January 11 , 2024 The Beacon • 17
JobsOhio program assists 22 underrepresented communities and businesses in Southeast Ohio
In 2023 in Southeast Ohio , 22 companies utilized the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant to fuel business growth , creating 124 jobs and leveraging over $ 10 million in fixed capital investment across the region .
The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant was developed to assist eligible businesses in designated distressed communities and / or owned by underrepresented populations across the state . The program recognizes distressed communities may benefit more from investments and job creation on a smaller scale than communities that experience higher levels of corporate investment on a regular basis . Additionally , this program recognizes businesses owned by underrepresented populations may face additional challenges in growing their businesses .
JonesZylon Company LLC , a designer and wholesale / distributor of food serving trays , dinnerware and carts for the corrections , healthcare and long-term care industries , received a $ 50,000 JobsOhio Inclusion Grant earlier this year . Based in Coshocton , the company is a certified Women Owned Small Business Enterprise and an approved Veterans Business Enterprise by the State of Ohio . The company utilized the grant to invest in machinery and equipment to add a new product line .
“ Working with OhioSE and JobsOhio has been such a smooth process that I wish I ’ d started it sooner ,” said Tracey Zachrich , co-owner and chief executive officer of JonesZylon . “ We had this project in mind for a few years , but with the economic uncertainty of the marketplace , we were hesitant to make the investment . This grant definitely spurred us to action , and we are eager to bring our new products to the market .”
JobsOhio also provided
Submitted
JonesZylon Company LLC , a designer and wholesale / distributor of food serving trays , dinnerware and carts for the corrections , healthcare and long-term care industries , received a $ 50,000 JobsOhio Inclusion Grant .
a JobsOhio Inclusion Grant to Sewah Studios Inc . in Marietta . America ’ s leading manufacturer of cast aluminum roadside historic markers , the company produces 1,200 markers each year . The company recently received a $ 25,000 JobsOhio Inclusion Grant to assist with facility expansion and
create five new jobs .
“ The expansion includes a 3,000-square-foot building addition , which would allow for an additional production line in the foundry area and added storage and shipping space . This would
allow the team to increase its production to meet any level of demand now and in the future ,” said Bradford Smith , president of Sewah Studios .
In Gallia County , River City Leather Inc . invested in additional equipment to increase its output , supported by a $ 50,000 JobsOhio Inclusion Grant . The family-owned business manufactures leather goods products and has made products for Grammy Award-winning artists and major brands .
“ With this grant we are intending to replace outdated equipment and be able to further compete with overseas manufacturing . Automation and the skilled labor to run it are crucial to growing our abilities within the pet industry and other future opportunities with UV printing on coated webbing and leather . We are grateful to be able to invest locally ,” said Aaron Buckley , president at River City Leather .
The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant was launched in 2020 to help existing Ohio businesses invest in and grow their operations . Through the program , dozens of locally owned small businesses in Appalachian Ohio have received funds to invest in equipment , infrastructure , training and other essential costs .
“ The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant Program has been a powerful tool for businesses in our region ,” said Katy Farber , OhioSE vice president . “ This program is designed to help small- and mid-size companies , and for much of Southeast Ohio , these are the companies contributing to our thriving local economies . We are grateful for this investment in our region .”
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