Business Retention & Expansion
A majority of a community’s job growth is driven by existing businesses. These businesses play a critical role in the local economy by providing jobs, contributing to tax revenues, investing in infrastructure, and supporting community development. GROW Licking County places a strong emphasis on business retention and expansion (BR&E) as a core strategy for fostering long-term economic prosperity.
By focusing on the needs of existing businesses, GROW works to ensure that they remain healthy, competitive, and positioned for growth. Through proactive support, such as addressing workforce challenges and providing resources for expansion, GROW aims to create a stable and thriving local economy. This approach not only secures existing jobs, but also encourages the creation of new ones.
The primary goal of the BR&E program is to actively support the needs of local businesses through ongoing, proactive engagement. This approach is designed to not only address immediate concerns but also to anticipate future challenges that businesses might face, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to thrive. One of the central components of the BR&E program is engaging in regular communication with business owners and leaders. These meetings serve as a platform to identify specific needs and challenges that businesses are encountering, whether it be workforce shortages, regulatory hurdles, supply chain disruptions, or access to capital.
In addition to addressing concerns, a key objective of this program is to build strong, long-term relationships to create an environment where businesses feel supported and are more likely to remain committed to the community. Our partnerships with local employment agencies such as OhioMeansJobs Licking County help support workforce development. There are also many opportunities for upskilling current employees through programs at our local educational institutions.
The BR&E program actively encourages local business expansion by identifying opportunities for growth and providing assistance with the necessary resources, such as site selection, workforce training, or access to incentives. By helping existing businesses expand, the BR&E program not only helps create new jobs but also strengthens the overall economic stability of the region. Ultimately, these efforts ensure that local businesses remain competitive, continue to grow, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the community.
