New State Website To Assist Consumers, Organizations & Businesses

Presented By Chillicothe VAMC

(Columbus)— The Ohio Department of Commerce launched a redesigned website this week marking the start of a change in business pace and easier access to materials that help consumers, organizations, and businesses in their daily lives.

Commerce‘s new website allows easier access to licensing and registration materials for businesses and organizations. They’ll also be able to request information and file applications in a streamlined way through our new Megamenu. Consumers will be able to access important educational materials from protecting families from fire-related risks and searching for their unclaimed funds to how to choose the right financial advisor and much more. The homepage features the most timely and relevant information in the current season for businesses and consumers.

“The launch of this website marks the public-facing start of extensive technology updates happening at the Department of Commerce,” said Sherry Maxfield, director of the agency. “The newly redesigned com.ohio.gov will help us do business at the pace Ohioans expect in 2022. Additional enhancements to databases and other systems that are housed within the new site will take place over the coming year.”

The Department of Commerce plays a vital role in consumer protection. The agency ensures businesses follow the law as they build properties, create jobs, and sell certain products and services. That work, in turn, stimulates economic growth and protects consumers’ most important assets, from their homes to their bank accounts. The agency also has enforcement authority in several industries and monitors complaints. The group issues nearly 600,000 licenses, permits, registrations, and certifications each year in various professions, industries, and commercial enterprises.

“Visitors to our site will appreciate the organization of topics and easily be able to identify information that will help their family or allow them to start a new business venture,” said Chief Information Officer Sharon Wilhelm. “We’ve put consumer resources front and center, allowing Ohioans to file a complaint or look up a licensee with ease. But we’ve also kept businesses and  their most important needs top of mind: how to get licensed and what proposed rules they need to know in their industry.”

You can experience the new site at www.com.ohio.gov.