Why Licking County, OH, Is a Great Place to Live, Work and Start a Business

Courtesy of Licking County Chamber

Thinking of opening a business or moving to Licking County, Ohio? There are countless reasons why this is a fantastic place to take that next step. Licking County offers many opportunities, resources and ways to get involved with the community, making it a great place to live and work. 

Why Licking County

Licking County, located in the Columbus metro area, truly is the best of both worlds, providing both quality of life and a thriving economy full of support for businesses. Here, you’ll find communities that offer small-town charm with a bigger-city business climate, complete with a diverse lineup of industries, including advanced manufacturing, health care, retail, education and logistics. 

Employers and community leaders alike work together to promote growth and workforce development for everyone. 

“As someone who has spent my career helping businesses and individuals connect, grow and succeed, I’ve seen firsthand why Licking County is such an extraordinary place to live and work,” says Jennifer McDonald, president and CEO of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce. “Our communities are strong, our people are welcoming and our future is bright.” 

Courtesy of Licking County Chamber

Ways to Get Involved

If you’re ready to dive into the community, there are plenty of ways to get involved. In fact, Licking County thrives because so many of its residents do just that – they show up, support each other and pour their energy into making it a great place to live and work. 

The Licking County Chamber is a great place to start, especially for professional growth and civic engagement. Its Women’s Leadership Network hosts quarterly programs designed specifically with female professionals in mind, while the Local Leaders series invites everyone to gather bimonthly for updates from local business leaders, educators and elected officials. 

There’s also the Young Leaders of Licking County, a dynamic program for people aged 21 to 40. This program organizes volunteer projects, arranges mentorships and hosts professional development and networking events to cultivate the talent and hone the enthusiasm of young professionals. Other great service organizations offer their own unique missions to the region, including the Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions clubs. 

“From volunteering to attending events, there’s no shortage of ways to connect and contribute,” McDonald says. 

Resources To Tap

Whether you’re looking for business support or educational opportunities, Licking County has you covered. The chamber has multiple professional development and affiliate programs to support people across multiple industries. Additionally, entrepreneurs can access free one-on-one advice and training through the Ohio Small Business Development Centers network, which specifically focuses on startups and small businesses. Beyond these two major organizations and the resources they offer, there’s also the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) and local financial institutions that provide business mentoring and more. 

When it comes to education, the chamber’s Community Leadership Program is a fantastic place to start. It’s a nine-month course designed to build leadership and communication skills, and a great precursor for the Advanced Leadership Series, which takes those skills to the next level. Also worth exploring is the Young Leaders Mentorship Program, along with the programs and degrees residents can obtain at The Ohio State University at Newark, Denison University or Central Ohio Technical College.