Ohio Chamber of Commerce Directory

Comprehensive directory of Ohio chambers of commerce connecting businesses with advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities. Ohio has 281 local and regional chambers serving communities statewide, supported by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce as the leading business advocate.

281

Local Chambers

8,000+

Chamber Members

88

Counties Served

12,000+

GCP Members

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Ohio Chamber of Commerce

Ohio's Leading Business Advocate

Address: 34 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215

Website: ohiochamber.com

Leadership: Steve Stivers, President & CEO

Founded: 1893 (131 years of advocacy)

Membership: 8,000+ member businesses ranging from small businesses to international companies

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, economic competitiveness, and growth for the benefit of all Ohioans. As a U.S. Chamber Member organization, the Ohio Chamber is the voice of business at the Statehouse, aggressively advocating for pro-business policies at the state and federal levels.

Leadership Background:

Steve Stivers, raised in Ripley, Ohio, assumed the role of President and CEO in May 2021 after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he focused on economic growth and job creation. Under his leadership, the Ohio Chamber has launched several major initiatives to strengthen Ohio's business climate and develop future leaders.

Blueprint for Ohio's Economic Future:

In 2022, the Ohio Chamber released The Blueprint for Ohio's Economic Future, a comprehensive 10-year policy framework developed by the Ohio Chamber Research Foundation to address long-term economic challenges through targeted recommendations on workforce development, education alignment, infrastructure investment, and regulatory reform. This strategic plan aims to make Ohio the country's "best place to do business."

2024 Key Initiatives:
  • Childcare Access: Supporting Governor DeWine's Childcare Choice Voucher Program to accommodate 8,000 more children in working families, with $85 million in federal funds reallocated to help childcare providers grow operations. Childcare access and affordability are identified as the biggest barriers to Ohioans joining or returning to the workforce
  • Political Engagement: Ohio Chamber PAC endorsed candidates for 2024 General Election who support pro-business policies
  • Board Leadership: Elected new members to the Board of Directors in 2024. The volunteer board consists of 66 business leaders from across the state
  • Civic Education: Hosted the 2024 Ohio Civics Bee promoting civic engagement and political literacy
  • Broadband Expansion: Advanced advocacy efforts connecting thousands of unserved locations since 2021
  • Manufacturing Competitiveness: Focused on enhancing skilled labor pipelines and fostering innovation to sustain Ohio's manufacturing sector
Ohio Chamber Young Professionals:

The Ohio Chamber launched Ohio Chamber Young Professionals, a new initiative designed to engage and empower the next generation of business leaders through networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Services:
  • Legislative advocacy and lobbying at the state Capitol
  • Federal policy representation through U.S. Chamber partnership
  • Business resources and education programs
  • Ohio Chamber Action Network for grassroots advocacy
  • CEO Forum peer-to-peer network for middle market companies
  • Policy development and economic research
  • Member benefit programs including healthcare solutions
  • Women in Business Summit and industry-specific events

Major Metropolitan Chambers

Greater Cleveland Partnership

Address: 1240 Huron Rd E, Cleveland, OH 44115

Website: greatercle.com

Leadership: Baiju Shah, President & CEO

Membership: 12,000+ members (largest metropolitan chamber in the nation)

Staff: 84 employees

GCP is the region's leading economic development organization guided by a board of corporate and entrepreneurial CEOs. The organization focuses on strategic initiatives, business services, and advocacy to build a vibrant business environment.

Programs:
  • Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE): Serving small, middle-market, and minority businesses
  • Cleveland Development Advisors: Real estate development affiliate
  • Business Expansion Support: Connecting companies to growth incentives, real estate options, and talent
  • Innovation Hubs: Expanding innovation activity for startups, corporations, and minority business enterprises
  • Workforce Development: Partnerships with manufacturing, tech, and healthcare sectors to connect high schoolers to career opportunities

2024 Highlights: Greater Cleveland ranked among the top 10 regions for young professionals, with unemployment below 4% for two consecutive years. The Wall Street Journal recognized the region as "the new center of the world."

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

Address: 3 East 4th St, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: (513) 579-3100

Website: cincinnatichamber.com

Leadership: Brendon Cull, President & CEO

Membership: 2,000 businesses representing 300,000 employees throughout Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana

The Cincinnati Regional Chamber focuses on enhancing economic prosperity and cultural vibrancy through business retention and attraction, workforce solutions, and government advocacy.

Leadership Programs:
  • Leadership Cincinnati USA: Immersive civic engagement program for C-suite or senior executives
  • WE Lead: Leadership development and executive coaching for high-achieving women leaders
  • WE Ascend: Preparing BIPOC women to move into higher leadership roles
  • C-Change: Program for advancing mid-career leaders
  • Cincy Next: For early career professionals
  • Cincy Lead: Five-course leadership development for early-mid career advancing leaders
  • Building Cultural Competence: Equipping participants to build bridges across cultural, political, and social divides
Major Initiatives:
  • Minority Business Accelerator: Flagship minority business and economic inclusion initiative accelerating development of sizable minority businesses
  • Workforce Innovation Center: Encouraging employers to become more inclusive and equitable in HR practices
  • Chamber U: Business education and professional development programs
Community Events:

The Chamber oversees premier community events including Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Taste of Cincinnati, Asian Food Fest, and BLINK Festival (Cincinnati's premier visual and performing arts event, the only one of its kind in the United States).

Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Address: 150 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215

Website: columbus.org

Leadership: Derrick R. Clay, President & CEO (as of January 2025)

Recognition: Derrick R. Clay honored with Columbus Business First 2025 C-Suite Award

The Columbus Chamber convenes, navigates, and advocates for businesses across the Columbus Region, helping businesses grow and flourish throughout Central Ohio. Under new leadership, the Chamber is launching innovative programs to support business growth and executive relocation to the region.

2025 New Initiatives:
  • A Better Us: Mental health initiative recognizing that business owners can't be their best business self unless they're their best physical, mental, and spiritual self
  • Executive Relocation Package: Program launching January 2026 to help executive leaders relocate to Columbus
  • Cultivate US: New program supporting business development and economic growth

Leadership Background: Derrick Clay previously was a partner at Ohio's first African American lobbying firm, New Visions Group, LLC, which was acquired by Shumaker Advisors in 2022 where he served as senior vice president. His prior roles as Vice-Chair of the Chamber's Board and Chair of the Chamber Foundation Board demonstrate his commitment to removing barriers and expanding opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Economic Development Focus: Central Ohio is in the midst of remarkable growth with new businesses, new residents, and new opportunities shaping the future of the region. The Chamber emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as vital for local business success and economic prosperity.

Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Website: daytonchamber.org

Supporting businesses and economic development in the Dayton metropolitan area and Montgomery County with comprehensive leadership development programs and business resources.

Leadership Programs:
  • Leadership Dayton: The fourth oldest continuously operating community leadership program in the U.S., celebrating fifty years of identifying, educating, and motivating community leaders. Applications accepted each spring
  • Empower Program: 10-month cohort blending professional business coaching with innovative curriculum for mid- to upper-level management women business leaders. Launched with retreat at Hotel Versailles, partnership with Universal 1 Credit Union
  • Gen D Ignite: 7-month cohort experience for young professionals focusing on leadership development, community involvement, and professional relationship building
  • Generation Dayton: Network for talented young professionals to meet, learn, grow, and establish themselves as integral components in the future success of the region

The 2024 Leadership Dayton Class and 2024-25 Empower cohort were announced in 2024, with participants representing a cross-section of the community's business and nonprofit leaders.

Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Address: 300 Madison Avenue, Suite 200, Toledo, OH 43604

Phone: (419) 243-8191

Website: toledochamber.com

Leadership: Wendy Gramza, President & CEO

Fostering business growth and economic prosperity in the Toledo region and Northwest Ohio through business development, advocacy, and member services.

Programs & Services:
  • Business development and startup support
  • Employee health insurance through COSE Benefit Plan with Medical Mutual (covers over 7,500 small businesses, largest MEWA in Ohio)
  • Networking events and business advocacy
  • Government relations and marketing support
  • Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Directory
  • Support for veterans and families

2024 Annual Meeting: Presented by Fifth Third Bank at Glass City Center ballroom (401 Jefferson Avenue, Downtown Toledo), featuring presentations, updates, and recognition of key volunteers, members, and award recipients.

Greater Akron Chamber

Website: greaterakronchamber.org

Leadership: Steve Millard, President & CEO

Board Chair: Julie Brandle (incoming), President & Founder of Metis Construction Services

Service Area: Summit, Medina, and Portage counties

The Greater Akron Chamber drives economic growth and prosperity for the region by supporting business community success and acting as a convener of stakeholders on key issues facing Greater Akron.

2024 Notable Activities:
  • 30 For the Future Awards: Since 2007, celebrating professionals aged 25-39 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, diversity, and dedication to the region
  • H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award: Honored Richard J. Kramer (recently retired Chairman, CEO and President of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company) and Richard Rogers
  • Federal Funding: Region received $6.4 million from the EDA for Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Job Training and Placement
  • Annual Meeting: Celebrating progress, honoring leadership, and embracing the future with economic development accomplishments

Regional Chambers by Area

Ohio has 281 chambers of commerce serving communities across all 88 counties. The five regions of Ohio are Northeast, Northwest, Central, Southeast, and Southwest.

Central Ohio
  • Columbus Chamber of Commerce - Columbus
  • Dublin Chamber of Commerce - Dublin (offers Leadership Academy, Dublin Off the Clock After-Hours, Taste of Dublin)
  • Westerville Area Chamber - Westerville
  • Hilliard Chamber - Hilliard
  • Grove City Area Chamber - Grove City
  • Reynoldsburg Area Chamber - Reynoldsburg
  • Upper Arlington Chamber - Upper Arlington
  • Gahanna Area Chamber - Gahanna
  • Pickerington Chamber - Pickerington
  • Delaware Area Chamber - Delaware
  • Newark Area Chamber - Newark
  • Lancaster-Fairfield Chamber - Lancaster
  • Fairfield Chamber of Commerce - Fairfield (Leadership Fairfield program, 60 Second Connect, Morning Meet Up, Business After Hours)
  • Marion Area Chamber - Marion
  • Logan County Chamber - Bellefontaine
Northeast Ohio
  • Greater Cleveland Partnership - Cleveland
  • Greater Akron Chamber - Akron
  • Canton Regional Chamber - Canton
  • Youngstown/Warren Chamber - Youngstown
  • Medina County Chamber - Medina
  • Lake County Chamber - Painesville
  • Lorain County Chamber - Elyria
  • Ashland Area Chamber - Ashland
  • Kent Area Chamber - Kent
  • Wadsworth Area Chamber - Wadsworth
  • Wooster Area Chamber - Wooster
  • Massillon Chamber - Massillon
  • Ashtabula County Chamber - Ashtabula
  • Twinsburg Chamber - Twinsburg

Regional Alliance: Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) - noacc.org

Southwest Ohio
  • Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber - Cincinnati
  • Dayton Area Chamber - Dayton
  • Hamilton Chamber - Hamilton
  • Middletown Chamber - Middletown
  • Springfield Chamber - Springfield
  • Springboro Chamber - Springboro
  • Xenia Area Chamber - Xenia
  • Lebanon Area Chamber - Lebanon
  • Mason Deerfield Chamber - Mason
  • West Chester Chamber Alliance - West Chester
  • Oxford Chamber - Oxford
  • Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber - Wilmington
  • Clermont Chamber - 4355 Ferguson Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45245
  • Brown County Ohio Chamber - Brown County
  • Darke County Chamber - Darke County
Northwest Ohio
  • Toledo Regional Chamber - Toledo
  • Findlay-Hancock Chamber - 123 E Main Cross St, Findlay, OH 45840
  • Lima/Allen County Chamber - Lima
  • Sandusky/Erie County Chamber - Sandusky
  • Bowling Green Chamber - Bowling Green
  • Fremont/Sandusky County Chamber - Fremont
  • Defiance Area Chamber - Defiance
  • Van Wert Area Chamber - Van Wert
  • Napoleon Area Chamber - Napoleon
  • Bryan Area Chamber - Bryan
  • Seneca Regional Chamber - 96 S Washington St, Tiffin, OH 44883
  • Wyandot Chamber - Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
Southeast Ohio
  • Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber - Zanesville
  • Cambridge Area Chamber - Cambridge
  • Marietta Area Chamber - Marietta
  • Athens Area Chamber - Athens
  • Portsmouth Area Chamber - Portsmouth
  • Chillicothe-Ross Chamber - Chillicothe
  • Jackson Area Chamber - Jackson
  • Gallia County Chamber - Gallipolis
  • Coshocton County Chamber - Coshocton
  • Harrison Regional Chamber - Cadiz, OH 43907

Regional Alliance: Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA) - joinsoca.com - serving chambers in Southern Ohio with benefit plans and regional collaboration

Additional Regional Chambers
  • Mansfield/Richland County Chamber - Mansfield
  • Belmont County Chamber - St. Clairsville
  • Columbiana County Chamber - Salem
  • Tuscarawas County Chamber - Dover-New Philadelphia
  • Jefferson County Chamber - 630 Market St, Steubenville, OH 43952
  • Sidney-Shelby Chamber - 101 S Ohio Ave, Sidney, OH 45365
Find Your Local Chamber: Use the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chamber Finder to locate your nearest chamber by city or zip code.

Leadership Development Programs

Ohio Institute for Political Leadership

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce launched the Ohio Institute for Political Leadership, a nonpartisan initiative dedicated to recruiting and training pro-business individuals ready to step up and lead in elected or appointed office.

This intensive, all-day training session with experienced government leaders and political strategists demystifies the political process and provides aspiring candidates with skills and confidence to run for office.

Training Topics:
  • Fundraising strategies and donor cultivation
  • Legal requirements and campaign finance regulations
  • Voter engagement and grassroots mobilization
  • Campaign strategy and messaging
  • Media relations and public speaking
  • Digital campaign tools and social media

The program combines expert insights, practical training, and networking opportunities to prepare candidates for successful campaigns across Ohio.

Chamber Professionals of Ohio (CPO)

For over 100 years, Chamber Professionals of Ohio has been the leading professional training and career development organization in the state. Formerly known as CCEO, CPO provides opportunity through networking, best practice sharing, and professional development.

Benefits:
  • Professional development and training programs
  • Networking events statewide
  • Best practice sharing among chamber professionals
  • Career advancement resources
  • Annual conferences and workshops
Ohio Chamber CEO Forum

The CEO Forum is a peer-to-peer network of middle market companies throughout Ohio. Participants join PODs consisting of C-suite business leaders, allowing them to share and seek advice on challenges while gaining tools necessary to scale their businesses.

Benefits:
  • Peer-to-peer learning from experienced CEOs
  • Confidential sharing environment
  • Strategic guidance on business challenges
  • Access to scaling and growth resources
  • Exclusive networking with regional business leaders

Ohio Small Business Development Centers

The Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network empowers small businesses across Ohio through no-cost consulting and training. Powered by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Ohio Department of Development, SBDCs help businesses at every stage from startup to expansion.

SBDC Network Impact (Past 5 Years)

45,227 small businesses served

295,000+ hours of no-cost business advising

3,250+ webinars and workshops hosted

Columbus SBDC

Location: Columbus State Community College, 112 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: (614) 287-5294

Service Area: Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Logan, Madison, Pickaway, and Union counties

Cleveland State University SBDC

Location: Monte Ahuja College of Business, Room 308

Phone: (216) 687-6902

Services: No-cost, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one advising for small businesses with under 500 employees. Meetings by appointment only.

Kent State Tuscarawas SBDC

Phone: (330) 308-7524

Services: Results-oriented resources for business start-up, development, and growth phases. No-obligation consultation available.

Ohio University SBDC (Southeast Ohio)

Service Area: 13-county region including Athens, Meigs, Washington, Morgan, Noble, Monroe, Belmont, Guernsey, Muskingum, Fairfield, Hocking, Perry, and Licking counties

Focus: Understanding unique challenges faced in rural Appalachia with confidential one-on-one customized services

OSU South Centers SBDC

Location: Piketon, Ohio

Service Area: Eleven southern Ohio counties

Services: Direct consulting, training, research, technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning, and access to venture capitalists for prospective, new, and second-stage business owners

Akron/Summit Medina SBDC

Phone: (330) 375-2111

Website: akronsbdc.org

Support: Backed by U.S. Small Business Administration and Ohio Department of Development, helping build stronger business foundations

SBDC Services & Resources
  • Free 1-on-1 business advising (confidential)
  • Workshops and training programs
  • Financial planning and analysis
  • Market research assistance
  • Marketing strategy development
  • Management and cash flow analysis
  • Business planning process support
  • Financing and capital access guidance
  • Technical assistance for all business areas
  • 1st Stop Business Connection (customized start-up kits)
  • Financial planning worksheets and templates
  • Industry-specific checklists and guides

Find All Locations: Visit clients.ohiosbdc.ohio.gov or ohiosbdc.net for a complete list of all Ohio SBDC locations.

Specialty Business Organizations

Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBACs)

Seven MBAC hosts across Ohio provide businesses with technical assistance, professional consulting, access to financing, and help in securing contracts.

2022 Impact:
  • Nearly 3,100 new clients added
  • 7,600+ counseling hours provided
  • $9.34 million in loans dispersed to 100+ minority- and women-owned businesses
Services:
  • Technical assistance and professional consulting
  • Access to capital and financing
  • Contract procurement assistance
  • Business certification support
  • Networking and mentorship

Youngstown Business Incubator MBAC: Services Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont, and Monroe counties

Women's Business Centers of Ohio

SBA-funded Women's Business Centers (WBC) are the only centers of this type in the state, operated by the Economic & Community Development Institute.

Locations:
  • Columbus WBC
  • Cleveland WBC
  • Cincinnati WBC
Services:
  • Guidance at any stage of business process
  • Business planning and strategy development
  • Access to capital and financing resources
  • Networking with women entrepreneurs
  • Training and workshops

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): Founded in 1975, representing the fastest growing segment of the economy with chapters in Cleveland, Columbus, and Kentucky

Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley

Certification and support for women-owned businesses throughout the Ohio River Valley region, providing access to corporate and government contracting opportunities.

Benefits:
  • WBE certification for business credibility
  • Access to corporate contracting opportunities
  • Networking with regional partners
  • Matchmaking with potential buyers
  • Business development resources
Ohio SBA Certifications

Ohio SBA provides business certifications for women, minority, veteran, Hispanic, family, and other small business owners.

Certification Programs:
  • Veteran-Owned Business (VOB) - Preference in state procurement
  • Minority-Owned Business (MBE) - Access to EDGE program contracts
  • Women-Owned Business (WBE) - Certification for women entrepreneurs
  • EDGE Program: Establishes annual goals for state agencies in awarding contracts to certified EDGE businesses in construction, architecture, engineering, professional services, goods, services, and IT

Support Services: Grants and loans, government contracts, networking opportunities, membership benefits

Hamilton County Small Business Support

Hamilton County Commissioners prioritize small business success through the Small Business Resource Hub, which helps navigate services, programs, and resources designed to help small businesses grow.

Partnership Approach:
  • Collaboration with local chambers of commerce
  • Partnerships with economic development organizations
  • Contract with Alloy Development Company for economic development and small business needs
  • Navigation assistance for business success pathways

Cincinnati Chamber Duke Energy Partnership: Grant program providing $75,000 total ($5,000 per grant, 15 grants) for women, veteran, and minority-owned small businesses in Ohio counties within the Cincinnati region

Membership Benefits

Advocacy & Policy
  • Legislative advocacy at state Capitol
  • Voice in policy development affecting your business
  • Federal policy representation through U.S. Chamber
  • Business-friendly legislation support
  • Political engagement opportunities through Ohio Chamber PAC
  • Access to Ohio Chamber Action Network for grassroots advocacy
  • Legislative scorecards and voter guides
  • Testimony at legislative hearings
  • Meetings with elected officials and policymakers
Networking & Growth
  • Business networking events statewide
  • Leadership development programs
  • Industry connections and peer collaboration
  • Regional economic development participation
  • CEO Forum peer-to-peer network access
  • Annual meetings and conferences
  • After-hours networking events
  • Industry-specific roundtables
  • Access to experienced business mentors
Resources & Support
  • Business education programs and workshops
  • Economic research and data access
  • Member-to-member discounts and cost savings
  • Healthcare solutions for employees (COSE Benefit Plan)
  • Marketing and visibility opportunities
  • Expert guidance on business challenges
  • Featured content presentation to fellow members
  • Access to chamber benefit programs
  • Business referrals and directory listings
JobsOhio Support for Small Businesses

JobsOhio offers numerous opportunities for eligible small businesses in their ten industry sectors:

  • Expansion Grants: Up to $50,000 for business expansions including real estate investments, machinery, equipment, and training
  • Three-Day Bootcamp: Introduction to the economic development ecosystem
  • Six-Week Cohort: Tools and documentation to expedite growth for entrepreneurs
  • 12-Week Program: Covering financial statements, negotiations, and marketing for established businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

Ohio has 281 chambers of commerce serving communities across all 88 counties. This includes the statewide Ohio Chamber of Commerce in Columbus (with 8,000+ members), major metropolitan chambers in Cleveland (12,000+ members), Cincinnati (2,000 businesses), Dayton, Toledo, Akron, and Columbus, plus hundreds of local city and county chambers throughout the state. Regional alliances include the Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) and Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA).
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, economic competitiveness, and growth for the benefit of all Ohioans. Led by President and CEO Steve Stivers (former U.S. Representative), the Ohio Chamber advocates for pro-business policies at the state and federal levels, provides business resources and education, facilitates networking opportunities through programs like the CEO Forum, develops policy positions through initiatives like The Blueprint for Ohio's Economic Future (10-year strategic plan), conducts economic research, and represents business interests in legislative matters. The Ohio Chamber is a U.S. Chamber Member organization founded in 1893, serving as Ohio's leading business advocate with a volunteer board of 66 business leaders and staff of 19 including lobbyists, political experts, and membership specialists.
You can find your local chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chamber Finder at uschamber.com/co/chambers/ohio by searching for your city or zip code. Ohio has 281 local chambers serving communities throughout the state, organized into five regions: Northeast (including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown), Northwest (including Toledo, Findlay, Lima, Sandusky), Central (including Columbus, Dublin, Delaware, Lancaster), Southwest (including Cincinnati, Dayton, Springfield, Hamilton), and Southeast (including Zanesville, Marietta, Athens, Portsmouth). You can also contact the Ohio Chamber of Commerce at ohiochamber.com for referrals to your local chamber.
Chamber membership benefits include legislative advocacy at the state Capitol, voice in policy development affecting your business, networking opportunities with other business leaders through events and programs, business education programs and workshops (many chambers offer leadership development like Leadership Dayton, Leadership Cincinnati, Leadership Academy), economic research and data access, member-to-member discounts and cost savings, healthcare solutions through programs like COSE Benefit Plan (covering over 7,500 small businesses), marketing and visibility opportunities through featured content and directory listings, expert guidance on business challenges, connections with elected officials and policymakers, and participation in regional economic development initiatives. Major chambers like Greater Cleveland Partnership (12,000 members) and Cincinnati Regional Chamber offer extensive leadership programs including WE Lead for women executives, Minority Business Accelerator, and Workforce Innovation Center.
In 2024, the Ohio Chamber is focused on childcare access and affordability as the biggest barriers to Ohioans joining or returning to the workforce, supporting Governor DeWine's Childcare Choice Voucher Program to accommodate 8,000 more children with $85 million in federal funds reallocated. The Chamber is engaged in political advocacy through the Ohio Chamber PAC which endorsed candidates for the 2024 General Election, elected new Board of Directors members, hosted the 2024 Ohio Civics Bee to promote civic engagement, advanced broadband expansion connecting thousands of unserved locations since 2021, and continues to advocate for business-friendly policies on workforce development, economic growth, regulatory reform, and tax policy through The Blueprint for Ohio's Economic Future strategic plan. Additional focus areas include enhancing skilled labor pipelines and fostering innovation to sustain Ohio's manufacturing competitiveness.
Steve Stivers serves as President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Raised in Ripley, Ohio, Stivers assumed the role in May 2021 after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives where he focused on economic growth and job creation. The Ohio Chamber is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of 66 business leaders from across the state. The Ohio Chamber's headquarters is located at 34 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215, with a staff of 19 people including lobbyists, political experts, membership specialists, and support staff. Under Stivers' leadership, the Ohio Chamber champions free enterprise, economic competitiveness, and growth for the benefit of all Ohioans through advocacy, policy development, member services, and initiatives like the Ohio Institute for Political Leadership and Ohio Chamber Young Professionals.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce serves as the statewide business advocacy organization while local chambers serve their specific communities, cities, or counties. Many businesses hold memberships in both the state chamber and their local chamber to benefit from statewide advocacy as well as local networking and community connections. The Ohio Chamber works collaboratively with local chambers across the state through partnerships like the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA) and Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC), coordinating efforts on issues affecting Ohio's business climate. Both state and local chambers are often members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, creating a three-tier system of business representation at local, state, and national levels. The Ohio Chamber provides resources, advocacy tools, and benefit programs that local chambers can offer their members, including healthcare solutions through COSE Benefit Plan, political advocacy through Ohio Chamber PAC, and leadership development through programs like the Ohio Institute for Political Leadership.
Chamber membership costs vary by chamber and business size. Local chamber dues typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually depending on your company's number of employees, revenue, and the specific chamber. State chamber membership costs are separate and scaled based on business size. Most chambers offer tiered membership levels with different investment amounts and corresponding benefits. Some chambers offer special rates for nonprofits, startups, or very small businesses. For example, the Greater Cleveland Partnership serves 12,000+ members with various membership levels, while smaller county chambers may have more affordable entry points for local businesses. The return on investment includes advocacy, networking, cost-saving member benefits (such as the COSE Benefit Plan covering over 7,500 small businesses with healthcare), marketing visibility, and access to leadership programs. Contact the Ohio Chamber at ohiochamber.com or your local chamber directly for specific membership investment information and to determine which membership level best fits your business needs.
Yes, chambers are actively involved in advocacy and policy development. The Ohio Chamber has a Political Action Committee (PAC) that endorses candidates who support pro-business policies. In 2024, the Ohio Chamber PAC announced endorsed candidates for the General Election. Chambers advocate for business-friendly legislation, testify at legislative hearings, meet with elected officials, and provide voter guides and legislative scorecards to help members stay informed on issues affecting business. The Ohio Chamber Action Network is a powerful grassroots advocacy community made up of Ohioans who care about defending and protecting the economy, offering members eligibility to serve as liaisons to local elected officials and access to exclusive polling data. The Ohio Institute for Political Leadership trains pro-business candidates across the state who want to be appointed or run for elected office. This political engagement is a core function of chambers, ensuring that business interests are represented in policy decisions at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C. The Ohio Chamber has been the voice of business at the Statehouse since its founding in 1893.
Ohio chambers connect small businesses to extensive resources including the Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network which has served 45,227 small businesses over the past five years with 295,000+ hours of no-cost confidential business advising and 3,250+ webinars and workshops. SBDC locations across Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland, Kent State Tuscarawas, Ohio University for Southeast Ohio, OSU South Centers in Piketon, Akron/Summit Medina) offer free 1-on-1 consulting, financial planning, market research, and business planning support. The Ohio Small Business Council works on legislation that strengthens small business options, while Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBACs) served 3,100 new clients in 2022 with $9.34 million in loans dispersed to minority- and women-owned businesses. Women's Business Centers in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati provide guidance at any business stage. JobsOhio offers up to $50,000 for business expansions, three-day bootcamps, six-week cohorts, and 12-week programs covering financial statements and marketing. Cincinnati Chamber partners with Duke Energy Foundation to provide $75,000 in grants ($5,000 each, 15 grants) for women, veteran, and minority-owned small businesses. Chambers also offer the Ohio Chamber Small Business Council advocacy, Ohio SBA certifications for veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses, and access to the COSE Benefit Plan healthcare program covering over 7,500 small businesses.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025