COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that 2014 marks the fifth year in a row that the state has seen a record number of new entities filing to do business in Ohio. In 2014, 93,775 new businesses filed with the Secretary of State. These numbers surpassed 2013 figures, in which 89,735 filed.
“Ohio continues to be a place where companies want to be located because we are focused on providing quality customer service that understands the needs of business,” Husted said. “By working to roll out the red carpet and cut the red tape we are helping improve the state’s business climate, and that means a stronger economy and more jobs.”
As part of the overall record number of filings for last year, December 2014 saw 7,441 new entities file to do business, which surpassed the 6,941 filings from December 2013.
The steady growth among new businesses is a boon to the economy and for Ohio families, noted Husted. “As more companies start up, they increase the potential for more, good-paying jobs,” he said. “That means families all across the state will not only be able to put a roof over their head, clothes on their back and food on the table, but also have a sense of accomplishment and dignity that they are moving forward.”
Though the most visible role of the Secretary of State is that of chief elections officer, the office is also the first stop for individuals or companies who want to file and start a business in Ohio. While recognizing these numbers can’t provide a complete picture of Ohio’s jobs climate, they are an important indicator of economic activity that Husted hopes will add to the discussion of how to improve the state’s overall climate for business.
NOTE: New business filings are classified as forms filed with the Ohio Secretary of State that declare the formation of a business entity, including for-profit, non-profit and professional corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships. Filing as a business in Ohio does not guarantee the company will begin operations, be profitable or create jobs.
