BUSINESS CLIMATE

Ohio is the place to be for business growth and development. Northwest Ohio has excelled at bringing in new and expanding businesses. Here in Ottawa County, we, just like our state and regional partners, believe in a business-friendly tax structure that incentivizes growth and keeping the cost of living and commercial space at one of the lowest rates in the country. Whether you are starting out as a new business or are an established employer looking to expand, Ohio’s business expansion incentives, tax credits, labor force, and stable economy make it the right choice for business leaders.

KNOW THE FACTS

0%

Ohio has a 0% state tax on corporate income, R&D investments, and goods & products sold out of state. (source: Ohio Department of Taxation)

134%

Ohio’s venture capital growth was 134% between 2017 and 2019, nearly 3x the regional average (47%) and in the nation (57%). (source: JobsOhio)

60%

Thanks to Ohio’s centralized location, 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population lives within a day’s drive of the state. (source: Ohio Department of Transportation)

#1

in new data center and distribution center corporate tax costs.

#3

in new capital-intensive manufacturer.

#5

in new labor-intensive manufacturer corporate tax costs.

THE MAGIC WORD

Ohio has the lowest taxes in the Midwest, which makes for a very business-friendly tax climate. This makes Ottawa County an extremely profit-friendly business climate for companies that locate here. Ohio also has only one state business tax – the Commercial Activity Tax (0.26 percent). Ohio’s business-friendly tax climate, which has been in place since 2005 and has enjoyed bipartisan support, continues to stimulate company growth, job creation and profitability.

No state corporate income or profits tax.

No tax on products sold outside of Ohio.

No state tax on machinery and equipment investments.

No state tax on R&D investments.

BUSINESSES ARE TAKING NOTICE OF NORTHWEST OHIO

The Northwest Ohio region is ideally situated for businesses to reach customers and suppliers. Approximately six million people live within a 100-mile radius and there is more industrial space within 300 miles of Toledo than any other location in the United States. Northwest Ohio also has a rich history of manufacturing that continues to flourish in today’s global economy – Toledo is ranked #2 manufacturing region in the U.S.

The Amazon Fulfillment Center, a 640,000 square-foot building in Rossford, opened in November 2020. The building employs more than 1,000 people at full staff. Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $5 billion in the state through its customer fulfillment and cloud infrastructure, and compensation to its employees.

First Solar to invest $680 million to expand America’s domestic photovoltaic (PV) solar manufacturing capacity by 3.3 gigawatts. The company intends to fund construction of its third US manufacturing facility in Lake Township, Ohio. The 1.8 million square foot facility is projected to directly create approximately 500 jobs.

OTTAWA COUNTY IS SMACK-DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

Ottawa County, Ohio has a robust highway system covering some 150 lane miles. These highways systems provide direct linkage to other major east/west and north/south interstate corridors. A series of well-maintained state routes (2, 19, 51, 53, 105, 163, 269, and 590) serve as connector roadways to residents and businesses located in rural areas. While Ottawa County is close enough to major cities and easy access to popular state routes, we’re also removed enough from the big city life for your employees who appreciate the small town, family-oriented communities.

When you invest in Ottawa County, you get to enjoy these key benefits:

– Easy access to profitable markets in the U.S. and Canada that lowers your cost of doing business.

– A strong supply chain across key industries improves your efficiencies and profits.

– Public-private support eliminates obstacles, lowers cost, accelerates start-up and feeds business growth.

– An abundant, skilled labor supply improves productivity, quality and profit.

– Ohio’s perfect balance between professional and personal life attracts and retains the best talent for your company.