FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Secretary of State Husted: 2012 Marks Record Year for Number of New Business Filings in Ohio
More new companies chose Ohio to do business last year than in previous years.

COLUMBUS – Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that the number of new companies that filed in Ohio in 2012 set a record for the state, based on data available. In total, 88,068 new entities filed to do business last year – the most in the state’s 209 year history. 

“More companies choosing to do business in our state helps grow our economy and increases job prospects for people across Ohio,” Secretary Husted said. “My office will continue our efforts to make setting up a business in Ohio as easy as possible.”

Secretary Husted also noted that more than 2.1 million new businesses have filed with the state since Ohio officially became a state in 1803.

Last month, Secretary Husted announced that 2012 year-end filing figures for new businesses showed three consecutive years of growth. In fact, data showed that the number of new companies that filed with the state increased 16.5 percent from 2009 to 2012. Additional information on that announcement is available here.

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.

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.

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For more information, please contact Alexis Zoldan at (614) 995-2239.