Resources
Browse our list of Business and Economic Development Resource or jump to a specific organization by selecting from the list below.
Local Organizations
- Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce
- Main Street Ravenna
- Community Improvement Corporation
- Neighborhood Development Services
- Regional Income Tax Agency
- Statues, Codes & Laws
County Partners
- Portage Development Board
- Portage County Port Authority
- Portage County Regional Planning Commission
- Portage County
- Portage County Auditor
State Organizations
Ohio Development Services Agency
OHIO’S GO-TO RESOURCE FOR BUSINESS INFO & PROGRAMS, FROM TAX INCENTIVES TO JOB CREATION.
FROM THE OHIO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGENCY…
“It is the mission of the Ohio Development Services Agency to help create jobs and build strong communities in Ohio, while ensuring accountability and transparency of taxpayer money exceptional customer service.”
The Development Services Agency (DSA) was established in September 2012 to provide oversight and coordination of economic development in Ohio.
JobsOhio is the private, nonprofit organization designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts in conjunction with regional partners around the state. Development Services Agency works with JobsOhio to evaluate return on investment of publicly-funded incentives.
Development Services Agency provides support to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and minority-owned business in Ohio; supports communities in growing their economies, with special attention to the needs of Ohio’s Appalachian region; and supports tourism industries through TourismOhio, by promoting Ohio as a destination for visitors or people looking for quality of life and a place to establish a business.
OHIO MEANS JOBS
AVAILABLE ON THE ODSA WEBSITE, OHIO MEANS JOBS IS A PART OF THE MULTI-LAYERED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TOOL THAT FEATURES JOB POSTINGS, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND TRAINING.
FROM THE ODSA WORKFORCE…
“The availability of a reliable, skilled workforce is one of the most important factors for businesses planning to expand or relocate. That is why Ohio is committed to continuously developing its workforce and creating jobs, ensuring that employers have a competitive advantage in the 21st century global marketplace.”
JOBS OHIO
JOBSOHIO IS A PRIVATE NONPROFIT CORPORATION DESIGNED TO DRIVE JOB CREATION AND NEW CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN OHIO THROUGH BUSINESS ATTRACTION, RETENTION AND EXPANSION EFFORTS. FROM SITE SELECTION TO R&D GRANTS, JOBS OHIO HAS A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS THAT MAY FIT YOUR NEEDS. CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR MORE ON JOBSOHIO, OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE.
FROM JOBS OHIO…
“Economic development is about creating a place where companies can thrive and individuals can enjoy a higher standard of living. JobsOhio plays a leading role in economic development and serves as a catalyst to accelerate growth by investing in communities, helping Ohio’s businesses expand and attracting new companies to the state – all contributing to job creation, greater payrolls and more investment.
Making a difference is a core value for JobsOhio. Our strategies and programs are designed to improve the lives of Ohioans and strengthen the communities where they live.”
PORTAGE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
PORTAGE COUNTY’S MAIN SOURCE FOR REGIONAL BUSINESS INFORMATION. FROM PROGRAMS & CONNECTIONS TO DATA AND STATISTICS, PBD IS A STRONG PARTNER IN THE CITY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPE. CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF THE PORTAGE DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TOOLS TO ASSIST WITH YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS.
FROM THE PORTAGE DEVELOPMENT BOARD…
“The Portage Development Portage Board (PDB) partners with businesses and individuals, who choose Portage County to locate, build and grow their enterprises. Let us help you with information on financing, tax incentives, real estate and property, and anything you want to know about the benefits of doing business in Portage County.”
Neighborhood Development Services
THE CITY OF RAVENNA PARTNERS WITH NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, TO OFFER A VARIETY OF BUSINESS SOLUTIONS IN THE AREAS OF FINANCING AND JOB CREATION. NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES IS A FULL SERVICE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY THAT PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN RAVENNA’S DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FINANCING AND JOB CREATION, REVOLVING LOAN FUND ADMINISTRATION, PROJECT ADMINISTRATION, GRANT IMPLEMENTATION, AND REAL ESTATE, DEVELOPMENT. CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS WHAT TOOLS NDS MAY HAVE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PROJECT, OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE.
FROM NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES…
“NDS provides loans for new or existing businesses who create or retain jobs. We take the time to look at each project at an individual level, ensuring the best plan for your business. NDS has the capacity to independently provide up to 45% of the financing needs for your project, and up to 90% in partnership with a primary lender. Because NDS has access to various funding sources, our underwriting can be tailored to fit unique opportunities.”
PORTAGE COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY
THE PORTAGE COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY (PCPA), PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL FOR PORTAGE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF RAVENNA. CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF PORT AUTHORITY RESOURCES ARE A FIT FOR YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS.
FROM THE PORTAGE COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY…
“Because of our tax-exempt status, the Portage County Port Authority can pass savings on to economic development projects. That makes more projects possible. The PCPA can also:
- Loan monies at competitive rates and terms
- Acquire and sell property to economic development projects
- Own, lease, sell, and construct improvements to real property
- Issue revenue bonds for port authority facilities
- Receive federal and state grants and loans and other public funds
These are just a few of the many benefits provided to Portage County by the PCPA.”
PORTAGE COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
THE PORTAGE COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES FOR PORTAGE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF RAVENNA. CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PORTAGE COUNTY RPC AND IT’S VAST ARRAY OF SERVICES.
FROM THE PORTAGE COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION…
“The Portage County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) is a public planning agency that provides a range of planning services to portage county communities and citizens. The commission is made up of representatives appointed by dues-paying members from political units of the county. The planning commission meets monthly to act on subdivisions, zoning regulations and zoning amendments. PCRPC also administers and writes grants, creates plans and digital maps, advises residents on land splits, and provides data pertinent to portage county.”
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION
THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION OF RAVENNA, A 501(C)3 CORPORATION ORGANIZED UNDER OHIO REVISED CODE CHAPTER 1724, PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING AND ADVANCING COMMERCIAL AND CIVIC DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF RAVENNA AND SURROUNDING REGION.
THE CIC IS UTILIZED BY THE CITY OF RAVENNA TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MATTERS. FROM COMMUNITY PLANNING TO LAND ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION, THE CIC SERVES AS A VITAL COG IN THE CITY’S OVERALL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPE. SOME OF THE VARIOUS INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN BY THE CIC INCLUDE THE OVERSIGHT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY’S COMMUNITY PLAN, COORDINATING THE START-UP OF A BUSINESS INCUBATOR FACILITY AND PROGRAM, AND ASSISTING THE CITY IN THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR A FUTURE DOWNTOWN PARK. THE CIC ALSO PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN FACILITATING REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS WITH THE PORTAGE COUNTY LAND BANK ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RAVENNA’S COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE CIC’S VITAL AND ACTIVE ROLE IN THE CITY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH ITS COMMITMENT TO A SET OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES CREATED SPECIFICALLY TO DEFINE THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CITY:
FROM THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION…
“CIC Vision Statement: The CIC is the City’s key partner, leveraging Ravenna’s proud history for continued growth and progressive opportunities.”
“CIC Mission Statement: The Ravenna CIC is dedicated to promoting economic and community development to ensure Ravenna remains a preferred choice for businesses, investors, and residents.”
See a full list of scheduled 2022 Community Improvement Corporation meetings below:
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION
THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION PROVIDES THE COLLECTION AND ADMINISTRATION OF MOST STATE TAXES, SEVERAL LOCAL TAXES, AND THE OVERSIGHT OF REAL PROPERTY TAXATION. THE DEPARTMENT ALSO DISTRIBUTES REVENUE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, LIBRARIES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION IS ALSO THE HOME OF THE OHIO BUSINESS GATEWAY, THE STATE’S ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR INCOME TAX FILING. VISIT THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
STATE OF OHIO TREASURER’S OFFICE
THE OHIO TREASURER’S OFFICE OFFERS SEVERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS THAT RANGE FROM SMALL BUSINESS LOANS, TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY LOAN REDUCTIONS, TO AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS. CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAMS OFFERED BY THE OHIO TREASURER’S OFFICE, OR VISIT THE STATE TREASURER’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PAGE’S ON THEIR WEBSITE.
STATE OF OHIO AUDITOR’S OFFICE
THE OHIO AUDITOR’S OFFICE ENSURES THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF OHIO’S PUBLIC ENTITIES ARE MONITORED FOR ACCURACY, INTEGRITY, AND TRANSPARENCY.ALL OF THE CITY OF RAVENNA’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW ON THE AOS WEBSITE AT OR VIEW THE ENTIRE AUDITOR’S SITE.
FROM THE STATE AUDITOR’S OFFICE…
“As one of five independently elected statewide offices under Ohio’s Constitution, the Auditor of State’s office strives for clean, accountable and efficient governments for the people of Ohio.
With a statewide staff of more than 800 auditors and other professionals, the Auditor of State’s office is responsible for auditing all public offices in Ohio — more than 5,900 entities — including cities, counties, villages, townships, schools, state universities and public libraries as well as all state agencies, boards and commissions.
The Auditor’s office also offers performance auditing for state and local public offices, identifies and investigates fraud in public agencies, provides financial services to local governments and promotes transparency in government.”
PORTAGE COUNTY
AS THE COUNTY SEAT, THE CITY OF RAVENNA’S ROLE IN PORTAGE COUNTY REMAINS VITAL. THE CITY’S PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY, AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROVIDES YET ANOTHER RESOURCE TO NOT ONLY OUR CITY’S, BUT OUR REGION’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS.
PORTAGE COUNTY AUDITOR
THE COUNTY AUDITOR’S OFFICE MAINTAINS AND PROVIDES INFORMATION ON PROPERTY TAX RECORDS IN ADDITION TO HAVING STATUTORY ACCOUNTING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE COUNTY. ONLINE PROPERTY TAX INQUIRES ARE ON THEIR WEBSITE.
RAVENNA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE RAVENNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS AN INTEGRAL PARTNER IN THE CITY’S ONGOING CIVIC GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT. CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR MORE ON THE CHAMBER’S ROLE IN EXISTING AND POTENTIAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, OR VISIT THE CHAMBER’S WEBSITE.
FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE…
“The Ravenna area Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to Ravenna, the seat of Portage County. Located in the heart of northeast Ohio, Ravenna plays a vital role in Ohio’s business and industry growth. Ravenna captures that small town spirit in its thriving city center. The Ravenna chamber is composed of business and professional people working together to make the Ravenna area a better place to conduct business as well as a great place to live and work.”
MAIN STREET RAVENNA
THE MAIN STREET RAVENNA GROUP, AN ORGANIZATION WITH ITS PRIMARY FOCUS ON PROMOTING ALL THINGS DOWNTOWN RAVENNA, IS YET ANOTHER CIVIC PARTNER IN THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT AND RENAISSANCE HAPPENING IN THE CITY TODAY. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MAIN STREET RAVENNA CONTACT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OR VISIT MAIN STREET RAVENNA’S WEBSITE.
FROM MAIN STREET RAVENNA…
“Main Street Ravenna is a 501(c)3 that was developed through the concerted efforts of members of the Ravenna community, including business owners, representatives of city government, and community members. With a respect for history and an eye toward the future, in 2016 we contacted Heritage Ohio to begin the process of becoming a Full Main Street Program.
All of us are volunteers and partners who serve on the Board of Directors and working committees to implement our Mission Statement:
Celebrate and utilize downtown Ravenna to establish a place where businesses thrive and people create moments together.
Our 16-member Board of Directors provides oversight and sets strategies and goals to achieve its Mission. As we become a full Main Street Program, our Executive Director, Julie McLain, has been hired to manage the day-to-day operations and promote our community locally and regionally.”
REGIONAL INCOME TAX AGENCY
THE RITA AGENCY ADMINISTERS & COLLECTS INCOME TAXES FOR THE CITY OF RAVENNA. FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING MUNICIPAL TAXATION OR TO ESTABLISH A CITY OF RAVENNA TAX ACCOUNT, VISIT THE RITA WEBSITE.
STATUTES, CODES, & LAWS:
OHIO REVISED CODE: THE OHIO REVISED CODE CONTAINS ALL CURRENT STATUTES OF THE OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF A PERMANENT AND GENERAL NATURE, CONSOLIDATED INTO PROVISIONS, TITLES, CHAPTERS AND SECTIONS. HOWEVER, THE ONLY OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ENACTMENTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS THE LAWS OF OHIO; THE OHIO REVISED CODE IS ONLY A REFERENCE.
OHIO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE: THE OHIO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CONTAINS ALL OF THE RULES PASSED BY THE VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES.
CITY OF RAVENNA CHARTER: THE CITY OF RAVENNA IS A CHARTER CITY WHEREBY ITS GOVERNING SYSTEM IS DEFINED BY ITS OWN CHARTER DOCUMENT RATHER THAN BY GENERAL LAW. IN STATES WHERE CITY CHARTERS ARE ALLOWED BY LAW, A CITY CAN ADOPT OR MODIFY ITS ORGANIZING CHARTER AS ESTABLISHED AND PRESCRIBED IN THE CHARTER ITSELF.
CITY OF RAVENNA CODIFIED ORDINANCES: THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES ARE THOSE LAWS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY. THEY DIFFER FROM OTHER ORDINANCES IN THAT THEY ARE OF A PERMANENT NATURE. COUNCIL MAY AMEND THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES FROM TIME TO TIME THROUGH ITS LEGISLATIVE ENACTMENTS.