Business Assistance

Incentive Programs

The City of Sharonville is committed to the development of private enterprises within our corporation limits. We realize that economic development is an important function that promotes and sustains Sharonville as a whole.  The Department of Economic Development administers several programs to help retain and expand current businesses and attract new industry to the city. We base our incentive offerings from data such as annual payroll figures, employee numbers, project investment, and growth projections. Furthermore, the State of Ohio has incentive programs in addition to a variety of funding programs administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

Community Reinvestment Areas

The City of Sharonville has four pre-1994 Community Reinvestment Areas or (CRAs) that provides property owners a tax exemption for investing in property improvements and new construction. The purpose and ultimate goal of our Community Reinvestment Areas is to incentivize revitalization and growth where barriers to investment exist.
 
The length of the abatement is project specific and will be determined, on a case by case basis, depending on the amount of capital investment, associated job growth, and the type of industry. The exemption is applicable to new construction, expansion projects, and certain substantial building improvements made to both commercial and industrial buildings. The final building exemption value is determined by the Hamilton County Auditor. Applications for the Community Reinvestment Area program can be found here:  Community Reinvestment Area Application

If you are seeking to receive a tax abatement for your project, it is critical that you contact the Department of Economic Development before beginning your project. A completed application (project intake form) must be completed and submitted to be considered for this program.

Job Creation Incentive Grant

In Sharonville, we want to see our companies grow and thrive. While high contruction costs, inflation, and other factors can be barriers to growth, we seek to help companies overcome these hurdles and reward their investment. Our Job Creation Incentive Grant is available to current businesses and new businesses who intend to create more than 15 new jobs in Sharonville with a minimum payroll of $1,000,000 dollars within three years. This program is project specific and eligibility will vary depending on the amount of capital investment, new employee payroll, and other potential commitments. Applications for the Job Creation Incentive Grant can be found here: Job Creation Incentive Grant Application. An application (project intake form) must be completed and submitted before your project begins and is subject to city council's final approval and an executed agreement with the city.

Small Business Improvement Grant

As part of the City of Sharonville’s commitment to support the unique needs of small businesses, the City has adopted a financial incentive program for owners/tenants of small businesses located in Sharonville who make facade and other improvements to their buildings. The program allocates funding in the form of a reimbursable grant up to $10,000. The goal of the program is to spearhead the revitalization of our small businesses, to promote economic growth and investment, and to enhance Sharonville’s desirability and long-term viability. Eligible improvements may include exterior painting or residing of the business, signage, awnings or canopies, exterior lighting, building demolition and other improvements. Please note, that this program is for employers with 30 employees or less. Applications for the Small Business improvement Grant can be found here: Small Business Improvement Grant Application. An application must be completed, submitted, and approved before your undertake your project. You can learn more about the program by contacting the Department of Economic Development.

Tax Increment Finance Districts

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an economic development mechanism available to local governments in Ohio to finance public infrastructure improvements. A TIF works by locking in the taxable worth of real property at the value it holds at the time the authorizing legislation was approved.
 
Payments derived from the increased assessed value of any improvement to real property beyond that amount are directed towards a separate fund to finance the construction of public infrastructure defined within the TIF legislation. Sharonville has enacted legislation to utilize TIF financing and often works with potential development to allow parcels to benefit from TIF financing. The City of Sharonville has three TIF Districts, the Northern Lights TIF, the Downtown Sharonville TIF, and the Gateway TIF.

Application Process

If you are considering the City of Sharonville as a place to relocate or expand your current business, please contact our Economic Development Director David McCandless at 513-588-3918 or dmccandless@cityofsharonville.com before you begin your project. At a subsequent business meeting, information on the project will be obtained, including new payroll and investment numbers.

Thank you for considering the City of Sharonville to open, expand, or enhance your business. We look forward to serving you!