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City of Powell, Ohio

Economic Development

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Business Retention & Expansion


The founder of Meristem Crop Performance, a biotech firm founded and headquartered in the City of Powell, was recently awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. READ MORE (subscription required)


Partnering for Prosperity: 

At the heart of our vibrant community, we view every single business as a crucial partner in Powell's success and future. Your enterprise, whether large or small, established or emerging, is essential to the economic vitality and unique character of our city.

The City of Powell is deeply committed to fostering an environment where all businesses can not only survive but truly grow and thrive. We don't just wait for opportunities to appear—we actively work alongside you to explore ways to harness opportunities and provide proactive solutions to challenges and operational hurdles. Our goal is to ensure you have the resources, connections, and support needed to expand your footprint and achieve your objectives right here in Powell.

We believe that open communication and a collaborative spirit are key. Any City of Powell based business is encouraged to reach out and set up a dedicated time to discuss their current needs, future goals, or any issues they may be facing.

Contact our Economic Development Administrator Sean Hughes at [email protected]

Let's work together to make your business's future in Powell prosperous.


Access to Resources

  • The Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University for a variety of small business resources
  • Workforce Partners
  • Business Training Partners
  • Finance Providers
  • Marketing Partners

Powell Business Gathering

We believe that the strength of a local economy is built on the businesses creating a supportive community. The Powell Business Gathering is a monthly PDC hosted informal event that allows our businesses to come together and discuss opportunities to collaborate, create opportunities and solve problems.

Upcoming events

Performance Based Business Retention & Expansion Grant

The Powell Development Corporation (PDC) offers the Performance Based Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Grant to help sustain and grow qualifying local businesses. This matching grant is designed to provide financial assistance for the purchase of equipment, services, or other critical items needed for retention or expansion projects.

How the Grant Works

  • Goal: To offset costs for projects critical to business retention and growth, such as workforce development, relocation, expansion, or the acquisition of necessary equipment and services.

  • Funding: Grants may cover up to 100% of eligible costs, with a maximum limit of $15,000.*

*Note: Reimbursement is provided after project completion upon certification of costs and compliance.

  • Process: Applications are requested by the Economic Development staff following discussions with a business through the City’s BRE program, ensuring the requested assistance is already vetted and positively impactful.

    The Powell Development Corporation Board of Directors considers a recommendation from the Economic Development Administrator along with the grant application.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a grant, your business must meet the following criteria:

  • Location: Must have an address within the City of Powell municipal limits.

  • Duration: Must have been operating in the City of Powell for a minimum of one year.

  • Employment: Must employ one or more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

  • Engagement: Must be actively working with the City’s Economic Development staff on a retention or expansion project.

Examples of Eligible Costs

Funds can be used to help offset expenses for items such as:

  • Machinery and equipment

  • Software and services that promote growth

  • Real estate lease or purchase assistance

  • Construction or buildout costs

  • Training, education, and certification

Download the full Performance Based Business Retention & Expansion Grant Program guidelines HERE.



Sean Hughes
Economic Development Administrator
[email protected]

Address:
47 Hall St.,
Powell, Ohio 43065
614-885-5380 x1043

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