New Business Filings Up in 2011

Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that 82,601 new entities filed to do business in Ohio in 2011. Those numbers are up compared to 2010, in which 80,081 new entities filed. Secretary Husted also announced the roll-out of updates to filing forms designed to make is easier for domestic and foreign companies to do business in Ohio.

"When it comes to the number of new businesses choosing to operate in Ohio, our state is heading in the right direction," Secretary Husted said. "The Secretary of State's office continues to do its part to ensure a more welcoming business environment, working to streamline the filing process for Ohio companies. We hope for an even more prosperous year for Ohio in 2012."

The year-end numbers include figures for December 2011, in which the Secretary of State's office assisted with 6,463 new business filings. This is a slight increase from December 2010, in which there were 6,226 new entities filed.

The Secretary of State's office has also revamped forms used by companies to register their business in Ohio. These updates are aimed at helping to reduce common filing errors and implement revisions based on feedback from Ohio businesses and those who frequently use the forms. Additional information on these improvements is available online, under the business services section of the Secretary of State's website.

Though the most visible role of the Secretary of State is that of chief elections officer, the office is also the first stop for individuals or companies who want to file and start a business in Ohio. While recognizing these numbers can't provide a complete picture of Ohio's jobs climate, they are an important indicator of economic activity that Secretary Husted hopes will add to the discussion of how to improve the state's overall climate for business.

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.