Makin’ moves. Businesses are flocking to Ohio’s thriving, business-friendly community with a little help from JobsOhio, a nonprofit that supports Ohio businesses. From assisting with site selection to providing networking opportunities with local officials, JobsOhio helps businesses grow and succeed in the Buckeye State. Learn more.
When you think of the cities and areas with thriving business communities, what comes to mind?
Maybe it’s Silicon Valley, the cradle of tech innovation. Or the towering skyline of New York City’s legendary Financial District.
But consider a rising star on the scene: the Buckeye State. Ohio is rapidly becoming a destination for leaders ready to relocate or expand their operations, thanks to the state’s thriving business community.
That support system is powered by orgs that focus on helping Ohio-based businesses and their people thrive—like JobsOhio. From working with local officials to providing industry-specific expertise, JobsOhio gives biz leaders a taste of the supportive community they’ll enjoy in the state.
We teamed up with JobsOhio to learn what makes Ohio’s business community special, why organizations like Anduril Industries are expanding, and where business leaders can get support to make their own moves. Let’s get started.
Ohio, here we come
So, what makes Ohio’s business community so attractive? Better break out the bullet points:
- Its proximity to large population centers in the US and Canada makes it a magnet for world-class talent.
- It’s the third-largest manufacturing workforce in the US.
- CNBC ranked it No. 2 for cost of doing business and No. 7 for business.
- It’s the seventh most populous state—and that’s before you account for talent migrating from nearby cities.
- It’s home to thriving school systems and a friendly culture.
- With its cost of living 5.8% lower than the national average, orgs have the breathing room (and support systems) to grow.
Meet the support system removing the red tape
Ohio is a land of opportunity for biz leaders, and JobsOhio works hard to help local orgs reach their full potential. Before we get into how JobsOhio supports the community, let’s explore what exactly it does. (It’s okay if you were wondering.)
JobsOhio is a private, economic development nonprofit focused on supporting organizations already in Ohio and those looking to move there. This team of industry-specific experts provides custom solutions and connects businesses with the resources they need to thrive in Ohio.
From site selection and project planning to networking and providing industry connections, JobsOhio’s hands-on team helps leaders with any challenge they’re facing. And because JobsOhio is a private, trusted third party, it helps cut through the red tape and minimizes bureaucracy (meaning minimal surprises and outside interference for businesses).
How Anduril made it happen
Let’s meet a business that’s already made the move, shall we? In January 2025, Anduril announced a partnership with the state of Ohio. Together with JobsOhio, the defense tech company made Ohio its new home. As a result, Anduril anticipates the creation of 4k+ jobs in the area by 2035.
What made Ohio a great fit for Anduril? According to founder Palmer Luckey, it just made sense.
“The stars aligned to make Ohio a great place for us to [move] fast…There are some states that are really good at pushing you out and slowing you down, and there are others that are great at pulling you in and speeding you up. That's what Ohio was.”
JobsOhio was there to support Anduril through the entire moving process, from connecting with local officials to understanding the local workforce.
“From Day 1, when we made initial contact, JobsOhio has been a critical partner to us in doing our site-selection process,” said Matt Grimes, cofounder at Anduril Industries.
Makin’ moves
Anduril isn’t the only company to expand in the Buckeye State. It joins the ranks of companies that include Honda, Intel, GE HealthCare, Amgen, Sierra Nevada Corporation, JSW Steel, Amazon Data Services, and Worldpay.
Partners like JobsOhio are the engine behind Ohio’s growth. With streamlined, private connections and a team of industry experts, JobsOhio is determined to make it easier to move to Ohio.
So, is Ohio the next Silicon Valley? Only time will tell. But its business-friendly community and abundant resources make it a fierce competitor on the national stage.
Dreaming of relocating and growing your org? Learn more about JobsOhio.