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Setting the Standard

It’s Official. Ohio is CNBC’s Top State for Business.

Ohio's recognition as America's #1 State for Business is further validation that there’s no better place to grow and thrive.

Companies choose Ohio because they can move faster, plan with confidence, and scale without unnecessary roadblocks. With the right sites, reliable infrastructure, abundant energy, storied manufacturing legacy, world-class workforce, and a spirit of innovation, Ohio gives businesses every advantage to compete and win.

In Ohio, partnership isn't just a promise — it's how business gets done. Public and private leaders work side by side to reduce red tape, tailor customized incentives, and keep projects moving quickly from day one. It's a place where growth happens at record speed, so companies can focus on building what's next.

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Why Ohio is the #1 State for Business

#1 state for infrastructure (CNBC)
#1 cost of doing business (CNBC)
#1 aerospace manufacturing attractiveness (PwC)
TOP 10 cost of living (CNBC)
TOP 10 economy (CNBC)
TOP 10 access to capital (CNBC)
#1 supplier state to Airbus and Boeing
#1 in engine manufacturing
#1 location for military aviation research & development

JobsOhio’s Inception

Following the Great Recession and the loss of hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs, Ohio needed a new approach to economic development. Established in 2011 as the state's private nonprofit economic development corporation, JobsOhio was built to move at the speed of business. Powered by experienced industry experts, JobsOhio partners with companies and communities to attract investment, grow key industries, and create quality jobs across the state.

Unique Funding Model

In 2013, the JobsOhio Beverage System (JOBS) acquired the exclusive franchise rights for the profits from the sale of spirituous liquor in Ohio. This provides JobsOhio with a stable funding source, allowing the organization to adopt a longer-term horizon for financing economic development activities. The unique model is funded solely by the profits from the sale of spirituous liquor in Ohio. No taxpayer dollars are used.

JobsOhio 2.0

In 2019, the JobsOhio 2.0 strategy introduced new initiatives to build Ohio's next chapter of growth. Through strategic site, innovation, talent, and small business initiatives, JobsOhio strengthened every region's ability to compete for transformational projects. From Innovation Districts to next-generation industries, these investments positioned Ohio for long-term economic leadership.

Expanding Opportunity

One year later, in 2020, JobsOhio launched its Small Business and Vibrant Communities programs to expand economic opportunity across Ohio. The Small Business program helps growing companies access the capital and resources they need to succeed, while Vibrant Communities supports catalytic redevelopment projects that strengthen downtowns, attract investment, and create places where businesses and people can thrive.

Ohio's Rise

Ohio's strategy delivered rapid results, climbing the CNBC Top States for Business rankings from 15th to 1st in just five years. Companies including Sherwin-Williams, Joby Aviation, SNC, Anduril, Intel, Amgen, First Solar, Centrus, and hundreds more chose to invest and grow in the state. These projects represent Ohio’s ability to compete at the highest level and create lasting economic opportunity for businesses, communities, and Ohioans.

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Building Momentum

In 2025 JobsOhio announced its next strategic plan, JobsOhio 2030. A roadmap for the next five years, the plan is focused on capitalizing on Ohio’s Super Sectors, growing world-class talent, and strengthening site readiness. The strategy builds on Ohio's momentum while preparing for what's next. Combined with abundant energy resources and strategic investments, Ohio is positioned to lead for decades to come.

  • Grow Ohio’s five Super Sectors

  • Introducing the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive

  • Launching the Biomanufacturing Workforce Initiative

  • Developing AI Ready Ohio

  • Creating the Energy Opportunity Initiative

  • Announcing the Experiential Learning Initiative

Ohio’s Time is Now

Ohio is no longer chasing opportunity — we're defining it. Decades of strategic investment have positioned the state as America’s #1 state for business across the world's most impactful industries. This success is more than a milestone; it's the foundation for what's next as JobsOhio continues to set the standard in economic development while building a stronger economy for businesses, communities, and all Ohioans.

A Special Thank You

Ohio’s success has always been a shared achievement. Thank you, Ohioans, for your grit, determination, and excellence. Thank you, Governor Mike DeWine, for your leadership; to Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel for advancing workforce development; and to former Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted (2019-2025), for helping to position Ohio for transformational growth.

We also recognize the Ohio General Assembly for decades of steady policy leadership, the Ohio Department of Development, the JobsOhio Regional Network, and local economic development partners, as well as local governments and community leaders across the state.

We are equally grateful to Ohio’s colleges, universities, career centers, and workforce partners for helping develop the talent that powers our economy, and to the businesses that continue to invest and grow here. Above all, we thank the people of Ohio. Your hard work, resilience, and ambition continue to define our progress and shape all we accomplish as Team Ohio.

View the Press Release ((external link))

You Ask. We Answer.

The CNBC Top State for Business ranking is determined by everything from a state’s economy and workforce to its infrastructure, business-friendliness, cost of doing business, quality of life, and more.

The data is empirical, and it gives businesses an honest portrait of which states are going to the greatest lengths to foster growth and champion success.

Ohio has spent more than two decades building one of the most competitive business climates in America. This recognition validates years of disciplined leadership, strategic investments, and collaboration across Team Ohio.

JobsOhio was created to help Ohio compete at the speed of business. Our job is to help companies move quickly and confidently. But our success depends on strong partnerships with the Governor's Office, the Ohio Department of Development, the General Assembly, our regional network, local communities, and many others.

Companies consistently tell us they value certainty. They know Ohio can move quickly, solve problems, prepare sites, develop talent, and support long-term growth. That level of coordination is difficult to replicate.

It confirms what companies have been telling us for years — that Ohio has become one of the best places in America to invest, manufacture, innovate, and build a future. 

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