A Business-Forward Economy
The Columbus Region’s economy is the stable base for innovation at all levels of business. A favorable economic environment attracts established businesses and startups alike.
A Closer Look at the Economy
The Columbus Region’s economy is built on a highly diversified base of companies, with no single industry representing more than 17% of employment. Some of the world’s most recognizable brands—including ScottsMiracle-Gro, Express, JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide and Abercrombie & Fitch—thrive alongside innovative startups and unique small businesses. With support from top-ranked educational and research institutions and an ever-growing venture capital community, the Columbus Region offers a stable environment for companies looking to grow in a variety of sectors.
Top 9
LOGISTICS SPOTLIGHT
6th best
BUSINESS CLIMATE
Top tech
TALENT MARKET
Key Industries
Whether you’re joining one of these established communities or breaking ground on a new industry for the Region, the economy is the perfect business catalyst. The Columbus Region leads the market in these key advanced industries:
The Columbus Region’s smart mobility assets and convenient testing grounds provide the ideal environment for companies to innovate across both traditional manufacturing and new technologies.
The Columbus Region is home to some of the world’s most recognizable retail and apparel brands that drive global innovation.
Global banking institutions and financial technology companies continue to change the industry for the better from right here in the Columbus Region.
Strong manufacturing, sophisticated research and development, and access to industry and consumers make the Columbus Region ripe for the food and beverage industry.
Some of the Columbus Region’s largest employers are part of the insurance and insurtech industry in the Columbus Region.
From medical breakthroughs to cutting-edge technology, the Columbus Region is home to one of the most dynamic life sciences communities in the country.
The Midwest welcomed a new and exciting industry when Intel chose the Columbus Region for a record-setting investment in its newest chip manufacturing site.
Operations
When your company needs a place to do what it does best, the Columbus Region has a spot for you. With many advantages for business operations, from strategically sound location to logistics infrastructure, the Columbus Region makes doing business easy.
Technology operations are deep and diverse, spanning industries such as retail, finance and headquarter operations.
Some of the world’s most recognizable brands choose the Columbus Region for their headquarters and back-office operations.
The Columbus Region is a global logistics hub that supports some of the world’s largest brands and top logistics service providers, making it a critical link in industrial and consumer supply chains.
The Columbus Region represents the future of manufacturing. Alongside longtime industry giants, the next generation of visionary leaders is emerging with new goods and solutions for the modern consumer.
The Columbus Region was built for innovation, and businesses answer the call. R&D is the common denominator across all the industries.
Top Employers
You’re in good company. Get to know your future neighbors, the businesses that are growing across the Region. These Fortune 500 and 1000 companies and venture-backed startups and unicorns make the Columbus Region a collaborative and innovative business community.
OVER $4B
IN VENTURE CAPITAL RAISED SINCE 2020
438
FOREIGN-OWNED ESTABLISHMENTS
Company Expansions
Companies are increasingly choosing the Columbus Region over Silicon Valley. Learn more why some of the newest residents ranked the Columbus Region highest when it came to finding their ideal sites and building their most advanced facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Business Growth in the Columbus Region
Learn why companies choose the Columbus Region for relocation, expansion, site selection, and long-term growth.
Why should a company consider the Columbus Region for relocation or expansion?
The Columbus Region offers a strategic location, competitive costs, and a collaborative business environment that supports long-term growth. Companies benefit from:
- Access to 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population within a one-day drive
- One of the lowest costs of doing business in the nation
- A diversified, future-focused economy
- A strong pipeline of talent and innovation
What industries are driving the Columbus Region’s economy right now?
Key growth industries in the Columbus Region include:
These industries signal long-term stability, innovation, and global competitiveness.
What incentives or support can businesses access?
For qualifying companies, the One Columbus team helps navigate and secure available funding sources and incentive programs. This includes:
- Identifying and evaluating incentive opportunities
- Coordinating with state and local partners
- Assisting with performance-based programs for companies starting, relocating, or expanding in Ohio
What services are available to growing companies through the Columbus Partnership?
Economic development in the Columbus Region is supported by a coordinated network of regional and state partners.
Through One Columbus and its partners, companies receive:
- Site Selection support
- Incentive navigation
- Workforce and training connections
- Introductions to key public and private partners
- Ongoing expansion and growth support
What should companies know about site selection in the Columbus Region?
The Columbus Region offers a wide range of site options, from large industrial tracts to urban office environments, often at lower costs than larger metros.
One Columbus Provides:
- Customized site selection support
- Access to shovel-ready and certified sites
- Connections to public and private partners
- Fast-moving project coordination
The team has helped more than 600 companies successfully locate or expand in the Region.
Get in Touch
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