The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has devised a program, known as Grow Ohio, designed to promote job creation within the state. Under Grow Ohio, companies new to Ohio since July 1, 2011 will be given a 25 percent discount on their workers’ compensation premiums.

Grow Ohio will also provide new employers the opportunity to opt into the Group Experience Rating Program, which is normally not accessible to new employers until the first full policy year following the date they obtained workers’ compensation coverage. Depending on the specific characteristics of the business, this option could reduce premiums up to the maximum allowable amount of 51 percent.

New businesses will have 30 days to decide whether they will participate in the Group Experience Rating Program. At the end of this 30 day period, the 25 percent discount from the Grow Ohio program will be automatically applied.