expand their businesses.
Ohio Enterprise Zone Program - Enterprise zones are designated areas of land in which businesses can receive tax incentives in the form of tax exemptions on eligible new investment. The Enterprise Zone Program can provide tax exemptions for a portion of the value of new real property investment when the investment is made in conjunction with a project that includes job creation. Existing land values and existing building values are not eligible.
Hardin County has Enterprise Zones in Kenton/Buck Township, Ada, and Forest/Jackson Township. Contact Hardin County Economic Development at 419-673-4131 for more information or to apply.
Rural Industrial Park Loan Program (RIPL) - The Rural Industrial Park Loan Program (RIPL) promotes economic development by providing low-interest direct loans to assist eligible applicants in financing the development and improvement of industrial parks and related off-site public infrastructure improvements.
Ohio Treasurer of State
The Ohio Treasurer of State offers programs to incentivize investment in business and agriculture.
GrowNOW - Through GrowNOW, job creators may qualify for reduced interest rates (up to 3% interest rate reduction) on new or existing business loans aimed at helping them expand their businesses or operations. Participating businesses must commit to creating or retaining at least one full-time or two part-time jobs in the State of Ohio for every $50,000 (up to $400,000) borrowed.
Re-Energize Ohio - Small businesses looking to expand operations or renovate their existing buildings may qualify for loans with a four-year interest rate reduction of up to 3%, with a program cap of $550,000. Qualified entities may also use the loan for upgrading and adding equipment, or installing energy-saving products and systems. This program helps to revitalize business areas across Ohio.
Ag-LINK - This annual program allows eligible farm operators and agribusiness owners to receive up to a 3% interest rate reduction on operating loans of $150,000 or less. Ag-LINK helps offset the impact of upfront costs for feed, seed, fertilizer, fuel, and inventory. Agriculture is Ohio's largest business, and the Ohio Treasury is committed to supporting farmers and agribusinesses across our state.
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