Capital Access & Economic Incentives

SOAR CIC bridges the financial gap for businesses looking to expand in the Oak Openings Region. We facilitate a sophisticated stack of local, state, and federal incentives designed to lower the cost of doing business while protecting the township’s fiscal health.

Financial Tools

Direct Grants & Loans

Leveraging revenue from the Spencer Whitehouse Joint Economic Development Zone (JEDZ), SOAR CIC administers direct grants and revolving loans. These funds are targeted at businesses that create high-quality jobs or align with our sustainable development goals.

Tax Abatement & Redirection

We serve as the facilitating agency for property tax abatements under the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) and Enterprise Zone (EZ) programs. Current zones include EZ 297C, offering abatements on real property improvements for eligible industrial projects.

Debt Shielding

SOAR CIC has the authority to incur debt, mortgage property, and issue obligations for construction projects. This debt structure is held by the CIC, distinct from the Township, protecting the taxpayer base while enabling capital-intensive infrastructure projects.

External Resources

We work closely with regional and state partners to layer incentives. Review their guidelines below:

• Lucas County Auditor: Real Estate Tax Incentive Guidelines
• Regional Growth Partnership (RGP): Northwest Ohio Investment Data
• Ohio Department of Development: Ohio Enterprise Zone Program