Fostoria Business Newsletter

April 2025

LAUNCH Fostoria is back!

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? LAUNCH Fostoria is back, offering aspiring entrepreneurs and growing businesses the chance to compete for valuable resources, mentorship, and funding! Whether you're looking to start a new venture or expand your existing business in Fostoria, this competition is for you. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, independent, and have earned no more than $250,000 in revenue over the past year. Applications open on April 7, and the deadline to apply is May 2. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your vision to life—stay tuned for more details and get ready to LAUNCH!

May 6th Primary Election:

Be prepared for the May 6, 2025, primary election. However, residents of Fostoria, which spans Seneca, Hancock, and Wood counties, can find pertinent voting information through their respective county boards of elections:

For comprehensive statewide election information, including key dates and voting guidelines, refer to the Ohio Secretary of State's 2025 Voting Schedule.

Residents are encouraged to consult these resources to stay informed about the upcoming primary election.

RE-ignite 419: Canva 101 & Basic Branding

This training is for Chamber members only!

Missed Ignite 419? We’re bringing the spark back with RE-ignite 419, several hands-on workshops designed to help you create eye-catching designs and build a strong brand presence. Whether you're new to Canva or looking to refine your branding strategy, this session will equip you with the tools to take your business to the next level. Join us on April 10th from 12pm-1pm as we dive into Canva 101 & Basic Branding, covering essential design tips, branding fundamentals, and practical strategies to make your business stand out. Taught by Ashley Barger and Jason Yoakam.

Don’t miss this opportunity to RE-ignite your creativity and marketing success! Register here today!

🎨 Ink with heart at A Mom n Pop Tattoo Shop! 🖋️

This family-owned tattoo studio brings passion, creativity, and a personal touch to every piece of art. Whether you're looking for your first tattoo or adding to your collection, their skilled artists create designs that tell your story.

The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight A Mom n Pop Tattoo Shop as a small business making a big impact in our community. Stop in, meet the artists, and let them bring your vision to life! 🖤

Planning Begins For PY2025 CDBG Allocation

On behalf of the Seneca County Commissioners, the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) is pleased to invite localities within Seneca County to submit project proposals for the biennial PY 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation funding. We anticipate the potential availability of $162,000 for countywide CDBG funding, which includes project costs, as well as fair housing and administration costs. Seneca County will fund as many projects as fiscally feasible.

The CDBG funds may be used in a variety of ways to further Federal and State goals of benefitting low-to-moderate income (LMI) persons or the elimination of slum or blight. The overall application must achieve at least a 51% LMI Income benefit or benefit one of the following categories of individuals:

· Abused children

· Battered spouses

· Elderly persons

· Handicapped persons

· Homeless persons

· Illiterate persons

· Migrant farm workers

· Severely disabled adults

· Persons living with AIDS

In PY 2023, the largest portion of the Ohio Office of Community Infrastructure’s (OCI) CDBG-funded grants were committed to public facility improvement projects, followed by sewer improvements, water facility and street improvement projects.

PY 2025 CDBG Key Dates

· Public Hearing #1—April 10th at 10:00 a.m. during Seneca County Commissioners Meeting

· Proposals Due to FEDC Office: May 15, 2025

· Public Hearing #2—To be announced

· Grant award: September 1, 2025

· Work Completion Date: August 31, 2027

If you are interested in receiving a PY2025 CDBG Proposal Application Packet, which includes a list of acceptable activities under the Seneca County CDBG allocation, please send an email to grants@fostoriaedc.org or call 419-435-7789.

Olmstead's Hauling
Budder Technology
ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital
Fostoria Kiwanis Club
H & Co Salon
Harrold Floriana Funeral Home
Tri County Veterinary Clinic
Arnold Vending
Fruth & Company PLL
PC Net Techs
Hitchings Insurance

Our members are doing GREAT things!

FEDC/Chamber hosted Annual Meeting:

The Fostoria Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce held their Joint Annual Meeting on March 20, 2024, at Legacy Hall in Fostoria Junior/Senior High School. The event brought together business and community leaders to recap 2024, celebrating key accomplishments, recognizing outstanding contributions to Fostoria’s growth, and discussing future initiatives. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important gathering and contributed to its success!

Jac & Do's Fostoria Received Liquor License:

Congrats to Jac & Do's Fostoria, for receiving their D-1 liquor license!

Beer is there and they are ready to serve you! Available for dine in or delivery!

DORA cups are now available as well at their restaurant.

Fostoria FD hosted a Confined Space Course:

This training was provided by the IAFF (International Association of Fire Firefighters). Members from Fostoria, Tiffin and Bowling Green FD were taught by instructors from Illinois, New York and Arizona on how to handle confined space incidents and rescues. Several locations throughout Fostoria were used to bring real-life scenarios to the group.

Fostoria Garden Club spreading spring joy to nursing homes residents:

Fostoria Garden Club members distributed spring colored flower arrangements, which were made by the garden club members, to every nursing home resident room in Fostoria. (Good shepherd, Saint Catherine’s, and Independence House.). 616 individual flowers were created into 208 bouquets.

Fostoria City Schools Updates!

We are sharing the recent highlights of January-March. Click here to see all of the pictures and updates from the Fostoria City School District!

Please reach out to Courtney Fleming for more detailed information!

Is there training that your workforce needs? Let us know and remember, any course may be customized to fit your needs.

The Spring Catalog for all courses is here!

Click here for Spring courses!

It's official, here is the 2025 Glass Pageant! This year, we’ve rebranded with a new committee, fresh ideas, and a lot of excitement to make this event even more special!

Registration is NOW OPEN!

Don’t miss out! You can register online through the link below: