The Insider
February 2025
| |
TechCred Free Informational Meeting | |
Join us for an informative session about TechCred, an innovative program designed to help businesses of all sizes upskill their workforce with tech-focused credentials. Lu Cooke from Lt. Governor Jon Husted’s office will be leading the discussion, providing an in-depth look at how businesses can take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their employees' skills and drive growth through technology.
What is TechCred?
TechCred is a state-sponsored initiative aimed at providing businesses with funding to upskill their workforce through tech-related certifications. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, TechCred can help you equip your employees with the in-demand tech skills that will keep your company competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Why Attend?
Learn how TechCred works: Get step-by-step guidance on how businesses can apply for funding, choose relevant certifications, and access financial support.
Discover the benefits: See how TechCred can help reduce training costs while boosting your employees' expertise in key technology areas.
Open to businesses of all sizes: Whether you’re a startup or a well-established organization, this program is designed to meet your needs.
Who Should Attend?
Business owners, HR managers, and decision-makers interested in workforce development and technology training.
Companies looking to enhance their employees’ skills and stay competitive in the tech-driven job market.
This session is a must for any business interested in developing their workforce with cutting-edge skills—no matter the size or industry.
| |
2025 Annual Meeting of Investors | |
|
There's still time to register for our Annual Meeting of Investors! Don't miss your chance to hear from our keynote speaker, Nick Raich, CEO and Co-Founder of The Earnings Scout. With over 25 years of experience in the financial markets, Nick is a recognized expert in macroeconomic research and earnings trends, frequently sharing his insights on CNBC and Bloomberg TV.
During the meeting, Nick will present his insights in a talk titled "Trumponomics 2.0: Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and a Fed Chair on the Hot Seat" This presentation promises to provide valuable perspectives on current economic trends that are shaping our financial landscape.
How to register:
Individual Tickets: $40
Sponsorship: $500 (includes a table for 8)
Register today at www.sanduskycountyedc.net or click the link below!
| |
Sandusky County High School Job & Career Exploration Fair | The Student Job Fair held by the SCEDC, VSCTC and the Business Advisory Council will be held on April 4, 2025 for all Sandusky County high school students. Sign up today to reserve your spot! Registration is limited to the first 30 registrants. | |
Coming Soon for 2025: The Pitch Competition | |
We are absolutely thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of The Pitch: Accelerating Entrepreneurship in 2025, coming to Clyde! This is your golden opportunity to transform your business dream into reality, reminiscent of Shark Tank the popular TV show. Our partners, including the City of Clyde, the Small Business Development Center, and the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County, are united in this exhilarating venture, dedicated to propelling economic growth and fostering a vibrant community spirit.
Be sure to mark your calendars: applications for The Pitch will open on March 1st and close on March 31st. This is your moment to seize this incredible opportunity; whether you're looking to launch a brand-new idea or expand an existing business, we support you at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey!
| |
Local, County, and State News | | |
|
Northwest Ohio Businesses Prosper Through Unique Grant Program
In the fourth quarter of 2024, eleven businesses in Northwest Ohio benefited from the JobsOhio Small Business Grant, which suported their expansion projects and led to the creation of 50 new jobs in the region. These businesses, spanning 9 of the 17 counties in Northwest Ohio, received a total of $400,000 in funding, which also helped retain 227 jobs. The total investment by these companies exceeded $2.4 million.
Kuns Northcoast Security, based in Fremont, was one of the 36 companies that received the grant in 2024. The company, known for its residential, commercial, and industrial security systems, used the grant to purchase new vehicles to support its business growth.
Overall, the JobsOhio Small Business Grant program had its most successful year in 2024, providing $1.1 million in funding to 36 companies, resulting in the creation of 124 new jobs.
Grant decisions for the program are based on several project factors, including but not limited to company location, company ownership, jobs created and/or retained, and project fixed-asset investment. Support is generally intended for small to medium-sized companies with eligible projects.
Learn More About the Small Business Grant Program
| | |
College Technology Internship Program Applications Open for Summer 2025 | |
Opportunity for Businesses: Ohio Department of Development's College Technology Internship Program is Now Open for Applications!
Are you looking to enhance your team with fresh, innovative ideas and skilled tech talent? The Ohio Department of Development invites businesses to participate in its College Technology Internship Program. This program connects you with talented college students eager to contribute to projects such as app development, website upgrades, new software implementation, and cybersecurity improvements.
Why Consider Hiring an Intern?
- Cost Savings: The program reimburses two-thirds of each intern's wages, with a maximum reimbursement of up to $7,500 per intern.
- Team Expansion: You can hire up to 10 interns, providing your business with a strong influx of new ideas and perspectives.
- Competitive Edge: Access to the latest skills and talent can help drive your business’s success and keep you competitive in the market.
Key Dates for 2025
- Company Applications: January 6 – January 31, 2025
- Student Applications: February 3 – February 28, 2025
- Internships Period: May 1 – October 31, 2025
Don't miss the opportunity to build your business with top tech talent! For more information and to apply, visit the link below.
| |
BGSU Center for Regional Development Seeking Feedback From Local Stakeholders | |
The BSGU Center for Regional Development invites you to participate in a pivotal discussion hosted at Terra State Community College focused on the training and upskilling of the manufacturing workforce. In collaboration with the northwest Ohio workforce Macro-coalition, CRD is dedicated to developing a comprehensive manufacturing workforce training asset map. This initiative aims to identify and address existing workforce training resources, align regional assets, pinpoint collaborative opportunities, and highlight areas requiring investment.
The first step in this endeavor is gathering insights from local stakeholders through a series of listening sessions across the region. These sessions will explore a range of relevant topics, including collaboration with industry partners and trade organizations, partnerships among educational and training institutions, advancements in technology and automation, as well as strategies for student recruitment and retention.
This event is scheduled to take place at Terra State Community College, within the Doepker Center, on Friday, February 13th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Your participation will significantly contribute to the enhancement of workforce training initiatives, ultimately fostering economic growth and sustainability within the Sandusky County community and its businesses.
Please use the link below to register for this event. Any additional questions can be directed to Project Manager Lisa Lawson at llawso@bgsu.edu.
| | |
|
Croghan Colonial Bank President & CEO Joins Board of Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Kendall Rieman, President and CEO of Croghan Colonial Bank, has been elected as a director on the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Board for a three-year term ending December 31, 2027. Rieman, who has over 30 years of banking experience and has led Croghan Colonial Bank since January 2019, expressed his honor in representing the district and contributing to the Federal Reserve's important role in banking and interest rate direction. In addition to his banking leadership, he is actively involved in various local organizations, including the Sandusky County United Way and Economic Development Corp. James Bowlus, lead director of Croghan Bancshares, praised Rieman's election as a significant achievement for the bank. Founded in 1888, Croghan Colonial Bank operates multiple offices across Ohio.
Read More
| | |
BetterBuildings Northwest Ohio Program | BetterBuildings Northwest Ohio (BBNWO) is dedicated to fostering community and economic growth through its competitive fixed-rate Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program. This initiative supports a wide array of projects aimed at conserving energy and generating substantial savings through energy efficiency retrofits, applicable to both new and existing facilities of any type or size. The PACE financing not only makes these energy efficiency improvements accessible but also allows for repayment through a special assessment on the property, ensuring a practical and manageable approach for business owners. By partnering with BBNWO, businesses can enhance their facilities while simultaneously contributing to a healthier local ecosystem, reinforcing the Sandusky County community’s commitment to sustainability. We encourage all businesses and community stakeholders to engage with us and explore these valuable financing opportunities, paving the way for a more sustainable and economically vibrant future. | |
Small Business. Big Impact. | | |
|
SBDC - Small Business Basics Seminar
The Small Business Development Center's Small Business Basics seminar is free for anyone who wants to start, buy, or expand a small business.
| | |
|
Creating a YouTube Channel for Your Small Business
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
7:00 p.m.
| |
Capital Readiness for New and Starup Businesses
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
10:00 a.m.
| |
| |
|
Learn to Maximize Contact Information Using CRM Tools
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
12:00 p.m.
| |
Giving It Your All to Google
Thursday, February 13, 2025
11:00 a.m.
| |
| |
|
Introduction to Selling to the Federal Government
Friday, February 14, 2025
10:00 a.m.
| |
Marketing Strategies for Your Business
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
10:30 a.m.
| |
| |
|
Loans for Rural Businesses: SBA and USDA
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
10:00 a.m.
| |
Understanding Your Customer's Experience
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
10:30 a.m.
| |
| |
|
Accessing Capital to Start or Grow Your Business
Thursday, February 27, 2025
2:00 p.m.
| |
Capital Readiness for Existing Businesses
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
10:00 a.m.
| |
|
|
BUILDINGS AND SITES
Sandusky County is a growing business hub that is well-positioned for investment, growth, and development. Strategically located in Northwest Ohio, Sandusky County is a prime location for businesses that are looking to locate/relocate or to expand, offering companies access to a large pool of talented workforce; affordable, flexible, and attractive real estate options; strategic access via an intermodal transportation network; and excellent education options.
| |  |
|
SANDUSKY COUNTY BUSINESS CONNECT
Sandusky County Business Connect connects local business owners ready to sell with aspiring entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities. The program provides a streamlined process for business owners to showcase their enterprises while ensuring confidentiality and curating pre-verified buyers. This initiative not only supports individual transitions but also strengthens the local economy, fostering a vibrant business community in Sandusky County.
| | |
|
LOCAL INCENTIVES
Communities in Sandusky County have a wide range of incentives available to assist new and expanding businesses.
- Enterprise Zone Program
- Community Reinvestment Area (CRA)
- Job Retention & Creation Incentive Income Tax Credit
- Opportunity Zone Program
| | |
|
STATE INCENTIVES
Grant funding and tax credits are among the most sought after incentives of new and expanding businesses. JobsOhio and the local municipalities within Sandusky County have programs in place offering these benefits to encourage business growth. These programs of varying focus are typically tied to job creation and new capital investment in fixed assets.
| | |
|
|
SCEDC News
Join The Insider Mailing List and receive the latest news from the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation
| | | | | | |
