Ohio Department of Development

What Ohio Department of Development does

The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) is a cabinet-level state government agency headquartered at 77 South High Street, 29th Floor, Columbus, Ohio, with 251–500 employees. It administers a portfolio of economic and community development programs for the State of Ohio, serving three primary constituencies: individual Ohioans (energy assistance, housing support, workforce training), Ohio businesses (capital access, tax credits, technology commercialization, certification), and Ohio communities (brownfield remediation, infrastructure, housing, revitalization). The agency is directed by Lydia Mihalik, appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, and operates divisions including Strategic Investment, Minority Business Development, Community Services, Governor's Office of Appalachia, TourismOhio, and BroadbandOhio.

ODOD's program portfolio spans environmental remediation (the Brownfield Remediation Program has deployed nearly $780 million across 841 projects in 75 counties since 2021), technology commercialization (Ohio Third Frontier TVSF — 411 awards worth over $69 million since 2012), workforce development ($22.7 million across 22 industry-sector partnerships since 2019), workforce housing (REDD program — 1,332 units planned), film/TV incentives ($46 million+ across 27 productions), historic preservation tax credits, minority business development and certification, broadband expansion, and tourism promotion. It previously administered the HEAP and PIPP energy assistance programs, which were transferred to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services in April 2026.

As a state agency, ODOD does not operate on a commercial revenue model. It is funded through state budget appropriations and federal grant pass-throughs, and delivers services to constituents at no cost or subsidized rates via direct administration (headquarters), a 88-county Community Action Agency network for energy programs, Minority Business Assistance Centers, Small Business Development Centers, and an OHID-authenticated online portal. Its go-to-market is relationship-driven and inter-agency: major deals (AeroVironment, Webb Chemical, Woda Cooper, Reddy Electric) are co-executed with JobsOhio, Team NEO, and local government partners, with incentives approved through bodies such as the Ohio Tax Credit Authority and the Ohio Controlling Board.

Name

Ohio Department of Development

Legal name

Ohio Department of Development

Website

https://development.ohio.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Ohio Department of Development is a state government agency that administers economic development, workforce, housing, energy assistance, and minority business programs for Ohio individuals, businesses, and communities through grants, loans, tax credits, and a statewide delivery network spanning all 88 counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

State Government Economic Development Services

NAICS

Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (925), Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (92512)

SIC

Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

State/Provincial Housing, Urban/Regional Planning & Community Development (BPAIABAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Development, Construction & Rehabilitation Programs (BPAIANAB), Brownfield Redevelopment Due Diligence & Grant Support (EUAHAEAD), State/Provincial Human Services & Benefits Administration (Welfare, Disability, Child & Family) (BPAIABAI), Infrastructure & Project Finance Development Banks (FSABAKAD)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• State grant programs
• Business incentives
• Workforce development
• Community redevelopment

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Ohio Department of Development is a state government agency that administers economic development programs through grants, loans, tax credits, and technical assistance to Ohio businesses, individuals, and communities. Core offerings span energy assistance for low-income households (HEAP, PIPP, Winter/Summer Crisis, Electric Partnership Program), brownfield remediation grants, workforce development partnerships, minority business certification and financing, technology commercialization through the Ohio Third Frontier, historic preservation and motion picture tax credits, workforce housing development, and broadband expansion through BroadbandOhio.

Product overview

The Ohio Department of Development is a state government agency offering a portfolio of economic development programs and services rather than a unified software product. Its offerings include energy assistance programs (HEAP, PIPP, Summer/Winter Crisis Programs, Electric Partnership Program), environmental remediation initiatives (Brownfield Remediation Program, Historic Preservation Tax Credit), business development support (Minority Business Assistance Centers, SBDC, Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise certification, Third Frontier technology commercialization), housing development grants (REDD, Advanced Energy Fund), and film/media tax credits. These operate as standalone government programs with their own application processes and eligibility requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BroadbandOhio: Identifies high-priority initiatives and works to implement the goals of the state in expanding access to high-speed connectivity for Ohioans.
• TourismOhio
• Minority Business Development Division

Products and services

• BroadbandOhio State broadband expansion initiative that identifies high-priority areas and works to implement goals of expanding high-speed internet access to Ohioans lacking connectivity for economic, educational, and healthcare participation.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Federally funded one-time benefit program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with home energy bills, applied directly to utility or bulk fuel bills.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) Year-round utility management program requiring monthly payments of 5% of gross household income for gas and electric separately (or 10% for electric-only heating), with the balance subsidized by the state. Making 24 on-time payments eliminates outstanding balance.
• HEAP Winter Crisis Program Program helping income-eligible Ohioans facing disconnection, needing new service, transfer service, or with less than 25% bulk fuel supply maintain utility service during winter months.
• HEAP Summer Crisis Program One-time cooling assistance benefit for eligible Ohioans during summer months, focusing on electric utility bills, central air conditioning repairs, and air conditioning unit/fan purchases for households with seniors (60+) or medical conditions.
• Electric Partnership Program (EPP) Program helping eligible Ohioans reduce electricity usage through in-home audits and installation of electric energy efficiency measures for participants on or eligible for PIPP.
• Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program Statewide initiative providing grants for cleanup and remediation of contaminated properties. Has distributed nearly $780 million supporting 841 projects across 75 counties since 2021 launch.
• Residential Economic Development District (REDD) Program Grant program supporting workforce housing development by funding infrastructure improvements connecting new homes to water, sewer, and road systems in five counties, creating 1,332 housing units.
• Minority Business Development Division Comprehensive support for small, minority, and disadvantaged businesses including business development assistance, access to capital, contracting services, and free support through Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBAC).
• Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) Procurement Program State certification program providing preference points to veteran-owned businesses competing for state contracts. Certified businesses can have prices up to 5% higher than non-certified competitors.
• Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF) Grant program offering up to $200,000 per project to help startups commercialize technologies from Ohio research institutions. Has provided 411 awards worth more than $69 million since 2012.
• Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program Tax credit program supporting film, TV, and digital media productions in Ohio, with recent round providing over $1.3 million for five projects expected to generate significant economic impact.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network providing business development assistance, training, and counseling to small businesses across Ohio through regional centers.
• Historic Preservation Tax Credit Tax credit program supporting rehabilitation of historic properties for redevelopment purposes.
• Advanced Energy Fund Grant program funding energy efficiency upgrades including chillers, HVAC, lighting, and building controls. Distributed approximately $17 million to 19 organizations across 14 counties in first three rounds.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly $780 million deployed to 841 brownfield projects statewide since 2021
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered local, regional, core, academic, development, governance, major employers, state agency and federal.

• Ashland Area Economic DevelopmentlocalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Local economic development organization receiving $1 million in brownfield grants for three projects in Ashland County.
• Fairfield County Land Reutilization CorporationlocalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026County land bank receiving $1 million brownfield grant for Bremen petroleum site cleanup to create community park.
• Village of BremenlocalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Local government receiving remediated land for public recreational use including soccer fields, softball diamond, and walking trails.
• Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development PartnershipregionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Regional workforce partnership connecting employers, educators, and workforce organizations, receiving $250,000 state grant.
• JobsOhiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026JobsOhio is the state's private nonprofit economic development corporation. ODOD works with JobsOhio on major business attraction and expansion projects, including the AeroVironment expansion where JobsOhio led the performance-based incentive package alongside ODOD.
• Team NEOregionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Team NEO is a regional economic development organization serving Northeast Ohio. Collaborated with ODOD and JobsOhio on the Webb Chemical expansion in Strongsville.
• University of ToledoacademicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2026Collaboration with University of Toledo professor Matt Foss on the film 'Method', including student training workshops for film industry roles.
• Woda Cooper CompaniesdevelopmentStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Brownfield Remediation Program recipient for Columbus affordable housing redevelopment project.
• Reddy ElectricdevelopmentStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Brownfield Remediation Program recipient for industrial site conversion project in Cedarville.
• Ohio Research InstitutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Ohio Third Frontier's Technology Validation and Start-up Fund partners with Ohio research institutions to commercialize technologies, having provided 411 awards worth over $69 million since 2012.
• City of StrongsvillelocalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026Local government partnership for Webb Chemical distribution center project, collaborating with ODOD, JobsOhio, and Team NEO.
• Ohio Controlling BoardgovernanceOthers · 13 March 2026The Ohio Controlling Board reviews and approves loan requests under the Regional 166 Direct Loan program, including the $535,083 loan to P&S Bakery.
• Amazon.com, Anduril, Ultium Cells, First Quality Tissuemajor employersStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2026Major employers whose facilities drive housing demand addressed by the REDD workforce housing grants in five Ohio counties.
• Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)state agencyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCross-agency collaboration including Ohio River Commission where ODOT Director serves as commissioner.
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)state agencyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCross-agency collaboration including Ohio River Commission where ODNR Director serves as commissioner.
• Ohio Department of Higher Educationstate agencyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Third Frontier Commission where the Chancellor serves as commissioner, and workforce development initiatives.
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Servicesstate agencyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs of April 6, 2026, energy assistance programs (HEAP and PIPP) transferred administration to ODJFS.
• U.S. Small Business AdministrationfederalStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBDC program is partially funded by the Ohio Department of Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Community Action AgenciescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor88 county-based agencies deliver energy assistance programs including HEAP, PIPP, Winter Crisis, and Summer Crisis programs.
• Local Governments and Private IndustrylocalStrategic or Co-development PartnerBroadbandOhio serves as a resource for local governments and private industry for broadband expansion efforts.

Scale indicators25 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• JobsOhio: Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation. JobsOhio handles major business attraction and expansion projects alongside ODOD (e.g., AeroVironment expansion), serving as the closest functional peer to ODOD within the same state.

Broad incumbents

• California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz): California's state-level economic development agency administering business incentives, permits assistance, and economic strategy. Comparable to ODOD as a state government office coordinating economic development, though serving a much larger and more diverse economy.
• Empire State Development: New York's state economic development organization administering tax credits, grants, and incentives for business growth. Comparable to ODOD as a state-level ED agency with a similar mix of business assistance, community development, and incentive programs.
• Michigan Economic Development Corporation: Michigan's public-private economic development corporation offering business attraction, community development, and Pure Michigan brand programs. Comparable to ODOD as a Midwest state-level ED organization with similar industrial base and program mix.
• Indiana Economic Development Corporation: Indiana's lead economic development agency offering tax credits, grants, and workforce incentives. Comparable to ODOD as a neighboring Midwest state ED agency competing for similar manufacturing and logistics investment.
• Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania's cabinet-level department administering business financing, housing, and community development programs. Comparable to ODOD in scope and program mix, including housing rehabilitation, brownfield-style redevelopment, and workforce initiatives.
• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: Florida's primary state agency for workforce and economic development policy, administering workforce programs, community development block grants, and disaster recovery. Comparable to ODOD as a state ED agency with similar workforce and community development mandates.
• Texas Economic Development & Tourism: Texas Governor's office managing business recruitment, incentives, and tourism promotion. Comparable to ODOD as a state-level ED function combining business attraction with tourism (Ohio's TourismOhio plays a similar role within ODOD).
• U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA): Federal agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce that leads economic development policy and provides Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance grants. Comparable to ODOD as a public-sector economic development funding body, operating at the federal level.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: Illinois's cabinet-level agency administering business development, workforce, housing stabilization, and energy assistance programs. Comparable to ODOD as a Midwest state ED agency with a similar combination of business, housing, workforce, and energy assistance functions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/OhioDevelopment
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/OhioDevelopment
• Facebookfacebook.com/OhioDevelopment
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ohiodevelopment
• Instagraminstagram.com/ohiodevelopment

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments46 records

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Frequently asked questions about Ohio Department of Development