Business

"COLUMBUS ISN’T THE NEXT BUSINESS DESTINATION. IT’S ALREADY HAPPENING." – INC.
 

The Opportunities

As Ohio’s capital, Columbus provides proximity to powerful government leaders, legislators and influencers who are instrumental in shaping business and economic policy. Opportunities are aplenty, with Columbus ranking No. 1 among the Midwest’s top 10 metros for GDP and job growth.

With a growth rate that outpaces the national average, Columbus is on the rise. The city’s central location provides fast access to nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population within a 10-hour drive, more than any other major metro.

The Industries

The Columbus Region offers lower startup and operating costs than competing metros across many different types of business activity. These factors, coupled with a diversified economy in which no industry accounts for more than 18 percent of employment, make Columbus a top location for industries ranging from finance to manufacturing.

Home to L Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works) and its founder Les Wexner, Columbus has established itself as a fashion headquarters. The city boasts the third-highest concentration of fashion designers in the country behind only New York and Los Angeles.

The Workforce

The city’s workforce is fueled by one of the largest student populations in the nation. The Ohio State University directs an educated, capable and driven population straight into the business sector.

Leaders in Columbus are committed to creating a diverse and empowered workforce. Columbus was named the No. 13 city for women in the workforce by NerdWallet. In the Columbus Region, a total of 109 languages are spoken in various industries. Columbus is known for its inclusion and boasts the 14th largest LGBTQ concentration in the U.S.

Worth a Fortune

Columbus is a startup and innovation hub. We are also home to 5 Fortune 500 companies, 16 Fortune 1000 companies and these other notable brands: