Join us for our next webinar on Wednesday, April 1st at 1 pm.
The State of Ohio has long been home to many of the most economically dynamic and livable communities and urban centers this country offers. JobsOhio recognizes that some smaller and mid-sized cities that make Ohio culturally rich have struggled to compete as companies and talent migrate to major metro areas. These smaller communities are part of the social fabric of Ohio and a vital part of the State’s economy. They need resources that will better position them to attract more private investment and create new opportunities for their residents.
The Vibrant Communities Program recognizes that distressed communities may not have adequate resources to develop and implement economic development projects that can attract private investment and create new jobs. The program was established to assist distressed small and medium sized communities with the implementation of catalytic development projects that fulfill a market need and represent a significant reinvestment in areas that have struggled to attract new investment.
See if your community is eligible.
About Our Presenters
Hannah Baumgartel is the Senior Program Manager for Small Business & Community Programs at JobsOhio, where she leads initiatives to help small businesses and communities across Ohio grow, create jobs and thrive.
Prior to joining JobsOhio, Hannah served as Program Director for Project RISE at the Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center, where she built and managed a regional workforce development program connecting K-12 students in Athens, Meigs, and Perry counties with internships, mentorships, and job shadowing opportunities.
Earlier in her career, she worked at the Champaign Economic Partnership as assistant to the executive director, supporting local economic development projects—including the revitalization of the historic Douglas Hotel in Urbana.
Hannah holds a Master of Public Administration and a B.A. in Political Science from Ohio University.
Amanda Schwarz is the Sites Development Coordinator at JobsOhio, where she supports the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) as well as the Vibrant Community and Pre-Project Planning Programs through project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and process management. In her role, she works closely with regional partners, community leaders, and internal teams to help advance site readiness and community development initiatives across Ohio.
With over a decade of experience in both private and nonprofit sectors, Amanda brings a strong background in managing complex project pipelines, coordinating cross-functional efforts, and ensuring deadlines and program goals are met.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Miami University and is passionate about helping communities grow through strategic planning and collaboration.
