GSP is encouraging local businesses planning to expand, purchase equipment or invest in their operations to explore funding opportunities through the JobsOhio Small Business Grant program.
The program provides grants of up to $50,000 to eligible businesses making investments that support growth and job creation. Funding may be used for qualifying expenses such as building acquisition, capital improvements, machinery and equipment, inventory, software and workforce training.
GSP is working with regional economic development partners, including Team NEO and JobsOhio, to help identify businesses that could benefit from the program and connect them with available resources.
Two local companies, Wallace Stud Welding in Berlin Heights and Firelands Food Systems, LTD, a Sandusky-based vending services business, have received support through the JobsOhio Small Business Grant program.
Wallace Stud Welding, a woman-owned industrial stud welding company, received a $25,000 grant to support the purchase of a second welding unit. The investment allows the company to increase its capacity to take on multiple projects simultaneously, supporting the creation of two jobs and retention of an existing position.
Firelands Food Systems received a $50,000 grant to support expansion into an adjacent building, providing additional warehouse, staging and production space. The project is expected to support 10 new jobs while retaining 81 existing positions.
Who May Qualify?
The JobsOhio Small Business Grant is designed for eligible businesses that generally meet the following criteria:
- Have operated for at least one year.
- Generate annual revenues between $100,000 and $25 million.
- Operate within one of JobsOhio’s targeted industries.
- Plan qualifying investments that support business growth.
- Anticipate increasing employment or payroll by at least 10%.
Additional eligibility requirements apply, and funding is subject to project review and approval.
Interested businesses should contact Braden Michel, Project Development Manager for GSP at bmichel@greatersandusky.com.
