TAX ABATEMENTS
The City of Norwalk is approved as an Enterprise Zone, which permits Real Estate Tax Abatements of up to 100% for up to 10 years for qualified economic development projects.

COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA
Improvements resulting in real property tax increases may be eligible for tax exemptions within our designated Community Reinvestment Area.

PROJECT HIRE
If you are going to hire someone in the near future that has been out of work, you can get up to $6,000 back for on the job training of that individual, if they are approved for the program. You must receive approval through contacting Huron County JFS first before hiring the employee. Over 12 area employers have already participated, hiring 18 employees through this program.

FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM
If you have a business in the Uptown Norwalk Historic District, you may qualify to apply for a Façade grant to improve the exterior of your building. This program requires a 50% match. For program guidelines, contact the Main Street Program Manager’s office at 419-660-8696.

FINANCING
Options include the City of Norwalk Revolving Loan Fund, Bond Financing, and access to all State of Ohio and federal financing incentives. There are also other unique resources we can connect you with – from assistance getting owner financing when purchasing a building to utilizing the resources of the Norwalk Community Development Corporation.

CITY OF NORWALK REVOLVING LOAN FUND
The City’s RLF program is designed to provide gap financing for expanding companies that plan to create jobs, particularly for low to moderate income households. Up to 50% of the eligible fixed asset costs can be funded through this low-interest loan. The loan can help companies acquire real estate, construct or renovate buildings, and purchase machinery and equipment. Applicants can download an application or call the Norwalk Economic Development Corporation at 419-668-9858 for more information.

166 DIRECT LOAN
This Ohio Department of Development loan is available to help finance fixed asset investments (acquire land and building, new construction, renovate existing building, acquire machinery and equipment) at 30% of total eligible fixed costs to a maximum of $1 million (minimum $350,000). The rate is currently set at two-thirds of prime and at least 10 percent equity is required from the borrower. Assistance from this program requires approval by the Development Financing Advisory Council (DFAC) and the State Controlling Board.

TAX CREDITS
Job Creation, R & D and Training Tax Credits are just a few of the tax credit programs available from the Ohio Department of Development. For more information on the State’s site, click here

For information on the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit or filming in Ohio, go to the Ohio Film Office.

OHIO ENTERPRISE BOND FUND
Tax exempt and taxable bond financing is available through the Ohio Enterprise Bond Fund which can finance up to 90% of the project costs (acquire land and building, new construction, renovate existing building, acquire new and used machinery and equipment) to a maximum of $10 million (minimum of $2 million) at a fixed rate for up to 20 years.

ADDITIONAL STATE FINANCING PROGRAMS
If you would like more information on the following State programs, go to our FINANCING page

• Innovation Ohio Loan Fund Program, Research & Development Investment Loan Fund Program, Minority Business Direct Loan Program, Minority Business Bonding Program, Ohio Capital Access Program, Rural Industrial Park Loan

TRAINING GRANTS & WORKFORCE SUPPORT
Training Workers to Advance Grant 2 (TWA-2)
Huron County is fortunate to be one of a few counties that have access to a unique program that pays for approximately 75% of the approved training costs. This program initially goes through a local approval process. This program targets incumbent and dislocated workers being trained in any of the four areas: Manufacturing, Health Care, Technology and Advanced Energy.

The Ohio Department of Development also has dollars to support training programs at companies. Most of their opportunities provide from 75 to 50 percent reimbursement to companies to fund instructional costs, materials and training-related activities. There is an emphasis on manufacturing and selected employment sectors. We are happy to put you in contact with our ODOD Regional Workforce Director that works with Norwalk area businesses.

Job Screening Services, Hiring Assistance, Employee Training & Resources for Dislocated Workers
Through our local Huron County Workforce Response Team partners and the Workforce Development Coordinator’s office at Huron County Job and Family Services, businesses can access funding for customized employee training, job screening services, hiring assistance, and resources for down-sized employees.