FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 20, 2011

SECRETARY OF STATE RELEASES NEW BUSINESS FILINGS FOR APRIL

(COLUMBUS) – In the month of April, 7,737 new entities filed to do business in Ohio, according to data released today by Secretary of State Jon Husted. The numbers are up slightly from April of 2010, in which 7,258 new entities filed with the Secretary of State. So far in 2011 (January, February, March and April), the Secretary of State’s office has assisted with 30,172 new business filings. This is also an increase from last year’s 27,950 new business filings during the same time period.

“Business creation is a positive indicator of current and future job creation,” Husted said. “The growth in these business startup numbers is a positive trend for Ohio.”

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 Secretary Husted hopes will add to the discussion of how to improve the state’s overall climate for business. He plans to release this data on a monthly basis.

“Starting a business is a difficult thing to do, but Ohio has millions of people with great ideas and my office is going to partner with entrepreneurs and encourage them to pursue them,” Husted said. “We will continually monitor these numbers and work with the governor and the legislature to do our part in supporting small business growth and bringing economic prosperity to Ohio.”

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.

For a chart of Total New Corporation Filings & Dissolutions/Surrenders in 2001, please click here.

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For more information, please contact Matt McClellan at 614-995-2168 or mmcclellan@sos.state.oh.us.