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JobsOhio Inclusion Grant Program

JobsOhio New Program Helps Dayton Projects Take Flight 

Created in 2020, the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant (JOIG) exists to provide financial support for eligible projects in designated distressed communities and businesses owned by underrepresented populations across the state. Grants awarded are based on several project factors, including but not limited to company location, company ownership, jobs created and/or retained, and project fixed asset investment. In 2021, the JOIG program helped several projects throughout different industries take flight. 


Exhibit Concepts Inc.: Professional Services Industry

Located in Vandalia, Exhibit Concepts Inc. is an award-winning event marketing partner that designs and produces experiential environments, including domestic and international trade shows, museums, executive briefing centers, corporate interiors, experiential education classrooms, vehicle marketing and tours, experiential and interactive engagements, creative and design services, and program management. Exhibit Concepts is woman-owned and earned a National Women’s Business Enterprise Certification in 2010.


The pandemic’s devastating effect on tradeshows nationwide reduced Exhibit Concepts revenue by over 70%. Before the shutdown, Exhibit Concepts launched NEXT Lab, an in-house media group, to produce videos and engagements for our exhibits. Exhibit Concepts immediately redirected their team to develop virtual events and experiences to supplement the lack of live tradeshows and events. 


To combat these issues, JobsOhio awarded Exhibit Concepts a $25,000 inclusion grant which helped create 11 new jobs and retain 92 jobs. “The inclusion grant from JobsOhio provided tremendous assistance in construction and equipping a dedicated studio space within our Vandalia facility to continue to professionally produce videos, podcasts, virtual events, and other media to support all channels of our business,” said Kelli Glasser, Exhibit Concepts’ President & CEO.     


CANARY Consulting Inc.: Insurance Industry  


CANARY Consulting Inc. helps design new products for insurance companies and bring them to market through actuarial support and regulatory compliance. Located in Dayton, CANARY’S business model is built entirely on the value of proposition of diversity and inclusion by attracting and retaining diverse talent. The company has invested in insurance innovation and plans to be an industry leader for the development of young talent. 


CANARY has grown significantly in the last five years and expects to continue this kind of exponential growth over the next five years as well. To assist with this exponential growth, JobsOhio awarded CANARY Consulting a $50,000 inclusion grant which helped create 30 new jobs and retain 12 jobs. “This grant enables us to continue the important work of investing in our business, investing in our community, and investing in the insurance industry,” said CANARY Consulting Actuary, Kyle Babirad. 


Incenta Rewards, LLC: Employment/Personnel Industry


 Located in Washington Township, Incenta Rewards offers loyalty and incentive programs to companies, creating customized programs with a web portal for each client. In 2018, Incenta Rewards was recognized as Dayton’s #1 Fastest Growing Company and Business of the Year For Family-Owned businesses in the Greater Miami Valley Region. 


In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Incenta Rewards revenues when their large gift events were halted due to CDC guidelines related to COVID-19 events and crowd sizes. To combat this issue, Incenta owners determined that their proprietary online reward platform needed an upgrade. JobsOhio’s inclusion grant of $25,000 helped Incenta Rewards to fast-track the software development to enhance their platform and created three new jobs and retained five. “The timing of JobsOhio’s Inclusion Grant could not have been any better,” said Incenta Rewards President, Joe Jones. 


 

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