JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Program
Supporting economic development in distressed, small and medium sized communities.
The Vibrant Communities Program provides resources to implement catalytic development projects that fulfill a market need and represent significant reinvestment in the community. The Vibrant Communities Program intends to reduce risk and remove barriers the community faces in moving these investments forward. The definition of catalytic may vary community-tocommunity and JobsOhio intends to evaluate each project on its merits. The aim of these projects is to attract private investment, create jobs, and revitalize areas that have struggled to compete with major metro areas—strengthening both local economies and Ohio’s incredible, economically dynamic and livable communities.
Since 2020, the JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Program has invested over $4 million in downtown revitalization projects in Southeast Ohio, leveraging over $21 million in fixed asset investment.
See how these enhanced communities are growing.
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The Vibrant Communities support we received from JobsOhio, OhioSE, and First State Bank, helped accelerate the completion of this project. We are happy to have been able to accomplish such a transformational project for Hillsboro. Our hope is that this project will serve as a catalyst for additional growth in our community. This project serves as a great example of the power of local collaboration.
Dale Martin / Hillsboro Business Complex / Owner
The management group of The Downtown Exchange can’t say enough good things about our experience with the Ohio SE team. From their due diligence in fully understanding the scope of our project to presenting applicable finance initiatives and then working with us through the reimbursement process was nothing short of amazing. Their skilled team is a true asset to our region.
Brian Diamond / The Downtown Exchange / Owner
What kind of investments will this program support?
The primary focus is on generating reinvestment in eligible distressed communities that have experienced chronic disinvestment.
Projects must have at least one identified end-user, however, this end-user does not have to align with JobsOhio target industries.
- Projects will lead to significantly improved quality of place in order to improve employer and employee retention and attraction. The projects should be catalytic in nature, making the surrounding area more attractive for future development.
- JobsOhio seeks to invest in projects that demonstrate leverage of outside funds and encourages the utilization and formation of public-private partnerships.
- Projects will align with broader JobsOhio goals and programs. As such they will increase real estate inventory, real estate appraisal value, attract capital investment, and job creation potential in participating communities.
- JobsOhio will support a diverse set of projects in varied geography of eligible communities across the state.