COLUMBUS – Ohio has again defied expectations by recording another monthly record in new business filings with 22,176 new business filings in the month of April, rocketing past 20,000 for the first time in Ohio history.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, many expected that new business filings would drop significantly,” said Secretary of State Frank LaRose. “Who would be so bold, so courageous to start a business amid all of this uncertainty? The answer is that Ohio entrepreneurs are bold and courageous and despite these significant headwinds, Ohio continues to shatter monthly and yearly business filings records as more and more Ohioans look to create a new business and enter the free market economy as a business owner. I continue to be impressed by the resiliency and grit of Ohioans and their industrious, entrepreneurial spirit and am proud to live in a state that encourages and collaborates with our next generation of job creators.”

Establishing a new business in Ohio has become increasingly quick and easy through the Ohio Secretary of State’s Ohio Business Central website, OhioBusinessCentral.gov. Ohio’s business-friendly climate and the array of resources available to Ohio entrepreneurs has helped Ohio break new business filing records every month in 2021.

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.

QUICK FACTS:

• A record 22,176 new businesses were created in Ohio in April 2021.
• New business filings were 93.7% higher than in April 2020 (11,447).
• New business filings in 2020 totaled 171,073, beating 2019’s previous record of 130,621.
• Ohio entrepreneurs can visit OhioSoS.gov/BusinessResources to discover the helpful opportunities available to them that can help them start and grow their business.

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