Building on 30 Years of Success, OAQDA Relaunches its Small Business Financial Assistance into the Small Business Clean Air Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2026

Media Contact: Lindsey Sanders
[email protected]

419-618-1708

Building on 30 Years of Success, OAQDA Relaunches its Small Business Financial Assistance into the Small Business Clean Air Program

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) announced today the relaunch of its long-standing small business initiative as the Small Business Clean Air Program, designed to expand access to financing, support targeted industries needing to adhere to federal regulations, and help small businesses invest in equipment, technologies, and building improvements that provide cleaner air and economic growth.

The Small Business Clean Air Program relaunches July 1, 2026, and introduces updated guidelines, expanded project eligibility, and targeted financial tools to better serve Ohio's small business community. This program increases flexibility, improves access to lower-cost capital, and ensures the program delivers long-term impact across the state. The program focuses on owner-operated small businesses, which make up more than 99 percent of Ohio's businesses.

"Economic growth is strongest when businesses and communities grow together, especially small businesses that employ many Ohioans and serve as the backbone of local economies across our state," said Christina O'Keeffe, executive director of OAQDA. "The relaunched Small Business Clean Air Program builds on 30 years of success as the small business ombudsman by making it easier for businesses to invest in their future, strengthen their competitiveness, and contribute to the health and long-term resilience of Ohio's economy."

OAQDA listened to customers and industry stakeholders and used market research data to revise its financial assistance program to accelerate projects toward completion. As part of the updated program:

• Expanded Project Technology Eligibility includes energy efficiency upgrades, alternative fuel infrastructure, and behind-the-meter energy generation.
• Simplified Standards reduce the need for costly application readiness and modeling, making participation more streamlined and accessible.
• Revised Fee Structure aligns with project size and market conditions to minimize processing expenses for business customers.
• Easier Application Process increases automation and transparency through a new online process that will launch later this year.

The program focuses on projects up to $2 million in size, aligning with identified market gaps for more affordable capital and ensuring support reaches small businesses that need it most. Larger or more complex projects continue to be served through OAQDA's Clean Air Improvement Program (CAIP).

The Small Business Clean Air Program builds on more than 30 years of success supporting Ohio businesses in meeting federal regulations, improving air quality, and driving economic growth. With these updates, OAQDA ensures the program remains sustainable and impactful for decades to come.

Additional program details will be shared following the July 1 launch, with updates to the online application process coming later this year as part of this planned transition. Businesses and lenders are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for updates through OAQDA's mailing list.

Learn more about the Small Business Clean Air Program and review the new program guidelines here.

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The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) is an independent state agency that partners with cities, counties, and other municipalities across the state to stimulate job growth, drive economic benefits, and improve community health through financing air quality projects. OAQDA's primary activity is to further economic development in Ohio by providing financing and incentives for projects that cause a reduction in air emissions, regardless of whether the project uses coal, natural gas, oil or another resource type. Since its creation in 1970, OAQDA has issued more than $6 billion in revenue bonds for air quality projects to help Ohio employers achieve energy cost reductions and improve air quality. For more information about OAQDA and its services, please visit ohioairquality.ohio.gov.