Data Center Growth Fuels Opportunity for Summit County Business Relocation and Startups

Northeast Ohio — and Summit County in particular — is gaining serious momentum as a strategic destination for business relocation and startups, thanks in part to the explosive growth of the region’s data center infrastructure. As tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft make multi-billion-dollar investments across the state, communities throughout Northeast Ohio are poised to benefit from new jobs, upgraded infrastructure, and a more dynamic business climate.

Why Summit County Is Positioned for Growth

Summit County offers a unique combination of affordability, accessibility, and innovation support — all of which are attractive to companies in tech, logistics, and other high-growth sectors.

Key Advantages Include:

Proximity to Major Data Center Projects: While many of the largest builds are in central Ohio, the economic ripple effect is reaching communities across the state. Summit County businesses and suppliers are already feeling the impact as demand grows for tech support services, skilled labor, and construction capabilities.
Abundant, Affordable Land and Energy: With competitively priced real estate and access to low-cost, carbon-free power (including nuclear and renewable energy), Summit County is becoming a smart choice for companies exploring business relocation or expansion.
Incentives for Growth: JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Development continue to roll out tax incentives and infrastructure grants that support business startups and relocating companies looking for a competitive edge.

Major Data Center Investments Powering the Shift

Amazon Web Services (AWS): Investing over $7.8 billion in Ohio cloud infrastructure, creating demand across tech and construction sectors.
Google: Committed $1.7 billion to its New Albany data center.
Meta (Facebook): Expanding its campus into one of the largest in the Midwest.
Microsoft: Developing multiple campuses across Ohio, with long-term hiring and vendor needs.

The Local Impact: Jobs, Development, and New Opportunity

For Summit County, the impact of these investments is clear:

Workforce Development: The growth of the data economy is fueling new training partnerships with universities and technical schools in the Akron area — a major advantage for talent-focused business startups and tech-forward employers.
Construction & Skilled Trades: Thousands of jobs are being created in electrical, HVAC, security, and construction fields — industries that feed directly into the local supply chain.
Community and Commercial Growth: Data center activity attracts housing, restaurants, and service-based businesses, which strengthens the region’s appeal for both residents and companies considering relocation to Summit County.

A Prime Time for Relocation and Startups

For businesses exploring relocation or startup opportunities in a region that combines tech momentum with lifestyle appeal, Summit County stands out. With its central location in Northeast Ohio, proximity to key infrastructure, and supportive business environment, it’s a natural choice for companies ready to grow.