Some Third Frontier job funds going to short list

COLUMBUS (AP) — A panel controlled by the governor hand-picked contenders in the latest round of bidding for a pair of high-tech Third Frontier venture funds, changing a protocol that had been based strictly on merit.

The nine-member Ohio Third Frontier Commission opted to limit eligibility for its two entrepreneurial funds only to past grant recipients. That included some business entities tied to generous political donors.

Applications were due last week with awards coming in March.

Executive director Norm Chagnan says the commission decided to create the short list as a temporary response to economic conditions.

He says industry advisers unanimously recommended the move to help businesses that are having trouble accessing capital.