October 8, 2026 – Small Nation and its founder, Jason Duff, have been recognized by the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) for their contributions to economic development, community revitalization and marketing in Ohio.  

The awards were presented Thursday, October 8, during OEDA’s 2026 Annual Summit. Duff was named Local Champion of the Year, while Small Nation received an Award of Merit for Excellence in Economic Development Marketing and Communications for its Union County Mailers campaign. 

This year, OEDA received 47 nominations from around the state, across seven award categories, with 12 members of the association evaluating and scoring nominations using the same criteria. Duff’s nomination earned the top score in the Local Champion of the Year category, while Small Nation’s Union County Mailers campaign finished among the top three entries in its category. 

OEDA’s Local Champion of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has been a strong and effective champion for economic development in their community. The award highlights individuals outside of full-time economic development roles who have demonstrated significant support for local economic development efforts. 

Duff founded Small Nation in Bellefontaine and has spent more than a decade investing in properties, supporting entrepreneurs, recruiting businesses and building partnerships focused on strengthening Downtown Bellefontaine and the surrounding community. When that work began, nearly 70 percent of Downtown Bellefontaine’s first-floor spaces were vacant. Since then, the community has seen more than $40 million invested in downtown revitalization, more than 56 historic buildings and storefronts renovated, more than 60 new businesses established, 34 downtown loft apartments developed and approximately 200 new jobs created. 

“This recognition means a lot because it reflects what can happen when people decide to believe in their community and work together to make it stronger,” said Jason Duff, Founder of Small Nation. “Bellefontaine’s story has never been about one person or one project. It has been about entrepreneurs taking risks, property owners investing, local leaders supporting new ideas, and a community choosing to support local businesses. I’m incredibly proud of what we have built together, and I’m excited about what is still ahead for Bellefontaine and small communities across Ohio.” 

Duff’s work has also extended beyond Bellefontaine. He regularly mentors entrepreneurs, connects communities with resources and shares lessons from Bellefontaine’s revitalization with local leaders throughout Ohio and across the country. 

Small Nation also received an Award of Merit in the Excellence in Economic Development Marketing and Communications category for its Union County Mailers campaign. 

The targeted tourism and economic development campaign was designed to position Downtown Bellefontaine as an easy day-trip destination for residents of neighboring Union County, located approximately 30 minutes away. Small Nation collaborated with downtown businesses to develop a county-wide direct-mail campaign highlighting local restaurants, shops, entertainment and experiences while incorporating exclusive offers from participating businesses. 

Using the U.S. Postal Service Every Door Direct Mail program, the campaign delivered a tangible invitation to households throughout Union County. Participating businesses offered incentives designed to encourage recipients to visit Downtown Bellefontaine and experience multiple businesses during their trip. 

Within the first month of the campaign, hundreds of coupons were redeemed at participating businesses, generating thousands of dollars in direct economic value. The campaign also provided a measurable connection between the marketing effort and actual customer visits while creating opportunities for additional spending throughout downtown.

“We knew there was a tremendous opportunity sitting just 30 minutes down the road,” Duff said. “Instead of simply telling people they should visit Downtown Bellefontaine, we worked with our businesses to give them a specific reason to make the trip. The response showed the value of targeted marketing and, more importantly, what can happen when local businesses work together to promote an entire community. This award belongs just as much to the businesses that participated and helped make the campaign successful.” 

The Excellence in Economic Development Marketing and Communications Award recognizes successful economic development marketing efforts, including branding, direct mail, websites, public relations campaigns, advertising and other strategies designed to market communities and regions. 

For Small Nation, the two recognitions highlight different sides of the same approach to community development: investing for the long term while finding creative, measurable ways to support local businesses and attract people to small communities. 

About Small Nation: 

Small Nation develops places, spaces, and dreams for small towns and entrepreneurs across the country. Based in Bellefontaine, Ohio, the team invests in real estate, creates business solutions, and provides resources for small-town success. Small Nation has been recognized nationally for its work in downtown revitalization, business incubation, and rural economic development. 

To learn more about Small Nation, visit www.smallnation.com or follow them on social media at @smallnationstrong.