OhioSE Inc. Receives 2026 AEP Ohio LEAP Grant

AEP Ohio announced Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) as one of 18 community economic development organizations across Ohio to receive a Local Economic Advancement Program (LEAP) grant.

In 2026, AEP Ohio is distributing more than $461,000 through the LEAP program to help organizations across its service territory plan their local economies' futures, prepare local industrial sites for new businesses and support creative ways to introduce their communities to existing and prospective employers.

“These recipients are helping make their communities better places to live and work, and as a proud member of the communities we serve, we’re honored to support the important work of our neighbors,” said Zach Miller, director of economic development for AEP Ohio.

OhioSE will utilize LEAP funding to address gaps in organizational funding.

Seventeen other local economic development organizations also will receive a LEAP grant this year:

· Cambridge Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation

· City of Canton

· Holmes County Economic Development Council

· Jackson County Economic Development Partnership

· Jefferson County Port Authority

· Lancaster Port Authority

· Lawrence Economic Development Corporation

· Regional Growth Partnership

· Team NEO

· Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation

· University of Rio Grande

· Wayne County Economic Development Council

· Defiance County Community Improvement Corporation

· Mid-Ohio Development Exchange

· Paulding County Community Improvement Corporation

· Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation

· Wyandot County Collaboration

View the original release

Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE)is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties; they are the newest and geographically the largest of the six regions across the state. OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.