Where Business Meets Opportunity in the Dayton Region

A regional business support hub focused on economic development across 12 counties in Western Ohio, centered in Dayton.

Strengthening Our Local Economy

One business at a time.

Growing Opportunities for Success

Connecting to Business Resources for 25 Years.
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    Relocation to the Region

    Discover the opportunities of living and working in Dayton. The region has so much to offer.
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    Business Expansion

    We’re committed to working with our resource partners to help our region's businesses flourish.
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    Regional Initiatives

    The Dayton Region is a hub of innovation, manufacturing, and smart logistics.

    Business
    Resources

    BusinessFirst! connects companies in the Greater Dayton Region with a wide network of resource partners, offering targeted support across key business areas—all to foster growth and a stronger business environment.
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    Powered by Partnership.
    Driven by Progress.

    This region is led by people who want to see our communities and businesses grow and Business First! for a Greater Dayton Region has been working together to make that happen since 2001. With more than 130 Resource Partners and Communities, our Region is fortunate to have built a team who is committed to creating progress, new investments and opportunities.
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    Workforce Talent

    Across the region, you’ll find a wealth of resources ready to help your business connect with the talent it needs to succeed.
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    Resource Partner Directory

    Join forces with 130+ partners who are ready to help your Dayton-area business grow, invest, and thrive.
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    Businesses Reached
    Throughout the Region

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    Resource Partners
    and Communities

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    Consecutive Years being
    a Top 10 Metro for Site Selection

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Our Partners

    The BusinessFirst! Program uses a customer-oriented approach to link businesses with resources that help businesses stay and grow in the community.  The BusinessFirst! Team is a coordinated group of more than 130 economic, community, workforce development and government agencies ready to assist firms to grow.

    BusinessFirst! Member jurisdictions Include:

    Butler Township
    City of Beavercreek
    City of Brookville
    City of Centerville
    City of Clayton
    City of Eaton
    City of Englewood
    City of Fairborn
    City of Germantown
    City of Huber Heights
    City of Kettering
    City of Miamisburg
    City of Middletown
    City of Moraine
    City of Piqua
    City of Riverside
    City of Springboro
    City of Tipp City
    City of Trotwood
    City of Troy
    City of Vandalia
    City of West Carrollton
    City of Xenia
    Greene County
    Harrison Township
    Miami County
    Miami Township
    Village of Farmersvile
    Washington Township

    Featured Resource Partner

    Our Partners

    The Greater West Dayton Incubator (GWDI), established in 2019, is an initiative of the University of Dayton’s L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Created to expand access to entrepreneurial education and business support by removing barriers to entry for small business owners. GWDI provides training, technical assistance, mentorship, and strategic connections to help entrepreneurs launch, stabilize, and scale their businesses.

    Through programs such as the Urban Elevation Accelerator, Business Blitz workshops, and weekly co-working sessions, the incubator strengthens business fundamentals while connecting entrepreneurs to Dayton’s broader economic ecosystem. As an arm of the University of Dayton, GWDI reflects the institution’s commitment to regional prosperity, economic mobility, and community engagement. By equipping entrepreneurs with tools, networks, and visibility, GWDI contributes to a more inclusive and thriving Dayton business landscape.

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    Voices of Regional Success
    Hear what people are saying about BusinessFirst!

    A good example of how BusinessFirst! Works in our communities is the recent relocation/consolidation of WCR, Inc. WCR is a global manufacturer of heat exchangers. They have locations in Fairborn and Washington Court house, and were looking to consolidate the two locations for more efficient operations. Through a broker they found a building in Xenia that met their needs.

    Once contacted, we set the BusinessFirst! protocols into action, notifying our partner communities. With confirmation that they did not have a suitable building, we were able to work with WCR to move into the building in Xenia, and provide assistance in paying for the extensive renovations that would be needed. As a result, we will soon have approximately 120 new jobs to the community.

    Steve Brodsky | OhioCED, MEDP Economic Development Coordinator
    WCR logo

    BusinessFirst! provided Killer Brownie with strategic support that enabled the company to expand operations, invest in new production technologies, and strengthen its community partnerships—particularly in Miamisburg, where city officials and development leaders actively facilitated growth initiatives. This collaboration helped Killer Brownie create over 50 new jobs, enhance its facility planning, and position itself as a key contributor to regional economic development.

    Matt Ross | Vice President of Operations
    Matt Ross

    The BusinessFirst! Program has been a tremendous asset to the City of Xenia. Easy referrals to the many resource partners has helped our businesses find resolutions to issues quickly and with minimal effort. The support we receive from the BusinessFirst! Program, from planning business walks to assisting with roundtables, is as if we have another employee in the economic development department.

    Steve Brodsky | OhioCED, MEDP Economic Development Coordinator
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    The BusinessFirst program is a valuable resource for me as an economic development professional. I have the ability to quickly connect Miamisburg businesses to resources to help them solve problems so they can focus on growing their business.

    Chris Fine | Development Director for City of Miamisburg
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    BusinessFirst! has been a valuable resource and connector in our region. At Sinclair Community College, we’re proud to support small business growth through our Workforce training and development programs like the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program. 10KSB provides business owners with practical business education, access to capital, and a powerful network of peers—helping them grow revenue, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy. Partnerships like BusinessFirst! help amplify our impact by promoting collaboration and visibility for the small business community across the Dayton region.

    Kandise Bobo | MBA, Executive Director
    Kandise Bobo