Stronger Together: How to EXPAND 2029 Is Driving Business Growth from Within

Business attraction may grab the headlines, but business retention and expansion (BR&E) is where real economic growth happens. In Springfield, Ohio, the Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) knows that future prosperity depends on the companies already here: the manufacturers, service providers, logistics firms, and small business owners who fuel the local economy every day.

That’s why BR&E is at the heart of EXPAND 2029’s “Build the Economic Engine” strategy.
This five-year initiative is about preparing for new opportunities and strengthening our existing ones.

Listening First, Acting Fast

The Hiring-Investing-Training-Space (HITS) team is the engine behind GSP’s BR&E efforts. The goal is to visit 100 businesses annually to uncover obstacles, identify growth opportunities, and connect employers to the resources they need before issues become roadblocks.

These conversations will shape responsive programs and smart investments, from workforce training to infrastructure access.

A BR&E Strategy Built for Results

Over the next five years, this initiative will:

• Support over $500 million in private investment
• Help create 2,800 jobs, with 2,000 in primary sectors
• Guide employers through real-time data tools like SizeUp
• Advance development-ready land at AirPark Ohio II and PrimeOhio

Each element is designed with Springfield’s current business ecosystem in mind.

Making Space for Growth, Literally

GSP understands that even the most innovative companies can’t scale without the right space. That’s why EXPAND 2029 includes targeted investments in certified, infrastructure-ready sites. 

We will lead the charge in securing continued funding for oversight of PrimeOhio I, PrimeOhio II, Airpark Ohio II, Nextedge, and others to ensure the Greater Springfield area remains attractive to business investment opportunities. 

Small Business, Big Impact

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are also critical to Springfield’s long-term resilience. Through training programs and enhanced access to tools like SizeUp, local startups are empowered with competitive data, peer benchmarks, and customized insights.

Business retention and expansion keep jobs local and momentum local. When Springfield businesses thrive, they reinvest in the community, hire more local talent, and set the stage for future innovation.

In short, EXPAND 2029’s focus on retention isn’t just smart economics—it’s strategic community building.