Ohio Administrative Code Title 122 - Development Services Agency
Ohio Administrative Code Title 122 - Development Services Agency (DSA)
Title 122 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) pertains to the Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA), which is the primary state agency responsible for overseeing and managing economic development, job creation, and business growth within Ohio. The agency works to improve the state's economy through various programs, services, and initiatives that support businesses, local governments, and individuals.
The purpose of Title 122 is to establish the framework, rules, and regulations under which the DSA operates and administers a variety of economic development programs.
1. Purpose and Mission of the Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA)
The Ohio Development Services Agency focuses on advancing the state’s economy by:
Promoting Job Creation: Encouraging businesses to start, grow, and expand in Ohio to create jobs and boost the state's labor market.
Supporting Small Businesses: Providing resources, funding, and support for small businesses to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Attracting Investment: Attracting both domestic and international investments in Ohio through incentives, grants, and partnership programs.
Enhancing Regional Economies: Ensuring equitable economic development by supporting economically disadvantaged regions of Ohio.
2. Key Functions of the Development Services Agency
The DSA oversees a variety of functions that span multiple aspects of economic development, from business development to infrastructure improvements. Some of the key functions include:
A. Business Development and Incentives
Incentives Programs: Offering tax credits, grants, and loans to businesses that create or retain jobs in Ohio. This includes programs such as the Job Creation Tax Credit (JCTC), Ohio Business Gateway, and Ohio Innovation Incentive.
Industry Support: Providing specialized programs to support key industries such as manufacturing, technology, energy, and agriculture, ensuring that Ohio remains competitive in various sectors.
B. Workforce Development
Training and Education: Supporting workforce training initiatives to ensure that Ohio’s labor force is equipped with the necessary skills to meet the needs of modern businesses. This includes programs like the Ohio Means Jobs system and Workforce Development Grants.
Job Matching: Connecting employers with qualified job candidates through job boards, skills development initiatives, and partnership programs with educational institutions.
C. Infrastructure and Community Development
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): The DSA administers federal and state funds for local governments to improve infrastructure, housing, and economic development in underserved areas.
Economic Development Grants: These grants support projects that improve the quality of life and economic potential of Ohio communities, including funding for local infrastructure, parks, roads, and broadband development.
Brownfield Redevelopment: The DSA provides funding and assistance for the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties (brownfields), making them suitable for new business ventures.
D. Business Financing and Lending
Loan Programs: The DSA offers loan programs such as the Ohio Development Services Agency Loan Fund and Ohio Statewide 504 Loan Program to help businesses access capital.
Venture Capital Support: Encouraging the growth of startup businesses by providing venture capital through partnerships with private investors and funding organizations.
Export Assistance: Offering financial assistance and resources to businesses looking to expand into international markets through export assistance programs.
E. Tax Credits and Financial Incentives
The DSA administers various tax credit and incentive programs designed to help businesses reduce operating costs, increase investment, and create jobs. Examples include:
Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit: A tax incentive for businesses that create new jobs in Ohio.
Ohio Research and Development Tax Credit: Encourages businesses to invest in research and development activities.
TechCred Program: Provides funding for businesses to upskill employees with technical certifications.
F. Rural Development and Agricultural Support
Rural Development Initiatives: The DSA administers programs specifically designed to support businesses in rural areas of Ohio, including funding for infrastructure, broadband access, and agricultural development.
Agricultural Incentives: Providing loans and grants to Ohio farmers, food producers, and agricultural businesses to foster growth and innovation in the state’s agricultural sector.
3. Programs Administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency
The DSA is responsible for a wide range of programs aimed at supporting economic development and job growth across the state. Key programs include:
A. Ohio Tax Credit Programs
Job Creation Tax Credit (JCTC): A performance-based tax credit program for companies that create a significant number of jobs in Ohio.
Research and Development Tax Credit: Provides tax incentives for businesses that invest in R&D activities in Ohio.
B. Business Development Grant Programs
Ohio Incumbent Workforce Training Program: This program helps existing businesses provide workforce training to employees in high-demand sectors.
Clean Ohio Fund: Supports projects aimed at revitalizing brownfield properties for new business or community use.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP): Assists small and medium-sized manufacturers in Ohio by providing business consulting and operational improvements.
C. Infrastructure and Community Development Programs
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: Provides funding for local governments to invest in economic development and infrastructure improvements in their communities.
Local Government Innovation Fund: A program that helps local governments with funding for collaborative projects, regional solutions, and innovative approaches to community development.
D. Housing and Urban Development
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits: Provides tax incentives to encourage the construction of affordable housing.
Homelessness Prevention: The DSA administers programs to help reduce homelessness by providing housing support and services to low-income families.
4. Partnerships and Collaborations
The Development Services Agency works closely with other state and federal agencies, local governments, private sector partners, and educational institutions to foster economic growth in Ohio. These partnerships help the DSA achieve its goals of:
Creating Jobs: By facilitating collaborations between business sectors, universities, and workforce training programs, the DSA plays a key role in Ohio’s job creation efforts.
Attracting Investment: Through collaborative efforts, Ohio attracts domestic and foreign investment, supporting long-term economic growth.
Expanding Infrastructure: The DSA works with local governments to improve critical infrastructure that supports business operations, including transportation, utilities, and broadband connectivity.
5. Compliance and Reporting
The Ohio Development Services Agency is required to ensure that all funds and programs are administered in compliance with state and federal laws. This includes:
Audit and Monitoring: The agency monitors all grant, loan, and incentive programs to ensure compliance with terms and conditions, including regular audits and assessments.
Reporting to the State Government: The DSA provides regular reports to the Governor, state legislature, and other stakeholders on the outcomes of its programs, including job creation, economic impact, and program effectiveness.
6. Application Process for DSA Programs
The DSA has a structured application process for businesses, local governments, and other entities seeking funding or assistance. The application process typically involves:
Submission of Proposals: Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining the project, the expected economic impact, the scope of the work, and the amount of funding requested.
Review and Evaluation: Each application is reviewed based on criteria such as the potential for job creation, alignment with state priorities, financial feasibility, and the overall economic benefit to Ohio.
Approval and Disbursement: Once approved, funds are disbursed according to the terms of the funding agreement.
7. Key Areas of Focus for Ohio Development Services Agency
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Supporting small business creation and innovation through grants, tax incentives, and venture capital funding.
Infrastructure Development: Focus on improving transportation, broadband, and utility infrastructure to ensure Ohio's long-term competitiveness.
Workforce Development: Ensuring that Ohio's workforce has the skills required to meet the needs of modern industries, particularly in high-demand sectors like manufacturing, technology, and healthcare.
Conclusion
Title 122 - Development Services Agency provides the rules and regulations governing the Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA), which plays a pivotal role in Ohio’s economic development efforts. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, the DSA helps businesses grow, creates job opportunities, supports local governments, and fosters community development across the state.
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