LIMA, Ohio — JobsOhio is promoting a new “relocation incentive” program to local businesses and industries to attract out-of-state talent, with a goal of recruiting 3,000 new employees to Ohio.
The program offers a $15,000 incentive for qualifying STEM-related businesses that recruit employees from other states who intend to relocate to Ohio. Representatives from the Regional Growth Partnership of Northwest Ohio presented local businesses with details on the application process and encouraged participation.
Ben Mauch, vice president of human resources for K&M Tire, said the program could benefit companies that already have employees interested in relocating. “The key thing that we learned today was that, just through our last mergers and acquisitions, we do have some employees that may be interested in relocating to Ohio, and we may qualify for the grant,” Mauch said.
Jeff Sprague of Regional Growth Partnership NOW said eligibility depends on whether a business fits into one of the 10 JobsOhio targeted industry categories. “That’s easily determined. Any company that needs to find that information can go to the JobsOhio.com website. The targeted industries are listed out there, and if the company fits within one of those 10 targeted industries, then basically they’re eligible to apply for the program,” Sprague said.
The $50 million program is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Businesses can find requirements and the application under the “Incentives” tab on JobsOhio’s website.
