Applying is easy! Start by contacting one of our business bankers to discuss your financing needs. We'll determine whether your loan may qualify for Buckeye Business Advantage and complete the program application on your behalf.

Unlike many government programs, you do not apply directly with the State of Ohio. Your participating financial institution submits the Buckeye Business Advantage application after your loan has been approved.

You loan is first evaluated by GreenWay using our standard business lending and underwriting process. If your loan is approved and appears to meet the Buckeye Business Advantage eligibility requirements, we submit the program application to the Ohio Treasurer's Office for final program approval. 

Approval timelines vary depending on the complexity of the loan and application volume. Our Business Banking Team can provide a better estimate based on your specific financing request. 

Buckeye Business Advantage can be used with many types of qualifying business loans, including financing for:
 

• Working capital
• Equipment purchases
• Business expansion
• Owner-occupied commercial real estate
• Other eligible business purposes

Loan availability depends on our lending products and your business's qualifications. The program supports qualifying loans of up to $1 million, with an interest rate reduction available for up to two years.

Your business must continue to comply with the terms of both your loan agreement and the Buckeye Business Advantage program throughout the interest rate reduction period. Loan proceeds must be used for eligible business purposes, and your business must remain in compliance with applicable program requirements.

If there are significant changes to your business or loan, contact your Business Banker to discuss any impact on your participation.

This program may be a great fit if your business:
 

• Is headquartered in Ohio
• Has 150 or fewer employees
• Needs financing to start, grow, expand, or invest in the business
• Wants to reduce borrowing costs on a qualifying loan

If you're unsure whether your business qualifies, our Business Banking Team can review your financing goals and help determine whether Buckeye Business Advantage is a good option.

The interest rate reduction depends on the program's quarterly Loan Discount Interest Rate established by the Ohio Treasurer's Office. The discount can be as much as 3%, although the actual reduction available may vary based on current program rates and your qualifying loan. 

Our Business Banking Team will explain the available interest rate discount when you apply.

In some cases, yes. Buckeye Business Advantage may be compatible with certain state or federal financing programs, depending on the requirements of each program and the structure of your loan. 

If you're considering financing through programs such as SBA lending or other economic development initiatives, we'll review your options and determine whether they can be used together.

Buckeye Business Advantage is currently an ongoing program that accepts applications throughout the year. Because it is a state-sponsored program, availability is subject to program funding and any future changes made by the Ohio Treasurer's Office.

Yes. New businesses and start-ups may qualify provided they meet both our lending requirements and the Buckeye Business Advantage eligibility criteria. There is no minimum time in business required by the program itself, although all applicants must demonstrate their ability to qualify for financing.

Yes. To qualify, an eligible business must:
 

• Be headquartered in Ohio
• Be at least 61% domiciled in Ohio
• Have 150 or fewer employees, with at least 51% residing in Ohio
• Be organized for profit
• Use the loan exclusively for business purposes

Our Business Banking Team can help determine whether your company meets the program's eligibility requirements.

You can view our Buckeye Business Advantage press release here or from our News and Updates page.