The economic impact of Ohio's small businesses

TOWNSEND TWP. — On April 30, members of the Huron County Growth Partnership gathered at the Townsend Township Building for a networking breakfast and to listen to a presentation from Roger Geiger on the economic impact of small businesses in Ohio. The mission of the Ohio Small Business Council is to promote and protect the establishment, growth and vitality of small businesses in Ohio. Here are some statistics shared regarding small businesses overall in Ohio: • Ohio is home to more than 1 million small businesses. • About 96% of all businesses in Ohio have 25 or fewer employees. • About 800,000 individuals are self-employed in Ohio. • About 70% of Ohio's first-time job seekers find employment with small businesses • Roughly, 7 out of every 10 small business owners live within 50 miles of where they grew up. • Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to local nonprofits and community causes • About 75% of small businesses donate an average of 6% of their profits to charitable organizations annually. • The average small business owner's annual salary is less than $70,000. • The average startup capital needed for a first-time business is about $10,000 • About 39% of small business owners report working more than 60 hours per week, and nearly 95% report working more than 40 hours per week. • The primary issues that small business owners face today are the rising costs of health care and health insurance coverage, finding quality employees, labor costs and uncertain economic conditions. People can visit ohiochamber.com for more information on the Ohio Chamber and the Small Business Council. Also during the recent meeting, partnership members also looked back at many successes during the first three months of 2025. This would include talking about the 20-plus member-exclusive events and programs, three ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses within Huron County and more. Looking ahead, the partnership will finalize its strategic plan with input from community leaders, board members and stakeholders