Small Business

1. Does the City of Cincinnati provide grants to individuals wishing to start a small business?

 The City does offer  two (2) small business loan funds, through the MicroCity and Grow Cincinnati loan programs but, there are no grant funds available to for-profit business.

2. Who do I contact for permits and business licenses for my small business?

The Ohio Department of Development (ODD) has a FREE, comprehensive business start-up kit to guide you through registering your business in Ohio.  ODD can be reached at 1(800)-848-1300 or at 1ststop@development.ohio.gov.

Commercial CRA

1. Am I required to create jobs to be eligible for a commercial CRA tax exemption?

You do not have to create jobs, but you are required to retain at least one job as the result of the development.  Job creation and new income tax revenue increases the likelihood that the application will be approved.

2. How is the amount of the tax abatement determined?

The Hamilton County Auditor’s Office appraises the value of the improvements.    Hamilton County administers real estate taxes and has jurisdiction over property valuation.

3.  Do the jobs to be retained or created have to be employees of my company?

No.  The jobs that you attract to the project site can count toward the program’s jobs requirement.

4.  How long must I retain the jobs?

The jobs must be retained at the project site for at least the term of the property tax exemption.

5. Do I have to own the property before applying?

No, but you should be able to demonstrate interest in the property.  Proof of ownership will be required before the application can be approved.

6.  How long does the approval process take?

The approval process, including City Council approval, typically takes approximately 3 months.

7.  What happens if the project does not achieve LEED certification?

If the project was approved by the City as a LEED development but the project does not achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, no real property tax exemption will be granted. 

JCTC and PIR 

1.  How long must I retain the jobs that I create?

The jobs must be retained at the project site for at least twice the term of the tax credit.

2.  How many jobs must I create to be eligible for the JCTC Program?

You must create 25 jobs within 3 years of completion of the project.  On average, the jobs must be 200% Ohio minimum wage.