Business Services & Resources

A recent survey explored the workforce shortage in Northeast Ohio. The Fund for Our Economic Future has developed a toolkit for employers to help them become Employers of Choice. See more in the video at the bottom of the page. 

Become an Employer of Choice

We are not currently accepting applications for Incumbent Worker Training. When applications are open again, we will post notice here. You can learn more about the program on this page of frequently asked questions

Incumbent Worker Training

OhioMeansJobs Portage County actively addresses the needs our local businesses have for a qualified, trained and skilled workforce. Working with OhioMeansJobs, employers can create value and save money for their business in addition to providing a significant benefit to the community. All of the services we offer employers are free of charge. Check out our Employer Resource Guide here

Title page of OMJ Employer Resource Guide

Need help with job posting and recruitment needs? We can help! Please email Portage_Recruiter2@jfs.ohio.gov.

Find Qualified Job Candidates using OhioMeansJobs.com or OhioMeansJobs Portage County’s Business Services Team

We ask that businesses who utilize our services take a moment to complete a brief survey and communicate with our team about their experience.

Federal Contractor Requirements

Federal contractors and subcontractors are required to immediately list all employment openings with the nearest State Job Services Office or Workforce Development Offices. OhioMeansJobs Centers meet this requirement

Hiring Events

If you are expanding your current business or opening a new facility, we can provide you with candidates no matter how many you require. Our OhioMeansJobs Centers offer an ideal location for recruiting a large number of candidates.

Tax Incentives

Tax Incentives can help employers offset hiring costs.  OhioMeansJobs.com offers employers access and information on these valuable resources so that their businesses can succeed.

The Work Opportunity and Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit Program (WOTC) are federal tax credits which provide Ohio employers with a tax credit against their federal tax liability for hiring individuals from targeted groups of job seekers such as TANF & SNAP Recipients, Veterans, Ex-Felons, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients. 

Go to How to Participate  for steps on accessing our online application and requesting certification. The employer or agent must apply for, and receive, certification to claim these tax credits. Agents acting on behalf of employers must send us a valid Power of Attorney.  

Note: Applications must be submitted to the Ohio WOTC Office within 28 days of the start to work date to meet the timely filing criteria. Don’t miss this tax credit by missing the deadline! 

For More Information on the WOTC Program:
Office of Workforce Development
P.O. Box 1618
Columbus, OH 43216-1618 
Direct phone: (614) 644-0966
Email: wotc_contact@jfs.ohio.gov  

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments. We are glad to assist you with any employment needs.

Phone:  330-296-2841

Email:  PORTAGE_RECRUITER2@jfs.ohio.gov

Where Are the Workers Lunch & Learn Webinar