Starting a Business

Starting or growing a business? Let us help you!

Regardless of your business plan, enterprises big and small will find a welcome home and excellent opportunities in Xenia. Our community offers the resources, people, and accessibility to facilitate a wide variety of business endeavors.

BusinessFirst! Tool Kit

Created in 2001, and nationally recognized, the BUSINESSFIRST! Program uses a customer oriented approach to economic development that connects businesses to resources in the Dayton Region. We are the single-point of contact for all of your business needs. BUSINESSFIRST! has provided assistance to over 6,500 businesses in the Greater Dayton Region - we are here to assist your company, too.

A lot goes into starting and running a business, from creating a business plan and obtaining financing to hiring employees and marketing your business. The BusinessFirst! Tool Kit provides on-line resources to help guide both new and experienced business people.

Access the Tool Kit.

Entrepreneurs Start Here

The Dayton region is the home for innovation, with more US patents per capita than anywhere in the nation! Xenia is proud of its entrepreneurial heritage, with products as diverse as Pepsodent toothpaste to the starting gate for horse racing developed here. A regional collaboration known as Dayton Tech Guide can help provide resources to those looking to start a new business. For more information, click here.

City Permitting

Many business endeavors require permits from local governments, based on ordinances aimed to encourage business success while protecting the quality of a community’s living and business environment.

Use our Business Guide Brochure (PDF) to help you navigate through the permitting process and find helpful resources for getting started or growing, or see the process.

State Level Information

The State of Ohio’s 1st Stop Business Connection is the easiest way to learn about state-level requirements and assistance. Learn more: Starting a Business

Open-X Program

The Open-X Program provides free access to consultants with expertise in the areas of local governmental compliance, construction, and development. By providing this independent, third party information, it is expected that participants will gain a more thorough understanding of building options, bidding and contracting processes and the permitting process. Some of the assistance provided includes:

> Assessment of the planned project to assist with strategy, and make recommendations on locations, expansions or relocations.

> Answer questions and address concerns related to applicable codes and regulations, including the rationale behind and purpose of planning and zoning regulations and building codes.

> Assist participant with locating and completing necessary permit application materials, and meet with appropriate code officials to explain the proposed project and assess any areas of concern. The consultant will then provide the participant with an explanation / outcome of any discussions with code officials with regard to the project.

The consultant will directly bill the City, so there is no upfront cost to the Open-X participant.

Contact the Development Department for more information.