JobsOhio launches major relocation incentive to attract STEM and tech talent
JobsOhio has unveiled a bold new initiative aimed at bolstering Ohio’s skilled workforce: the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive. This program offers Ohio employers a generous $15,000 for each qualified STEM or technical hire who relocates from out of state, with a cap of $225,000 per company—equivalent to 15 hires—on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
“Ohio’s economic comeback continues, and that momentum puts our state in an enviable position of preparing to fill hundreds of thousands of STEM and technical jobs coming online by 2032,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef.
Program Highlights & Objectives
Financial Incentive: Employers will receive $15,000 per relocating hire who starts full‑time, establishes permanent Ohio residency, and exceeds the baseline of past out-of-state hires.
Maximum Funding: A company can claim up to $225,000, covering up to 15 qualifying hires—until program funds are expended.
Flexibility: Funds are disbursed with no restrictions on usage—employers may allocate them toward relocation, signing bonuses, recruiting campaigns, or marketing.
Accessibility: It's an inclusive opportunity for employers of all sizes, provided they operate in one of JobsOhio’s 10 targeted industries.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, employers must:
Be Ohio-based and operate within one of JobsOhio’s designated targeted industries.
Hire full‑time W‑2 STEM or technical employees (independent contractors do not qualify).
Provide data on out-of-state STEM/technical hires from the past three calendar years to establish a baseline.
Ensure the new hire relocates to Ohio from out of state and establishes residency before disbursement.
The incentive follows a streamlined process: apply → hire and relocate → request disbursement → receive funds.
A Broader Talent Strategy
The relocation incentive is the latest addition to JobsOhio’s expanding talent ecosystem, which includes:
Find Your Ohio: A national talent attraction platform connecting out-of-state professionals with Ohio opportunities.
Talent Acquisition Services: Custom recruitment support spanning marketing to workforce development.
Workforce Grants: Funding to enhance employee skills and training.
Ohio Discovery Corridor: A network of innovation hubs promoting STEM talent retention across the state.
Next Steps for Employers
Interested companies should visit jobsohio.com/relo to learn more about the program, review full eligibility requirements, and access detailed guidelines.
The application—available online—must be completed in a single session and includes fields for company details, hiring history, and qualifying candidate information. Once approved, employers can submit documentation for each eligible hire and manage disbursements directly through the portal.