Together on the Journey of Growth
Change is part of growth—and we want to share an important one with you.
Our program has recently undergone a change, most notably a new name that better reflects who we are and what we do. While supporting small businesses remains a key part of our mission, our work has expanded over the years to include vital community-focused services like Inspire for Youth, the Office of Family Voice, and the Commission on Women and Girls.
This name change reflects the full scope of how we support Hamilton County residents—from entrepreneurs building businesses to families seeking resources and young people finding their voice.
What hasn’t changed is our commitment to making sure everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We’ll continue working hard to connect businesses and individuals to the resources, partnerships, and funding that help our communities thrive.
We’re deeply grateful to all of you who have supported and encouraged us along the way. Your belief in our work makes a real difference.
Take a moment to visit our updated website, Economic and Community Support, to see what’s new. If you’re curious about our current efforts or how we can help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
And finally, thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re building stronger businesses, stronger families, and growing a stronger community.
Sincerely,
Robert Bell, Director
Hamilton County Economic & Community Support
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Fueling Growth for Small Businesses
Small Business Support Program
Starting in late 2024 and continuing into 2025, numerous small and diverse businesses are participating in four major construction projects, collectively sharing between $1 million and $2 million in subcontracts on each project. Across all four projects, these companies have been awarded over $6 million in subcontracts. Additionally, Hamilton County’s smaller 2025 projects have generated $3.1 million in awards and expenditures benefiting additional numbers of small and diverse businesses.
To learn more about the Small Business Support program, contact Erica Thomas at 513-946-4323 or Erica.Thomas@hamiltoncountyohio.gov
| | Emergency Operations Center | | Hamilton County Central Campus | |
Planting Seeds of Promise for Youth
The INSPIRE Youth Initiative Grant
This initiative aims to equip these groups with much-needed resources and equipment, enabling them to expand their impact. By supporting innovative and effective grass-roots programs, INSPIRE helps young people learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential.
Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has invested over $1 million to strengthen more than 200 local youth programs, benefiting upwards of 30,000 young individuals across the county.
The INSPIRE Youth Initiative Grant is dedicated to empowering neighborhood and grassroots organizations that provide vital youth services. These services promote the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of children most at risk throughout Hamilton County.
Beyond funding, the INSPIRE Youth Initiative fosters collaboration among youth organizations, creating a connected network where young people can access shared resources and participate in enriching physical and educational activities. This cooperative model not only cultivates opportunities for success but also works to reduce crime, building a safer, stronger community for Hamilton County’s youth.
For more information, contact Alice Bledsoe at 513-946-4312 or Alice.Bledsoe@hamiltoncountyohio.gov.
Hear from some of our grantees: INSPIRE for Youth Initiative
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Empowering Children’s Services Families
The Office of Family Voice
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The Office of Family Voice officially launched on March 31, 2025, offering free support for parents and caregivers involved with Children’s Services. The Office was created to assist families in navigating child-serving systems by providing peer mentorship through lived-experience personnel. It has connected with 39 parents and caregivers and more than 70 children. Currently, The Office is actively supporting 20 parents and 49 children, with 10 pending referrals for new families seeking assistance.
The Office of Family Voice is on track to serve more than 30 families by year’s end. Feedback from parents and caregivers has been overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the continued and growing need for the support provided by The Office.
The Office of Family Voice continues to build strong, meaningful connections across Hamilton County, ensuring families are seen, heard, and supported. Initial outcomes demonstrate both the effectiveness and necessity of peer-based support in child welfare. Looking toward 2026, The Office remains committed to expanding partnerships, strengthening family engagement, and promoting family success throughout Hamilton County.
For more information, contact LaTalia White at 513-946-4431 or LaTalia.White@hamiltoncountyohio.gov.
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Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Commission on Women & Girls
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Created in July 2017, the Commission annually makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and local government jurisdictions to eliminate any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made on the basis of sex, which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of marital status, on the basis of equality between men and women, of human rights or fundamental freedom in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil, or any other field.
In 2025, the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls appointed 20 women and 10 high school girls to serve as the seventh cohort of members since its inception in 2017. With their work, through research and stakeholder interviews, they created four policy recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners, with all being approved unanimously.
Also, throughout the year, the Commission organized and hosted its third Hamilton County Pay Equity Commitment Signing Day, where 40 local employers attended and signed their commitment (170 since inception), a Pay Equity Learning Series, a Pay Equity Summit, and the Braver Together event in partnership with the Matriots Education Fund.
The Commission staff continues the work of implementing and sustaining an additional 27 policy recommendations put forth by previous members, in collaboration with existing and new community partners and stakeholders.
To learn more, contact Mary Maune at 513-946-4326 or Mary.Maune@hamiltoncountyohio.gov
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Company Spotlights
Kolar Design and KXInnovations (KXI)
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Kelly Kolar (pictured) is CEO of Kolar Design and KXInnovations (KXI), a pioneering force in experiential design, workplace strategy, and data-driven branded environments. With over 30 years’ experience at the intersection of brand, space, and human experience, Kelly has led Kolar Design to become an award-winning firm serving Fortune 500 companies, civic institutions, and healthcare systems around the world.
Through KXInnovations, she brings to life a breakthrough workplace experience platform that combines AI insights with human-centered design—helping organizations optimize real estate and elevate employee engagement by merging data science with human-centered design.
Kelly’s passion lies in the power of design to inspire, heal, and change lives. She shares her expertise as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati’s College of DAAP and lends her leadership to the boards of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, the WBENC (Women’s Enterprise National Council and serves as the 1st Vice-chair WBENC National Forum.
Other current Projects include Centra Riverfront Garage, Cincinnati Convention Center, and the Banks Master Plan Update. See her work at Kolar Designs and KXI Innovations.
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Back in 2020, Jonathan Moody (pictured) was named CEO. In 2021, the American Institute of Architects bestowed Moody Nolan with the AIA Architecture Award—the first African American owned firm to receive this honor. With 310 employees in 12 locations around the country, their desire is to use the built environment to catalyze social change and improve lives.
| | Moody Nolan, an architecture and engineering firm, is serving as the Architect of Record for the new Cincinnati Convention Center construction project. This commission is believed to be one of the largest single contracts awarded to a diverse A&E firm of this type in the region. | | Duke Energy Convention Center Rednering | | Findlay Community Center - Vincent Terry, Regional Director, and Howard Blaisdell, Project Manager | | |
As a testament to their commitment to social impact, Moody Nolan is leading the development of the new Findlay Community Center—a multi-purpose facility located in Over-the-Rhine. This $47 million project, undertaken in collaboration with the City of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC), and 3CDC, aims to transform the underutilized Findlay Center and grounds into a vibrant, state-of-the-art community hub.
The center will feature a modern recreation facility as well as a dedicated childcare center and new roller-skating rink. This $47 million project will transform the underutilized Findlay Playground into a vibrant, state-of-the-art community hub.
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Enhancing the Experience for All
Paycor Stadium
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As part of a new lease agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamilton County is investing $350 million into transforming Paycor Stadium through a wide-ranging series of approximately 30 renovation projects. This major commitment will deliver much-needed upgrades including enhanced security systems, revitalized field-level clubs and seating, a fully modernized Jungle Vision control room, upgraded lighting throughout the stadium, and a full replacement of the canopy roof material— to name a few.
This bold, two-year initial phase is already in motion. Leading the charge are KZF Design, selected for architecture and engineering services, and Messer Construction, chosen as the construction management partner. KZF’s team will be supported by local subcontractors including Harris Architects, Sansalone Architectural Studio, Audrey Willa Studio, Browne E&C, Dynotec, and Culinary Charm. Messer’s team will include Jostin Construction and MBJ Consultants, bringing a strong local presence and deep expertise to this transformative effort.
Paycor Stadium is entering a new era — and this investment marks the beginning of an exciting future for players, fans, local businesses, and the entire community.
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Rich Music History on the Road
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
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The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, in collaboration with the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, proudly recently unveiled a new exhibit at the Downtown Main Library. The event honored Cincinnati’s rich musical legacy and celebrated the artists who continue to inspire generations through their contributions to Black music history.
"People of all ages can visit the Downtown Main Library and connect with the artists who have shaped our local and national music scenes," said Paula Brehm-Heeger, the Library's Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director.
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The celebration brought together music lovers, community members, and media for a special press conference revealing the new Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame exhibit and Star display. Guests also enjoyed a limited-edition poster signing featuring renowned artists, including Dottie Peoples, The Ohio Players, Regina Belle, Shirley Murdock, Penny Ford, and more.
The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Friday on the first floor Atrium at the downtown public library located at 800 Vine St.
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