Ohio Department of Development

Helps Ohio Department of Development by routing grants, loans, tax credits, and federal pass-through opportunities for commercialization.

The Ohio Department of Development, formerly the Ohio Development Services Agency, is Ohio's lead state economic-development agency. It sits inside state government, runs more than a dozen program divisions, and serves as the channel for business growth, community development, and energy support across Ohio.

Its portfolio mixes direct grants, tax credits, loans, and federal pass-throughs. Current routes include Ohio Third Frontier, TVSF Phase 1, TVSF Phase 2, TechCred, Industry Sector Partnership, the Ohio Energy Efficiency Program, brownfield remediation, innovation hubs, and the All Ohio Future Fund, with the Third Frontier lines reaching up to $5 million, $1 million, and $200,000 respectively. The agency's sectors span advanced manufacturing, medtech, energy, climate, built environment, AI infrastructure, and IoT edge work.

The Department administers statutory programs while the Ohio Third Frontier Commission governs the flagship commercialization line. That split makes it the natural entry point for universities, startups, small businesses, and local partners seeking commercialization capital, workforce support, or state-backed incentives, especially when federal pass-through funding or tax-credit mechanics need a state home.