“Unlocking Ohio’s Workforce Potential: A High-ROI Strategy for Business Growth,” Child Care Cred Pilot, and expanded 45F tax credit | Groundwork Ohio

Groundwork Ohio and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce are releasing a new one-pager, “Unlocking Ohio’s Workforce Potential: A High-ROI Strategy for Business Growth,” highlighting two new opportunities to support working parents, strengthen workforce retention, and economic growth.

Ohio’s Child Care Cred Pilot Program:
https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-partners/partner-resources/public-private-partnership?emci=fd6820e4-7fbe-f011-8194-00224823ff9b&emdi=b8b9a5c0-3200-f111-832f-000d3a1f0e4c&ceid=23190276 – administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth – is a $10 million state investment, creating a cost-sharing model between families, employers and the State of Ohio to reduce child care expenses for employees earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Applications are due by May 1, 2026.

Enhanced 45F Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit:
https://www.ffyf.org/resources/2025/10/employer-provided-child-care-credit-45f-overview/?emci=fd6820e4-7fbe-f011-8194-00224823ff9b&emdi=b8b9a5c0-3200-f111-832f-000d3a1f0e4c&ceid=23190276 – offers businesses a federal tax credit beginning January 2026, covering up to 40% of qualified child care expenses. Employers may claim credits for building or operating child care facilities, contracting with providers for employee slots, or offering resource and referral supports. Small businesses can claim up to 50% of expenses capped at $600,000, and employers may now pool funds to jointly invest in child care solutions.

Together, these incentives give Ohio’s employers practical, high-impact tools to reduce absenteeism, improve retention, and strengthen Ohio’s long-term talent pipeline, all while making childcare more accessible and affordable for working families.