Building The Economic Engine: Powering Springfield’s Future

In every economically prosperous community, there’s an engine quietly powering progress — fueling jobs, generating investment, and turning local dreams into measurable outcomes. For Greater Springfield, that engine is economic development.

And through EXPAND 2029’s second initiative, Build the Economic Engine, the EXPAND Greater Springfield team is doing more than keeping the wheels turning. It’s turbocharging growth with a bold, five-year plan to retain and grow local businesses, attract investment, and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Why This Matters: Innovation, Jobs, and a Resilient Economy

Innovation drives long-term growth, and small businesses create most new jobs. Whether helping a manufacturer expand operations, bringing new infrastructure to life at AirPark Ohio II, or equipping small business owners with real-time market intelligence, this initiative is designed to grow the local economy from the inside out.

In short, Build the Economic Engine is a community-wide strategy to create opportunities for workers, business owners, and every resident who wants to see Springfield flourish.

A $2M+ Investment in Local Momentum

With a five-year investment of $2.09 million, this initiative will involve:

• Visiting 100 businesses annually to identify challenges and opportunities.
• Facilitating over $500 million in new private investment.
• Supporting the creation of 2,800 new jobs: 2,000 primary and 800 in supporting roles.
• Advancing key real estate assets like PrimeOhio I & II and AirPark Ohio II.
• Equipping entrepreneurs with SizeUp, a powerful data tool that helps them make smarter decisions.
• Conduct regular employer and wage surveys to stay aligned with workforce needs.

From Business Visits to Big Wins

At the heart of this initiative will be the Hiring-Investing-Training-Space (HITS) Team, GSP’s boots-on-the-ground task force that works directly with existing companies. Their goal? Understand business needs before they become problems and help firms capitalize on opportunities.

This type of business retention and expansion work is essential. It strengthens the companies already investing in Clark County and keeps jobs local.

Fueling Small Business with Big-Picture Tools

Springfield’s economic engine includes more than industrial parks and job numbers; small business owners and solo entrepreneurs also power it.

To support them, EXPAND Greater Springfield will expand outreach programs and training, including the re-launch of SizeUp. This business intelligence platform delivers hyperlocal data to help entrepreneurs decide on location, pricing, competition, and more. Two partner trainings per year will ensure that service providers across the region can guide business owners in using the tool effectively.

What Success Looks Like

Over the next five years, residents can expect to see:

• More companies are growing and staying in Springfield.
• More job opportunities across various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics, and professional services.
• More tools and real estate assets to attract next-generation employers.
• More support for small business owners who add resilience and character to the local economy.

EXPAND 2029: A Plan in Motion

With Build the Economic Engine, Greater Springfield is making a clear, strategic investment in its future. One that’s rooted in economic fundamentals, driven by local partnerships, and focused on delivering measurable results that benefit everyone.