Ohio business investments are heating up this summer

From breakthrough funding rounds to expanded incentives for advanced manufacturing, the Buckeye State has rarely seen a more promising business climate.

The University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub plays a key role as an accelerator, propelling startups to success, training employees to thrive and connecting companies with top student talent. Leading the state’s economic resurgence, we’re proud to see momentum continue to build – 2025 is just heating up.

The O.H.I.O Fund is a private investment firm that sources nearly all its capital from Ohio and invests solely in businesses based in the Buckeye State. The innovative group, which is celebrating its first year, has already raised $238 million and invested in 19 Ohio-based companies.

Cincinnati is establishing itself as a rising hub for entrepreneurs and startup ventures, leading the O.H.I.O. Fund toward the Queen City. The group has funded local businesses such as JucaBio and Remote Vans in 2025 and hopes to build upon its successes in the coming year.

“There’s a wave of companies in Ohio ready to grow,” says Ray Leach, president and co-founder of the O.H.I.O. Fund. “Historically, these kinds of companies have been held back by limited access to the capital that could support their growth. We’re here to change that – and the market is responding.”

Cincinnati-based firms – particularly those backed by the 1819 Venture Lab and UC’s Tech Transfer office – stand a strong chance of being considered for the next round. As top launchpads and accelerators for startups across Southwest Ohio, they provide an immediate business pipeline for O.H.I.O. Fund investors.

Finding the right talent is often the most challenging part of making new business investments. This summer, Ohio removed that barrier with the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive.

Offering $15,000 per new hire, the initiative rewards businesses when out-of-state employees move to Ohio and begin full-time roles. The JobsOhio Relocation Incentive is available to employers of all sizes across 10 essential STEM- and technical-related fields.

UC’s nationally recognized co-op program (#2 among public colleges in the U.S.) equips Bearcats with essential skills while they’re students, streamlining the path for employers to hire the next generation of talent. Companies like Procter & Gamble, Microsoft and U.S. Bank have collocated at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub and throughout the Cincinnati Innovation District to connect with accomplished Bearcats who can help them innovate faster and smarter.

Businesses interested in the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive should consult program guidelines before filling out the application form.

Ohio has long been a leader in advanced manufacturing, boasting the third-largest manufacturing workforce in the U.S. Cincinnati alone supports 818 local businesses in the sector, contributing $6.3 billion to the gross regional product and experiencing 33% growth.

The University of Cincinnati plays a critical role in stimulating Ohio’s production industry through its pioneering Reskilling Education via Advanced Manufacturing Practicum (REVAMP). This initiative, developed in partnership with the National Science Foundation and Cincinnati State, helps participants reskill or grow in their high-tech and precision-driven careers.

Ethan Karp, president and CEO of investment partner MAGNET, is excited to support this pillar of Ohio’s economy over the years to come. “Manufacturing is Ohio’s lifeblood,” he says. “The Advanced Manufacturing Fund is part of the support that will help Ohio continue to innovate and grow our manufacturing prowess.”

Ohio is innovating across all aspects of its economy – expanding its workforce, offering easier access to capital and promoting emerging sectors. There’s a reason Ohio ranked fifth in the U.S. and first in the Midwest in CNBC’s 2025 ranking of the Top States for Business.

The University of Cincinnati is similarly spearheading efforts to advance Ohio startups, companies and investors. While the Buckeye State’s solid summer for business may be drawing toward its end, the economy in Southwest Ohio is already sparking growth.

Featured image at top: Sunrise over the Ohio River. Photo/David Davis