Business Retention and Expansion Program

The Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E) at the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC), led by John Kelly, MBA, and Ohio Certified Economic Developer, is a dynamic initiative to bolster the local manufacturing sector. The program is characterized by its proactive engagement with local businesses, involving weekly visits to manufacturers to understand their unique challenges and opportunities. These visits often include JobsOhio regional partner Team NEO and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), enabling the team to listen directly to company leaders and identify ways to support their growth and operational efficiency.

One of the program's core functions is assisting companies with various issues that can impact their success. This includes addressing workforce challenges, such as recruiting and retaining skilled employees, and supporting expansion projects that allow businesses to scale their operations. Additionally, the program offers help with employee training to ensure that the workforce remains skilled and competitive. For companies involved in international trade, the program provides import/export assistance, and for those seeking to do business with the government, it offers guidance on government contracting. Furthermore, the program helps companies identify and apply for grants that can provide crucial funding for growth and development initiatives.

Beyond individual company support, the Business Retention and Expansion Program fosters a collaborative business environment. It actively works to connect local companies, creating opportunities for increased sales and collaborative ventures that can drive mutual growth. By building these connections, the program helps create a more integrated and supportive local business community.

Moreover, the program extends its reach by connecting local manufacturers to a broader network of regional and statewide resources. These can include technical assistance, financial resources, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the companies’ ability to compete and thrive in a larger market. By tapping into these external resources, local manufacturers can enhance their capabilities and improve their competitiveness.

The program also maintains a keen awareness of local economic trends and challenges. By closely monitoring housing and workforce shortages, it can develop targeted initiatives to address these problems. This proactive approach ensures the local economy remains resilient and adaptive to changing conditions. The Business Retention and Expansion Program helps create a sustainable and vibrant economic environment in Tuscarawas County by addressing immediate needs and long-term trends.

If you’re a manufacturing company that has not participated in the Business Retention and Expansion Program in the past and would like to set up a visit from our team, you can either fill out the below or email John Kelly at Jkelly@tuscedc.com.

Sign Up For A Business retention and expansion Visit

Shark Tub - East Ohio Business Pitch Competition

The East Ohio Business Pitch Competition, known as Sharktub, is a notable initiative to foster regional entrepreneurship. In 2022, John Kelly of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation spearheaded the formation of a committee of partners, bringing together stakeholders from various counties, including Guernsey, Muskingum, Tuscarawas, Coshocton, Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, and surrounding areas. These counties were chosen explicitly due to a noticeable lack of similar competition in the region. Sharktub is unique in its approach to public engagement, inviting the community to attend the event and purchase prop money to invest in their favorite business ideas, thereby simulating a real-world investment environment.

The name "Shark Tub" was inherited from a similar competition held only once in Zanesville, Ohio; the committee wanted to build this unique brand into an annual event promoting the entrepreneurial spirit. The inaugural competition occurred on April 25th, 2023, at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge, OH. The winning pitch, "A Taste of Ohio - Wine, Bourbon, & Beer," captivated the judges with a creative proposal for a bourbon ice maker machine, setting a high standard for innovation and presentation.

Buoyed by the first event's success, the committee decided to allow each participating county the autonomy to host the event at a venue of their choice. The second annual Sharktub competition was held at the Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia, OH. This time, the winning idea came from a group of Claymont High School students whose business concept, Age Well, impressed the judges with its creativity and potential impact.

Following the second event and the growing interest in the competition, the committee expanded its scope to include contestants from the Ohio Mid-Eastern Government Association's region. This newly defined area encompasses Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties, broadening the competition's reach and potential impact on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across East Ohio.

After receiving entries from a very diverse group of entrepreneurs, the committee is now seeking support from the community to add a youth division to the competition. This new division aims to inspire and nurture young entrepreneurs, allowing them to showcase their innovative ideas. Additionally, the committee plans to re-evaluate and enhance the competition rules to make the event more engaging and competitive. By continuously evolving the format and structure of Sharktub, the committee hopes to maintain the excitement and momentum of the competition, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in East Ohio.