JobsOhio Growth Fund Loan

JobsOhio Growth Fund Loan

Funds Ohio growth-stage companies with below-market loans for expansion and strategic hiring where traditional financing is limited.

The JobsOhio Growth Fund Loan provides below-market-rate debt capital to growth-stage, established, or expansion-stage Ohio companies that have proven business plans but face limited access to conventional private financing. JobsOhio is a private nonprofit corporation (501(c)(4)) funded through the Ohio Lottery and Ohio liquor profits via the JobsOhio Beverage System, not through state tax appropriations. Loans range from $500,000 to $5,000,000, and borrowers must contribute a minimum of 10% equity toward allowable project costs, with higher equity requirements possible depending on financial position and project characteristics.

Eligibility is restricted to companies operating in one of JobsOhio's nine targeted industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, Energy and Chemicals, Financial Services, Food and Agribusiness, Healthcare, Logistics and Distribution, and Technology. Retail is explicitly ineligible across all JobsOhio programs. Decision factors include projected job creation, additional payroll generated, fixed-asset investment commitments, project ROI, and geographic location — with projects in priority investment areas receiving preferential consideration. Interest rate and loan term are not publicly disclosed and are set through negotiation.

Applicants contact JobsOhio directly at (614) 224-6446 or contact@jobsohio.com to initiate the process. Because the Growth Fund Loan targets companies that have revenue and a proven model but cannot access sufficient conventional credit, it is most relevant to mid-stage businesses undertaking significant capital projects, facility expansions, or equipment acquisitions in Ohio's target sectors. Combined state financing from all Ohio programs typically does not exceed 20–40% of total project cost.