Ohio Launches New Employee Relocation Incentive

Written By Hickey Team
Banner reading 'INCENTIVE ALERT - JobsOhio Launches New Employee Relocation Incentive' overlaid on an Ohio state flag background, with Hickey Credits & Incentives logo and tagline 'Connect with the Hickey Incentives Team to Explore the Opportunity'

JobsOhio offers up to $225K for companies hiring out-of-state STEM and technical talent.

The JobsOhio Relocation Incentive program provides direct financial support to employers that bring skilled STEM and technical professionals from outside the state to live and work in Ohio. By offering up to $15,000 per qualifying hire, Ohio aims to strengthen its talent pipeline and ensure businesses can access the expertise they need to grow.

With major corporate investments outpacing the state’s available talent pool, the program seeks to shift recruitment strategies from in-state poaching to targeted national outreach. Dedicated funding buckets ensure companies of all sizes can leverage the program. This new program complements JobsOhio’s broader talent attraction efforts, including Find Your Ohio and other national marketing campaigns, to position Ohio as a premier destination for technical and STEM talent.

SNAPSHOT

  • $15,000 incentive for each qualifying out-of-state STEM or technical hire.

  • Available to employers of all sizes in JobsOhio’s targeted industries.

  • Applications reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • Per-Hire Incentive: $15,000 per qualifying relocated STEM or technical hire (up to $225,000 per company)

  • Flexible Use of Funds: Payments are not restricted to specific costs; can support relocation benefits, signing bonuses, recruitment, and marketing.

  • Inclusive Access: Funding set aside for large companies, middle market firms, and small businesses.

  • Strategic Talent Growth: Encourages national recruitment while reducing in-state talent competition.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Location: Employer must be physically located in Ohio.

  • Industry Focus: Business must operate in one of JobsOhio’s targeted industries and business functions.

  • Job Type: New hire must be a permanent W2 employee in a JobsOhio Priority Occupation; contractors do not qualify.

  • Baseline Reporting: Employer must provide three years of relocation history for priority occupations to establish a baseline.

  • Relocation Requirement: New hire must move from out of state and establish permanent residency in Ohio.

  • Cap on Funding: Maximum of 15 qualifying hires ($225,000) per company.

CONNECT WITH HICKEY’S OHIO INCENTIVES TEAM

  • The Hickey & Associates incentives team has advised companies navigating the complex incentives process across Ohio. Contact us for more specifics, including eligibility criteria, application details, and funding requirements.

  • If you’d like our support throughout the application process, we are here to help.

Hickey Team

Hickey & Associates makes learning about commercial site selection easy. We share information in writing and through videos and images, covering topics like grants and incentives advisory, location strategy, and supply chain logistics. Our team helps you find the best places for your business, get financial benefits, and make your supply chain work better. We are here to make complicated things simple and beneficial for your business's growth.

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