Buckeye Business Advantage

Buckeye Business Advantage is sponsored by Ohio Treasurer's Office. Offers reduced interest rate loans to Ohio small businesses with 150 or fewer employees to support growth and expansion.

Buckeye Business Advantage Buckeye Business Advantage Ohio’s great entrepreneurial spirit has led to incredible innovations from the first airplane, cash register, and traffic signal to large scale successful businesses based right here in the Buckeye State. We know that growth starts at home, and you need flexible capital to start or expand your small business.

Buckeye Business Advantage gives Ohio entrepreneurs an edge by allowing for reduced interest rates on small business loans through participating financial institutions. Whether your company is just starting out or you’re ready to take operations to the next level, Buckeye Business Advantage can help you achieve success with your small business.

A loan associated with the program may be for up to $1 million over 2 years and will allow for up to a 3% rate reduction. Businesses based in Ohio with less than 150 employees are eligible to apply. By helping small business owners through Buckeye Business Advantage, the Ohio Treasurer’s office is working to lay the groundwork for the state’s future economic success.

Buckeye Business Advantage is now accepting applications.

Buckeye Business Advantage Requirements ▼ An eligible small business borrower must: be at least 51% domiciled in Ohio have 150 or fewer employees, at least 51% of whom are residents of Ohio use the loan exclusively for business purposes agree to comply with all program and financial institution requirements How Buckeye Business Advantage Works ▼ The small business owner selects and works directly with a participating financial institution for a business loan.

The loan officer at the participating financial institution submits an online Buckeye Business Advantage application on behalf of the small business owner. The Ohio Treasurer’s office reviews the Buckeye Business Advantage application, and if all eligibility criteria are met, the application is approved.

Once the Buckeye Business Advantage application is approved, and on an agreed date, the Ohio Treasurer’s office deposits funds with the financial institution at a below-market interest rate. The financial institution reduces the small business borrower's loan interest rate in conjunction with the offsetting deposit by the Ohio Treasurer’s office. Current Loan Discount Interest Rate - 1.

95% The Loan Discount Interest Rate is the interest rate discount the FI applies to the Borrower’s loan. The Loan Discount Interest Rate is updated on a quarterly basis. Step 1: Read the Participation Statement and Terms [click here] Any applicant seeking to participate in Buckeye Business Advantage must review, understand, and adhere to the terms outlined in the program's Participation Statement.

Upon applying, an applicant is required to attest to having read the Participation Statement. We encourage all applicants to carefully review the document prior to opening an account through the program.

Step 2: Contact a Participating Financial Institution [click here] Financial institutions located in the State of Ohio that wish to participate in the Buckeye Business Advantage program should email [email protected] to obtain more information.

Calculators: to calculate interest owed on deposits at maturity: Jan - Mar 2026 Buckeye Business Advantage Interest Rate Calculator Oct - Dec 2025 Buckeye Business Advantage Interest Rate Calculator Through Buckeye Business Advantage, Ohio small business owners can apply for interest rate reductions on loans used for business expenses. Click here for more information