Office of Business Assistance

The Office of Business Assistance (OBA) offers a variety of economic development tools to help businesses grow and thrive in our community. We are especially interested in sound businesses with strong potential for future growth that will invest and create jobs in Columbus.

New business Attraction

The OBA works closely with broader community partnerships and strategies to attract world class business operations to Columbus. The OBA makes referrals on available sites and buildings to meet the needs of industrial, office and commercial uses. The OBA also interfaces with electricity, gas and communication companies to provide utility capacity for any Columbus location under consideration.

Business Retention and Expansion

The OBA conducts site visits to local businesses to identify specific opportunities for business retention and/or expansion where City efforts could potentially have a helpful impact.

Tax Incentives

Tax incentives are used strategically to leverage significant business expansions or relocations. Incentives are based on the benefits a project represents for the community and whether tax incentives are necessary to secure the project for Columbus. Criteria include the amount of investment and jo creation and/or retention, and whether the project involves a priority sector or tagerted geographic area.

Infrastructure Assistance

The OBA assists businesses in securing infrastructure improvements critical to the success of their business. Typical infrastructure improvements are storm and sanitary sewers, water lines, streetscape enhancements and road improvements.

Urban Brownfield Redevelopment

The OBA assists businesses developing urban sites requiring environmental cleanup. We can provide brownfield technical assistance and, through the Columbus Urban Growth Corporation and Clean Ohio program, we can help businesses with site acquistion and environmental remediation.

International Business Assistance

The OBA assists in the development of international business opportunities resulting in local business growth and job creation. Types of assistance include the development of business-to-business lingages with Columbus companies, and coordination of business visits to Columbus.

For more information contact:

Division of Economic Development
Office of Business Assistance
109 N. Front Steet, 1st floor
Columbus, OH 43215
645-8032