Ohio Department of Development Update

Summer is here. It’s a great time to get outside and enjoy our state. If you haven’t already planned a trip, check out ohio.org for great locations across Ohio. The team at TourismOhio is constantly updating the site with fun and exciting places to visit, themed trails, road trips and other great ways to enjoy the summer weather.

For our most vulnerable, these high summer temperatures can be dangerous. Our Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis program can relieve some of the burden for Ohioans by providing financial assistance for energy bills and/or fans and A/C units to customers. The program is open and runs through September. Ohioans can apply for assistance by visiting energyhelp.ohio.gov or by contacting their local Energy Assistance Provider.  

Another important part of staying safe this summer is continuing our vaccination efforts. As new variants emerge, it’s important that we continue to do our part to keep the virus at bay. If you are sick, stay home. If you are unvaccinated, continue to wear a mask. If you can, get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective. As of May 12, Ohioans 12 and older are eligible to get the vaccine. Ohioans can find more information and providers at vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov and schedule appointments at the state’s centralized scheduling website at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Ohio is on the path to economic success, and Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted are focused on providing our businesses and communities support where it is needed. Development is administering four new grant opportunities to help Ohio businesses recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic: Food and Beverage Establishment Grant; Entertainment Venue Grant; Lodging Grant; and New Small Business Grant. Businesses can find more information and apply at businesshelp.ohio.gov.

Assistance for our communities was also provided in recently passed legislation and the State Operating Budget. Development will be administering a new water and sewer program to expand and repair infrastructure to ensure clean and safe drinking water for all Ohioans. New demolition and brownfield programs will provide funds to remediate blighted and dangerous properties and create a blank slate for growth. These investments are great opportunities for our communities and will benefit both existing and future businesses and their surrounding areas. Our team is developing guidelines for the programs and will send out more information when we have it.

As always, thank you for your partnerships. Your work is essential to helping communities thrive and making Ohio a great place to build a future.