This page is intended to serve people who have decided to start a new business in Ohio or expand an existing business into Ohio. If you are merely considering a new start or expansion into Ohio, check out our Why Ohio? page to discover the benefits of business expansion, relocation and capital investment in Ohio.
In order to start, you will need to determine what is required. The Ohio Department of Developments 1st Stop Business Connection provides free state-level information needed to get started or continue on your entrepreneurial journey. You will be guided through six simple steps to create a business information kit. After reviewing your kit, you are invited to contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for free, one-on-one business consulting assistance.
Many state agencies identify businesses by their FEIN (Federal Employment Identification Number). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has an online EIN application process.
Depending on the legal form of your business (Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, LLC are examples), you may be required to register your business name as a legal entity with the Ohio Secretary of State. The Secretary of State's Business Services page contains information and forms to guide you through the process, which may include:
Employers are typically required to establish Workers Compensation Coverage with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. The BWC also provides a new employer kit to assist employers in becoming familiar with Ohios Workers Compensation system.
Many businesses, including employers and those that collect sales tax, are required to register with the Ohio Department of Taxation either by telephone or online via OBG Electronic Filing. To access the registration system, you must first create a free OBG Electronic Filing account.
Employers are typically required to establish an Unemployment Compensation Tax Account with the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services.
The Ohio Department of Development provides access to an online database of industrial real estate at OhioSites.com.
The Ohio Attorney General provides information regarding conducting background checks on potential hires.
New hires must be reported to the State. You can now report new hires online at the Ohio New Hire Reporting Center.
The Ohio Business Gateway Licenses and Permits page provides a list of professional licenses and business permits necessary to do business in the State. These licenses and permits satisfy State requirements only. Check with your city and county governments to find out what licenses and permits they require.
The IRS provides an online help resource for starting a business.
For more detailed Ohio data and research reports, check out the following links on Ohio.gov:
Visit the Department of Development's Office of Strategic Research, which provides research and data regarding population, housing, economy, Ohio industries, maps, and profiles of all 88 Ohio counties.
See the detailed labor market research reports, provided by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services - Office of Workforce Development