Business Resources
Business Grants &Funding in Medina County
State, federal, and local programs that help Medina County businesses start, grow, and hire.
A note on grants vs. loans
True grants, money you don't repay, are rare for general small businesses. Most “business funding” programs are government-backed loans with favorable rates, tax credits, or workforce incentives. The programs below are legitimate and worth pursuing. A good first step is contacting the Ohio SBDC, they'll help you figure out what you actually qualify for before you spend time on applications.
State of Ohio
JobsOhio Economic Development Grant
Grants and loans for projects that create or retain jobs in Ohio. JobsOhio focuses on specific industries, advanced manufacturing, technology, financial services, logistics, and healthcare. Best suited for growth-stage businesses adding significant headcount.
Ohio Department of Development Programs
Ohio Development administers several small business programs including the 166 Direct Loan Program (below-market loans for fixed assets), the Innovation Ohio Loan Fund (R&D and commercialization), and various workforce training incentives.
Ohio TechCred
Employer reimbursements of up to $2,000 per credential for employees completing tech-focused certifications. Covers 150+ credentials in IT, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Businesses apply each quarter.
Ohio Third Frontier
Grant programs targeting Ohio technology companies and research commercialization, particularly for startups and companies with a tech or manufacturing R&D component.
Federal Programs
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The most common SBA loan, up to $5 million for working capital, equipment, real estate, and debt refinancing. Government-guaranteed through local lenders. Rates and terms are more favorable than conventional small business loans.
SBA 504 Loan Program
Long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, real estate and heavy equipment. Typically structured as 50% conventional lender / 40% SBA / 10% borrower. Designed for expansion projects.
USDA Rural Development, Business Programs
USDA offers several programs for businesses in rural areas of Ohio, including the Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), energy efficiency grants for agricultural and rural businesses.
SBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000 for very small businesses and startups that may not qualify for traditional financing. Delivered through local nonprofit intermediaries, often with business training included.
Free Consulting & Local Resources
Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC provides free, one-on-one consulting for businesses at any stage. They help you identify what funding you actually qualify for, build the application, and structure the financials. Many businesses find the consulting more valuable than any single grant.
SCORE Northeast Ohio
Free mentoring from retired executives and business owners. SCORE mentors can help with grant applications, financial modeling, and connecting you to the right programs.
Medina County Economic Development
The county's economic development office works with businesses on site selection, local incentives, and navigating county-specific programs. Contact them directly to learn about programs targeted at Medina County.
Chamber Membership
Savings that don't require an application
Chamber membership includes access to group health insurance, workers' comp discount programs, energy savings, and HR solutions. For many small businesses, the savings on these programs outweigh any grant they'd qualify for, and there's no competitive application.
Group Health Insurance
Anthem Blue Access PPO for businesses with 2–49 employees
Workers' Comp Discounts
BWC group rating through Hunter Consulting
Energy Program
Free bill review, efficiency rebates, supply savings
HR Solutions
Payroll, compliance, and benefits admin through VensureHR
Recreation Center
20% discount for all employees of member businesses