ICBN Recap: Hiring Employees at No Cost

This month at the INCREASE Community Business Network (ICBN) luncheon, Anthony Trotman, Director of Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (FCDJFS) highlighted two programs that allow businesses to add employees without adding salary costs. 

The Ohio Work Force (OWF) and the Work Experience Program (WEP) are state-funded initiatives aimed at putting Central Ohioans back to work.  Business owners who sponsor OWF or WEP can utilize the programs’ participants as employees without having to pay their wages.  These participants are paid by the state through cash assistance or other government funded programs.  If business owners eventually hire a program participant, they can receive up to $9,000 in tax credits.  Director Trotman says, “Both programs are good for everyone.  Entrepreneurs win, program participants win, and ultimately the state wins.”

For more information on how to partner with the FCDJFS and utilize either program, visit www.ohioworksfirstfc.org.