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Economic Development
Helping Business Grow and Assisting in Attraction of New Business

The Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and our sister organization, the Hamilton Economic Development Corporation, HEDC are working hard to retain the businesses we have and to assist others in the attraction of new business to our area. We partner with the City of Hamilton, Butler County, and the Cincinnati USA Partnership to accomplish these goals.

We are actively working to train employees to work at manufacturing companies. Through the Southwest Ohio Manufacturers' Consortium we are promoting a Pre-employment Training Program (PET) in partnership with Butler Tech.  Read the Press Release...

The City of Hamilton and the Downtown Special Improvement District (SID) offer economic development tools to help small businesses.

Downtown Special Improvement District (SID) Incentive Program
IMPROVE Program (Incentives to Maintain Proper Restoration Of Valuable Edifices)
The Downtown Special Improvement District (SID) is offering a building assistance program to downtown Hamilton’s building/business owners.
The purpose of the program is to help the SID’s downtown building/business owners improve the exterior facades of their downtown buildings and/or businesses.
Only building and/or business owners with buildings and/or businesses that are located within the Downtown Special Improvement District may apply for this program.  The approximate boundaries of the SID are High street on the north, Martin Luther King Boulevard on the east, Ludlow Avenue on the south, and Front Street on the west. SID Program information and Application

City of Hamilton
Small Business Outreach Program
The purpose of the program is to provide for efficient communications to small businesses in the City of Hamilton that are considering changes that may require construction and development services, business plan analysis, or some type of associated service that is available in the City of Hamilton. The City of Hamilton has appointed a Small Business Liaison in the Department of Economic Development who will direct business owners through the different community resources available to assist in their expansion or redevelopment efforts. The primary goal of this program is to streamline processes for the small business community and to increase the number of small business firms that are viable in the City of Hamilton.  Learn more about the Small Business Outreach Program 7.64mb.

Design Assistance Program
In order to encourage the establishment of for-profit (or profitable) new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses in Hamilton, the Hamilton Department of Economic Development is offering a Design Assistance Program. This program provides business owners interested in renovating existing buildings or in constructing new buildings with a grant of up to $2,500 to be used for professional architectural/technical services. The design process typically provides the owner with some or all of the following:
●Floor plans showing existing and/or new construction;
●Building facade improvements; and,
●Preliminary building, zoning and safety code analysis.
These items will assist the owner in setting renovation priorities and in securing financing for the project.
Learn more about the Design Assistance Program
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Our Partners
Business Incubators

ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESSES!
We understand that small businesses are critical to our economic strength, to building our future, and helping our region compete in today’s competitive marketplace.  The Chamber would like to get the word out as to what is available to help small businesses in our area.  This month we will focus our attention on the many services and incentives available to small businesses in Greater Hamilton and Butler County.  The following will give you an overview of some of the services and incentives offered to small businesses in Hamilton and the surrounding area.

Small Business Liaison
Before you start your next new or expansion commercial construction project in the City of Hamilton and even before you purchase your next parcel or building, be sure to contact Chris Xeil Lyons at  the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Department 513-785-7078. Chris Xeil is the City’s liaison between government and your business.  She can assist you with issues such as permitting, zoning, signage, and other things related to your project.  Call Chris Xeil before you buy your property or sign your lease and she’ll assist you in moving your project forward. 

Renewal Community Tax Incentives
Rather than providing grants or guarantees to finance development projects, the Renewal Community initiative offers tax incentives to foster a strong, coordinated effort in the City of Hamilton to attract businesses to designated areas of the City.  There are several tax credits available to you if your business is located in the designated Renewal Community areas of the City.  Again, contact Chris Xeil Lyons at 513-785-7078 to see if your business qualifies for any of the Renewal Community Tax Credits. To learn more about these programs please visit the following website: City of Hamilton Department of Economic Development.

Design Assistance Program
In order to encourage the establishment of for-profit new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses in Hamilton, the City of Hamilton Economic Development Department is offering a Design Assistance Program.  This program provides business owners interested in renovating existing buildings or constructing new buildings with a grant of up to $2,500 to be used for professional  architectural/technical services.  To learn more, call the Chamber and we’ll send you information on the program

Small Business Development Center
Located in the heart of the City at the BizTech Center, 20 High Street, is our Small Business Development Center. The SBDC provides free assistance and consulting services for existing and start up businesses.  The SBDC services include: Business plan development, Business Management, Marketing strategy, Financial Management, Professional & technical referrals, information & resources, Mentorship, and Training. 

Certified Development Company of Butler County
This organization located in Downtown Hamilton is an Ohio Statewide Lender Serving Southwest Ohio.  They offer SBA “504” financing.  The purpose of the 504 loan program is to enable small businesses to finance up to 90% of fixed assets with 3 benefits: Low Down Payments, Long Terms, and Very Competitive Fixed Interest Rates. For more information on this program, visit Certified Development Company of Butler County or call 513-887-3402.

Sustaining Members

Member Benefits
Membership is one of the best decisions a company can make. The Chamber can increase your bottom line and give your company an competitive edge.
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