Explore our programs & services.
Since 1999, we have provided innovative capital solutions that support economic and community development in Summit County, Northeast Ohio, and beyond to expand opportunities for all.
Public Finance
As a public agency, the Development Finance Authority of Summit County (DFA) provides efficient and unique financing and development tools in the private and public sector to support housing, jobs and improved infrastructure.
New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC)
The NMTC is a federal program that increases the flow of capital by providing a modest tax incentive for investment in businesses or community development projects located in urban and rural communities. The Development Fund of the Western Reserve (DFWR) has a successful track record of allocating NMTCs into projects throughout Northern Ohio to address specific needs in our community.
Small Business and Nonprofit Finance
Access to capital and financial support is a critical resource that is often beyond reach for small businesses and nonprofits in our community. Western Reserve Community Fund (WRCF) works to break down barriers by providing flexible loans and financial education throughout a 5-county radius (Summit, Stark, Portage, Medina, and Wayne).
Foreign-Trade Zone
The foreign-trade zones (FTZs) program is used to help encourage activity and value-added at U.S. facilities in competition with foreign alternatives by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign merchandise, as well as other savings. DFA is the grantee for FTZ 181 which covers Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties.
Work With Us
Share your vision for the future — we’re here to help make it happen and uplift the community together.