first steps

The Downtown Dayton Partnership makes it easy to move to Your Downtown

If you’re ready to come downtown and join the action, use this section as a resource on how to get started. This is a good place to find information on zoning and permit questions, the tax structure, financing options, and things as basic as getting the electric and gas utilities turned on. This is also the place to learn about the Dayton Economic Attraction Program. If you have any questions not answered here, please email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , our Director of Business Development, or call her at (937) 224-1518.

1. Finding a Location
The first step is finding a home for your new business. Downtown has a wide variety of locations to offer ranging from new, state-of-the-art office towers to renovated warehouses and historic structures. Our Site Seeker program is designed to make your search stress-free. Read more about this program in our Site Seeker section.

2. Financing Your New Business
As a business owner, you know you’re going to need capital to open your doors. Downtown Dayton is home to the region's major financial institutions, including several corporate and regional headquarters. You can also find public financing options. Click here for a directory of downtown’s financial resources.

3. Financial Incentives
The City of Dayton offers the Dayton Economic Attraction Program (DEAP) to new and existing businesses in downtown. Your business can qualify for a 75% rebate on your payroll taxes if five new jobs or $200,000 in new payroll are created in a year. Just read the guidelines and fill out an application to get started! Learn more at the City's Web site. In addition to this, you can visit the Web site of the Montgomery County Port Authority to learn about the business incentives they provide.

4. Permits and Zoning
If you’re opening, expanding or relocating your business, there will likely be permits and approvals involved. We strongly recommend you discuss permits, zoning and other applications with the appropriate offices before you buy or lease your space so your project is not delayed. The Downtown Dayton Partnership is here to help you with this process. We'll work with you on a timeline that allows you to get in and down to business quickly. Click here for a directory some of the agencies you may need to contact.

5. Opening Your Doors
Once you’re ready to open the Downtown Dayton Partnership can be an ally in launching your business. Our marketing team has the talent, creativity and connections to assist you in a variety of ways:

• Planning a grand opening
• Assistance in brainstorming promotional ideas
• Guidance in media relations
• Promotion of weekly or monthly events at your business

And our collaboration doesn’t end after opening day. We work with our downtown businesses on an on-going basis to promote their products and services to the city and beyond. Email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ,or call her at (937) 224-1518 ext. 228 to discuss how we can assist you with marketing and promotions.

Our business development team is also an asset you can utilize going forward. Whether you need technical assistance, information on available resources, or advocacy on behalf of your business, we’re here to help. Email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ,or call her at (937) 224-1518 ext. 223 to discuss business development options.

Your success is our success, and we’re committed to making it a reality.