Incentives & Resources
State and Local Incentives for Your Business Needs
Incentives are an important factor in moving a project forward. Richland County businesses can benefit from local incentives, as well as state performance-based incentives to assist companies that are starting, relocating or expanding operations in Ohio.
Richland County Incentives Highlights
Richland County offers tax incentives, grants, and financial assistance backed by strong local support to help businesses grow and succeed.
Property Tax Abatements – Community Reinvestment Area
Projects interested in expanding or locating in designated areas may be eligible for tax abatement of up to 100% of real property taxes for up to 15 years.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
A financing alternative based on increased value of property for qualifying projects. A TIF must be used to finance infrastructure needed for a project and for which there is a common public good.
Richland County Port Authority (RCPA)
Provides potential sales tax exemptions on large new equipment purchases and construction materials for significant expansions and new buildings.
The Richland County Port Authority was created in 2025 to enhance and support business retention, expansion and attraction projects. Potential projects are identified, shared and reviewed by the five member board.
Local Job Creation Tax Credit (JCTC)
A refundable tax credit that is a percentage of the municipal income tax withholdings for all new employees hired under the program. Projects need to create a targeted number of new payroll and new jobs that exceed 150% of federal minimum wage. Most business projects are eligible, except point-of-purchase retail. Projects must include substantial fixed-asset investments in land, building, machinery/equipment and/or infrastructure.
Workforce Training Grants
Grants from the area WIOA board may be available for new and incumbent worker training programs for eligible projects. Richland County secured over $250,000 in the last twelve months for area businesses.
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)
Richland County is included in Foreign Trade Zone 181, offering sites that provide cost-reduction benefits for companies doing business globally.
Additional Potential Incentives
Collateral enhancement program, revolving loan fund, and bulk utility rates for targeted projects with high volume users are a few of the additional incentives that may be available in certain projects and areas within the county.
We’re Here to Help
For more information about any of the above public finance tools, please contact Tom Vanderhorst at tvanderhorst@richlandareachamber.com.