Knowledge & Labor Access

Bioscience worker (Athens, Ohio)

Ohio's Enterprise Appalachia Region Delivers Access to Knowledge

Ohio's Enterprise Region makes it easy to leverage academic centers, skilled labor and entrepreneurial support services to make your strategic plan and operation a success.

Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs
The Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Group at Ohio University serves the region by matching small businesses with MBA students and high-end consulting services. Six Small Business Development Centers offer free consulting to start-ups and existing small businesses, and five business incubators operate here as well.

TechGROWTH Ohio
TechGROWTH Ohio connects early-stage, technologically-innovative companies with valuable tools for growth and sources of capital. The program focuses on four technology industries: digital interactive media, bio-sciences, bio-agriculture and advanced energy. Companies in other industries are also encouraged to apply.

JumpStart
The JumpStart TechLift Advisors, focuses on the high tech economy, across all sectors. It has one unwavering purpose: To invigorate growth in the high tech economy. For qualifying opportunities, JumpStart identifies the resources and forgies collaborations to put your high tech business on the fast- track.

TechColumbus
TechColumbus helps qualifying start-ups grow their concepts, maturity, abilities and ambitions. It also helps established companies grow their business, capabilities, connections and knowledge. In addition, TechColumbus helps individuals grow their careers, expertise, networks and confidence. Every day, TechColumbus provides the people, information, and funding critical to a thriving innovation economy.

CincyTech
CincyTech helps qualifying entrepreneurs grow successful startup businesses. With substantial support from Ohio Third Frontier and corporations, foundations, civic organizations and individuals, CincyTech stimulates the growth of venture-worthy companies in information technology, bioscience and advanced manufacturing.

Trained, Skilled Work Force

Ohio University (Athens, Ohio)

Appalachian Ohio offers a strong mix of educational opportunities. The region is home to twenty-five institutions of higher education, including seven four-year universities and colleges and 18 two-year colleges. Not only do these institutions provide knowledge and expertise to entrepreneurs, but they contribute to a bright, intelligent work force, ready to help companies grow.

Learn more the University System of Ohio»

Appalachian Ohio is home to some of the best workers in the United States. Employers find hard working, loyal employees here. In addition, a lower cost of living and less competition for workers reduce labor costs in Appalachian Ohio. Average weekly manufacturing wages in the region are 20 percent lower than the statewide average. (Bureau of Labor Market Info, ODJFS, 2003)