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Formed in 1982, Hamilton County Development Company, Inc. (HCDC) is a private, not-for-profit economic development corporation that administers three distinct program areas, any one of which in many communities operates as an independent agency.
Business Financing:
Horizon Certified Development Company is one of the leading SBA 504 certified development companies (CDC) in terms of lending volume, creativity in financing and quality of projects. It is the largest 504 lender in the Cincinnati SBA Branch Office, is one of the leading CDC's in both the State of Ohio and nationally. As one of the accredited CDC's, HCDC is recognized for its acumen in structuring challenging small business projects that otherwise would not come to fruition. As Business Week once stated, not all certified development companies are equal, and small business people, when seeking financing, should seek out those who demonstrate the ability to make the 504 program really work on the client's behalf. HCDC's track record covering over 20 years demonstrates this with over 900 loan approvals totaling over $149 million in financing creating over 5,200 jobs.
In addition to the SBA 504 Program, HCDC also administers the Ohio Regional 166 Loan Program on behalf of Ohio Department of Development. This program provides low interest loans to manufacturers and other non-retail companies in the State of Ohio. HCDC has approved 75 loans which have resulted in over 1182 jobs created.
Business Incubation:
HCDC developed and operates a business incubator, the Hamilton County Business Center (HCBC), which provides affordable space, back office support services, an environment conductive to risk-taking and entrepreneurial thinking, and ready access to business management technical assistance. Over 190 companies have progressed through this business incubation program, with 55% of the 138 graduates successfully still in business. Currently, 52 companies are incubator tenants, with an aggregate employment of over 280 employees and an annual payroll totaling more than $9.5 million. With the increasing growth of high-tech industry around the country, there is a greater need for facilities capable of accommodating their requirements. HCBC has become one of the largest incubators in the Ohio Edison Business Incubator Program, which encourages the development of high-tech industry by assisting start-up firms in getting on their feet. These companies represent the economic engine of our future. |
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1775 Mentor Ave. building on HCDC campus | 
1776 Mentor Ave. building on HCDC campus |
County Development Services:
Finally, HCDC operates the Hamilton County Economic Development Office. In this capacity HCDC administers the Enterprise Zone and Community Reinvestment Area programs that provide tax incentives to companies that either locate or expand within the designated areas. As a result of these incentive programs, more than $2.2 billion in new investment has occurred with over 37,900 jobs retained or created. The Economic Development Office is instrumental in efforts to retain and expand existing business and industry in Hamilton County by utilizing a variety of tools. In addition, efforts are underway to help redevelop and revitalize many of the older inner-ring suburbs throughout the County.
HCDC's offices are located at 1776 Mentor Avenue in the City of Norwood, the center of Hamilton County, Ohio. A Board of Trustees representing diverse interests and backgrounds governs the company. The staff of 18 includes many able and experienced specialists working to promote economic development.
Overall, HCDC is a one-stop shop for economic development financing, local community economic development efforts and entrepreneurial assistance. Even with a public purpose mission, HCDC has a "bottom line" responsibility, both programmatically and financially, with its operational impacts measured through community and business development benchmarks.
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