The Department of Development was established in September 2012 to provide oversight and coordination of economic development in Ohio.

JobsOhio is the private, nonprofit organization designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts in conjunction with regional partners around the state. The Department of Development works with JobsOhio to evaluate return on investment of publicly-funded incentives.

The Department of Development provides support to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and minority-owned business in Ohio; supports communities in growing their economies, with special attention to the needs of Ohio's Appalachian region; and supports tourism industries through TourismOhio, by promoting Ohio as a destination for visitors or people looking for quality of life and a place to establish a business.