This page serves as a portal for information about starting, expanding, or relocating a business in the City of Cincinnati.

Business Licensing, Permitting & Regulations

In order to do business in the City of Cincinnati, business owners must comply with State of Ohio requirements as well as local requirements in some instances. An overview is provided here.

Small Business Services & Technical Assistance

The City provides access to business coaching, classes, help with business plans, and other forms of technical assistance for startups as well as for established businesses.  More information can be found on the Small Business Services page.

Loans

The City has two loan funds available for uses such as permanent working capital, purchasing real estate or equipment, and refinancing existing debt. The MicroCity Loan Fund, often used to finance permanent working capital needs, is a micro loan program with a maximum loan amount of $35,000 and terms of up to 7 years.  The Grow Cincinnati Loan Fund, more often used for real estate and equipment purchases, offers much larger loan amounts and longer repayment terms.

Selecting A Business Location

The Cincinnati Commercial Site Portfolio is an economic development website designed to assist with business site selection, expansion, or relocation analysis.  The Site Portfolio is a collaboration between the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Cincinnati USA Partnership, Hamilton County Development Company, and Cincinnati Area Geographic Information System (CAGIS).

Other Resources for Business Owners

The City can provide access to several forms of tax incentives and gap financing to encourage job creation, infill development, and industrial redevelopment. The Business Owners' Toolbox provides a complete list of assistance and resources available to Cincinnati businesses.

Contact

Gerald Fortson, Senior Development Officer
Phone: (513) 352-1926
Fax: (513) 352-6257
gerald.fortson@cincinnati-oh.gov