Montgomery County Economic Development FAQ

Montgomery County Economic Development supports business growth, expansion, and location decisions across the county. The team aligns business retention, site selection, incentives, workforce programs, and permitting support. The focus is on reducing time, costs, and uncertainty throughout the project lifecycle.

The organization collaborates with local jurisdictions, regional partners, state agencies, and private employers. Key partners include JobsOhio, the Dayton Development Coalition, workforce agencies, jurisdictions and infrastructure groups. This cooperation eliminates redundancy and accelerates responses.

Firms choose Montgomery County for speed, cost control, coordinated execution, available sites, predictable approvals, and established supply chains. Many compare the county favorably to Midwest and coastal peers on operating costs. Additionally, Montgomery County is within a one-day drive of 60% of the US supply chain, making it easier to meet your customer needs.

Early agency and utility coordination gives businesses clear timelines, defined requirements, and single-point communication, reducing surprises in permitting, construction, and hiring.

Montgomery County targets sectors with proven demand, deep workforce, and aligned infrastructure. These industries show repeat investment and long-term employment stability.

Primary focus areas include:

• Aerospace and MRO
• Logistics and distribution
• Bioscience and medical devices
• Research and technology
• Food processing and packaging
• Foreign Direct Investment opportunities

The region has a long history of aerospace manufacturing tied to aviation innovation. Companies benefit from skilled labor, supplier density, and airport access. Recent investments continue to reinforce this sector.

Montgomery County is competitive for logistics operations because it sits at the intersection of I-70 and I-75, placing a majority of U.S. consumers and manufacturers within a 600-mile radius. Distribution firms use this advantage to shorten delivery times and manage freight costs.

Research firms benefit from proximity to higher education institutions and applied research centers. 42 colleges and universities are within a 1-hour drive. Employers draw from engineering, data, and technical talent pipelines.

The region supports shelf-stable, frozen, and cold-chain food production. Companies access suppliers, packaging partners, and logistics networks within a single operating area. This reduces the number of transport steps and the risk of inventory.

The county works through BusinessFirst! For a Greater Dayton Region. This retention and expansion program has been in operation since 2001. It connects companies to capital, workforce, regulatory, and merger support resources.

BusinessFirst! has met with more than 9,600 businesses across the region. The program focuses on early problem identification and solution matching. Many firms credit the program with helping them avoid relocations and expand facilities.

Small and mid-sized firms access BusinessFirst! and its Resource Partners for growth planning, financing, and compliance assistance.

Available resources include:

• Funding and loan programs
• Business planning tools
• Market and supply chain data
• Regulatory guidance
• Workforce referrals

Montgomery County offers coordinated incentives for business projects based on job creation and capital investment. Programs vary by site, wage level, and project scope, and staff work with partners to assemble a full incentive package.

Common incentives include:

• ED/GE competitive grants
• Enterprise Zone tax abatements
• Opportunity Zone investments
• Foreign Trade Zone benefits
• Port Authority financing

The ED/GE program in Montgomery County supports companies that create and retain jobs through capital investment. Awards are competitive and performance-based, and projects must meet wage, investment, and timeline criteria.

Foreign Trade Zone 100 in Montgomery County allows firms to defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties. It benefits manufacturers, distributors, and importers, and many companies also use FTZ status to reduce paperwork and tax exposure on inventory.

OhioMeansJobs | Montgomery County serves as the primary workforce contact. Employers receive support with recruiting, screening, and training. Services adjust based on company size and hiring volume.

Workforce services include:

• Job postings and outreach
• Candidate screening
• Background checks
• On-the-job training programs
• Labor market data

Montgomery County employs over 270,000 people in major sectors. Manufacturing, healthcare, education, logistics, and professional services dominate the workforce. This mix supports both industrial and office employers.

Montgomery County supports dislocated workers and new hires through on-the-job training with Project Hire. Employers gain trained staff aligned to their processes, lowering early turnover and training costs.

Montgomery County supports development with over $1 billion in infrastructure investments since 2004. Investments benefit roads, utilities, and industrial sites, and Transportation Improvement Districts help fund projects tied to economic growth.

Montgomery County offers airport access via Dayton International Airport, which supports passenger and cargo operations near major employment centers. Six commercial and freight airports operate within a short drive, supporting domestic and international logistics needs.

Montgomery County companies access Norfolk Southern and CSX intermodal facilities within 40 to 60 miles. These connections support long-haul freight and port access, and rail options reduce dependence on truck-only shipping.

The county has experience with multinational firms and first-time U.S. investors. Staff assists with site selection, incentives, and local coordination. BusinessFirst! Resource Partners have services that can support cross-border partnership.

The Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority supports business projects in Montgomery County through financing and facility development. It helps companies secure capital for construction and renovation, and many projects use Port Authority tools to close funding gaps.

Employees benefit from an affordable cost of living and a variety of housing options. The region offers arts organizations, parks, and recreation assets. These factors support recruitment and long-term retention.

Montgomery County provides families with highly rated public schools, private options, and strong access to higher education, with 42 institutions nearby. This supports both families and workforce development.

Site selectors can contact Montgomery County Economic Development early in the process. Early engagement improves data access and timeline alignment. Staff coordinates responses across jurisdictions and partners.

Montgomery County invites businesses to start project discussions by reaching out directly by phone or email. Staff will assess project needs and outline next steps, with all conversations remaining confidential and data-driven.