What Ohio Development Services Agency does

The Ohio Department of Development (formerly the Ohio Development Services Agency, rebranded in 2019) is the State of Ohio's primary executive-branch agency for economic and community development, headquartered at 77 South High Street, 29th Floor, Columbus. It is led by Director Lydia Mihalik, appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019. The agency is structured around four primary divisions — Strategic Investment, Minority Business Development, Community Services, and the Governor's Office of Appalachia — alongside a portfolio of boards and commissions including the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, Ohio Third Frontier Commission, Minority Development Financing Advisory Board, Ohio River Commission, and Commission on Eastern European Affairs.

The agency's service portfolio spans business support (Small Business Development Centers, Minority Business Assistance Centers across seven regions, four financial products including the Ohio Minority Business Direct Loan, Collateral Enhancement Program 2.0, Ohio Micro-Loan, Women's Business Enterprise Loan Program, and CDFI Loan Participation Program), certification programs (MBE, EDGE, WBE, VFBE), community and economic development initiatives (BroadbandOhio, Historic Preservation Tax Credit, Disaster Recovery Grants, Third Frontier technology commercialization), individual assistance (energy and housing programs, TechCred workforce credentials), and tourism promotion via TourismOhio.

The operating model is government funding: the agency is funded through annual Ohio state budget appropriations rather than commercial revenue, with all services, grants, and tax credits provided at no cost or below-market rates to eligible Ohioans. It is not a commercial enterprise and is not subject to traditional revenue, margin, or exit dynamics. Note: as of April 6, 2026, energy assistance programs (HEAP, PIPP) were transferred to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Name

Ohio Development Services Agency

Legal name

Ohio Department of Development

Website

https://development.ohio.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

The Ohio Department of Development is the State of Ohio's executive-branch agency administering economic development, community development, minority business support, broadband, tourism, and formerly energy assistance programs through statewide divisions, boards, and grant, loan, and tax credit programs serving Ohio businesses, communities, and individuals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

State Economic and Community Development Services

NAICS

Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (92512), Administration of Economic Programs (926)

SIC

Short-Term Business Credit Institutions (6153)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Infrastructure & Project Finance Development Banks (FSABAKAD), Agricultural & Rural Development Banks (FSABAKAE)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Business assistance programs
• Minority business certification
• Community development funding
• Small business lending

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. State Government Funding: The Ohio Department of Development operates as a state government agency funded through Ohio state budget appropriations. Revenue is not generated through commercial means but rather through legislative appropriations to support economic development, community development, minority business support, housing assistance, energy assistance, and tourism programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Ohio Department of Development administers state-funded economic and community development programs for Ohio businesses, communities, and individuals. Its core offerings include minority business development and certifications (MBE/EDGE/WBE/VFBE), small business technical assistance through SBDCs and MBAC centers, multiple subsidized loan programs (Minority Business Direct Loan, Micro-Loan, CEP, CDFI Loan Participation, Women's Business Enterprise Loan), technology innovation funding through Third Frontier, broadband expansion via BroadbandOhio, energy and housing assistance programs, and tourism promotion through TourismOhio.

Product overview

The Ohio Department of Development (formerly Development Services Agency) is a state government agency providing a comprehensive portfolio of economic development, business support, and public assistance programs. The agency operates as a platform of interconnected services rather than a single unified product, organized into divisions including Minority Business Development (with MBAC centers and business certification programs), Business Incentives (including loan programs and tax credits), Community Development (housing, Appalachia, broadband), Energy Assistance, and TourismOhio. Key programs include Small Business Development Centers, the Ohio Third Frontier technology initiative, BroadbandOhio, multiple minority business loan programs (Direct Loan, Micro-Loan, CEP, CDFI LPP), business certification programs (MBE, EDGE, WBE, VFBE), energy assistance programs (HEAP, PIPP, HWAP), and various boards and commissions overseeing economic development initiatives. The agency serves Ohio businesses, communities, and individuals through direct services, financial programs, and regulatory oversight.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BroadbandOhio: State initiative focused on expanding high-speed broadband access across Ohio
• TourismOhio
• Third Frontier
• TechCred
• Governor's Office of Appalachia
• Minority Business Development Division

Products and services

• BroadbandOhio State initiative focused on expanding high-speed broadband access to underserved Ohio communities, serving as a resource for local governments and private industry in broadband expansion efforts.
• Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBAC) Statewide network of assistance centers providing technical and professional assistance, access to capital, surety bonding, and business development support to minority-owned, emerging, and disadvantaged businesses in Ohio.
• Office of Business Certifications State certification programs including Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity (EDGE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) to help businesses obtain state government contracts and set-asides.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network providing small businesses with counseling, training, and technical assistance for business planning, financial analysis, and growth strategies.
• Ohio Third Frontier Technology and innovation investment program supporting technology-based economic development through funding for research, commercialization, and technology companies in Ohio.
• Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP, PIPP, HWAP) Programs including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), and Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) that help Ohioans manage utility costs and improve home energy efficiency. (Note: as of April 2026 these programs were transferred to ODJFS.)
• Housing and Rental Assistance Programs Programs that help conserve and expand affordable housing stock, address homelessness in Ohio, and provide short-term emergency assistance and public services for low-income Ohioans.
• TourismOhio State tourism promotion program showcasing Ohio as a destination for adventure, business, and quality of life, supporting the tourism industry to drive economic prosperity.
• Ohio Minority Business Direct Loan Program Fixed, low-interest rate loans to certified minority-owned businesses that result in the creation of new jobs for Ohioans.
• Collateral Enhancement Program 2.0 (CEP) Program providing collateral on small business loans made by financial institutions to allow small businesses to access loans that otherwise would have been denied.
• Ohio Micro-Loan Program Program stimulating the growth of new and existing businesses by providing micro-loans at 0% interest.
• Women's Business Enterprise Loan Program Program stimulating growth of existing women-owned businesses by providing loans at or below market-rate interest.
• CDFI Loan Participation Program Program providing subordinated debt to Ohio small businesses through partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), designed to support socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and businesses in CDFI tracts; administered via ECDI, Valley Partners, Western Reserve Community Fund, and Freedom Equity.
• International Trade Assistance Centers Centers helping Ohio businesses expand into international markets through export assistance and trade support services.
• Governor's Office of Appalachia Office advocating for Ohio's Appalachian region, coordinating economic and community development in the 32-county Appalachian region.
• Ohio Tax Credit Authority Five-member independent board charged with reviewing and approving applications for tax credit assistance programs, with oversight responsibilities for monitoring and reporting on approved tax credit projects.
• Minority Development Financing Advisory Board (MDFAB) Board reviewing and making recommendations on loans and surety bond requests from Ohio minority-owned businesses, consisting of members with knowledge of business and commercial financing.
• Ohio River Commission Commission promoting economic development, marine cargo terminal operations, and travel and tourism on the Ohio River and its tributaries across Ohio's 14 river counties.
• Commission on Eastern European Affairs Commission improving the lives of Eastern European communities in Ohio by gathering information, conducting hearings, and advising state leaders on policies addressing education, employment, health, and housing needs.
• Historic Preservation Tax Credit Tax credit program supporting historic preservation and redevelopment of historic properties in Ohio communities.
• Disaster Recovery Grant Grant program providing financial assistance for economic development and recovery following disasters in Ohio communities.
• TechCred Program helping Ohioans earn technology-related credentials and certifications to improve workforce skills and employment opportunities.

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• OKI Regional Council of GovernmentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with OKI for CORIS (Central Ohio River Information System) mapping tool to visualize river assets including terminals, marinas, and industrial sites. Collaboration on Ohio River Site Mapping Tool integration.
• Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on inventory and mapping of Ohio River economic and recreational assets, including marine cargo terminals, ports, and public river access points.
• JobsOhiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState's private economic development corporation providing workforce development support and economic growth initiatives. JobsOhio's Chief Investment Officer serves on the Ohio Third Frontier Commission.
• OhioSEmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional economic development organization serving southeastern Ohio.
• REDI CincinnatimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional economic development organization serving the Cincinnati region.
• Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCDFI partner for the Community Development Financial Institution Loan Participation Program, accepting applications, underwriting, closing, and servicing subordinated loans to Ohio small businesses.
• Valley PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCDFI partner administering the CDFI Loan Participation Program for small business lending in Ohio.
• Western Reserve Community Fund Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCDFI partner providing Community Development Financial Institution Loan Participation Program services for Ohio small businesses.
• Freedom EquitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCDFI partner in the Loan Participation Program, involved in financing minority business expansion (e.g., Flavor 91 Bistro acquisition).
• U.S. Small Business AdministrationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner providing partial funding for the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network.
• TourismOhiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDivision within the Department of Development responsible for marketing Ohio as a tourism destination and supporting Ohio's tourism industry.
• Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for minority business certifications in Ohio, offering both state and national certifications.
• Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for women's business enterprise certification through WBEC ORV.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC): Indiana's lead state economic development organization leading business attraction, workforce development, and rural community initiatives under a comparable statewide mandate.
• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC): Wisconsin's quasi-state economic development agency administering business development grants, tax credits, and community development programs structurally similar to Ohio Department of Development.
• JobsOhio: Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation that works alongside the Ohio Department of Development on business attraction, expansion, and workforce development across the same state with overlapping mandate.
• Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC): Public-private partnership serving as Michigan's lead state-level economic development agency, administering business attraction, community development, and incentive programs structurally analogous to Ohio Department of Development.
• Empire State Development (New York): New York State's primary economic development umbrella organization administering tax credits, incentive programs, and small business assistance with comparable functions to Ohio Department of Development.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO): Illinois cabinet-level state agency administering economic development, housing stabilization, workforce, and community services programs with a comparable multi-division structure to Ohio Department of Development.
• Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED): Pennsylvania's primary state cabinet-level agency for community and economic development, administering grants, loans, tax credits, and housing programs mirroring Ohio Department of Development's portfolio.
• California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz): California's state-level economic development office coordinating business attraction, small business assistance, and infrastructure investment programs, sharing Ohio Department of Development's role as the lead state economic development coordinator.
• MassDevelopment: Massachusetts' quasi-state economic development finance and planning agency administering real estate, infrastructure, and business finance programs comparable in scope to Ohio Department of Development.
• North Carolina Department of Commerce: North Carolina's lead state agency for economic, community, and workforce development, administering incentive programs, business assistance, and rural development initiatives with mandate comparable to Ohio Department of Development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/oshp
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/OhioDevelopment
• Facebookfacebook.com/OhioDevelopment
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/state-of-ohio
• Instagraminstagram.com/ohiodevelopment

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ohio Development Services Agency