Hospitality Oklahoma City’s increasing status as a visitor destination contributes strongly to this sector’s growing employment and impact on the region. Prior to the pandemic, this was the fastest-growing segment of employment with over 73,000 employees in the region. Total travel spending in Oklahoma County alone was $2.4 billion and non- transportation spending in this sector rose 35% since 2010. During the pandemic, however, the industry suffered much like the rest of the nation but has since rebounded as the economy has opened back up and people are feeling more comfortable about traveling and visiting various sites and attractions. Logistics There is a reason the Greater
Resources for job seekers Has all this talk about OKC’s strengths inspired you to look at your career options here? We don’t blame you. With Oklahoma City consistently boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, you may learn that finding a job here is relatively easy compared to other cities. For full-time employment, the state offers OKJobMatch.com, a website where you can create or upload a resume and search for jobs. The website also allows for Oklahoma employers to search for candidates just like you. A Better Life’s employment resources can help you find your fit in Oklahoma City’s job market. Resources include links to job boards, internship listings, staffing agencies and industry-specific tools. View those and more at www.ABetterLifeOKC.com/Employment.
•i2E is an Oklahoma City-based non-profit dedicated specifically to growing innovative small businesses by helping entrepreneurs, researchers and companies commercialize their technologies and access capital. •Office of Entrepreneurial Development, which provides resources and assistance to entrepreneurs in high-growth sectors. •OCAST (the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology), is a state agency dedicated to investing in technology transfer and commercialization. •In 2018, the Oklahoma City Thunder partnered with an entrepreneurial startup program, StitchCrew, to begin the Thunder Launchpad. The application process seeks technology-driven entrepreneurs, then the programs help them get their ideas off the ground and ready to be venture-backed. More information can be found at StitchCrew.com.
•gBETA, Oklahoma City, is a pre- accelerator that will open in the fall of 2021. It is a free, seven-week business accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. gBETA is designed to help startups gain early customer traction on their product or idea,
and establish and execute on metrics that make them competitive applicants for full-time, equity-based accelerators or seed investment. Participants receive intensive and individualized coaching and access to a national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors. For more resources, visit GreaterOklahomaCity.com.
Resources for entrepreneurs A common theme in the story of
Oklahoma City region is such a great place for logistics: Location. All major trade hubs and more than 411 million residents are within 1,800 miles of Oklahoma City. This makes it easy for businesses to quickly get the materials they need as well as ship out their products to customers. Retail Trade A growing economy and a diverse population with disposable income combine in Oklahoma City to create an environment that attracts major retail investment. With a strong corporate presence and residents with strong buying power, Oklahoma City generates 18% of the state’s total sales tax revenue. The metro has also spawned significant retail businesses and is the headquarters of national retailers Hobby Lobby,
Oklahoma City is its entrepreneurial spirit that has carried it to success throughout its history. That spirit is alive and well today, with Oklahoma City being ranked as the best city in the nation to start a business by many national groups. If you’ve got a great idea and you’re ready to dive into the world of entrepreneurship, then Oklahoma City is for you. Today, Greater Oklahoma City is home to 36,068 small businesses and also boasts business costs that are 17% lower than the national average, a quality that creates a healthy environment for new businesses. Combined with the area’s incentive programs, these factors allow
COMMUNITY HAPPENS HERE When you join the Y, you are committing to more than becoming healthier. You are supporting the values and programs that strengthen our community. Y MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: • Childcare while you workout • Group exercise classes, fitness centers, free weights, basketball gyms and pools • Developmental youth sports with a Household Membership • Virtual Y OKC • Member only pricing on programming • Access to all 14 metro locations and Nationwide Membership
MONTHLY RATES Adult - $40 Household - $65 Youth & Teen memberships available. Financial Assistance available.
the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world operating in 47 states; Orange Leaf, one of the fastest-growing private companies in America; and Sonic Drive-In, the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the United States. The increasingly diversified economy is due largely to the city’s entrepreneurial streak and a business environment that enables company success. There is a strong partnership among business, government, civic leaders and economic development partners that have led to significant growth and a quality-of-life renaissance unlike any other location in the United States.
startup businesses not only to survive, but also to thrive. While the process of starting a business can be daunting, Oklahoma City has ample support and resources. Over the last decade, our region has invested millions of dollars in the areas that entrepreneurs need it the most, which are infrastructure, access to capital and support. Greater Oklahoma City has several organizations dedicated specifically to supporting high-tech entrepreneurs and are walking alongside entrepreneurs through the startup process.
Learn more and join today at ymcaokc.org/join.
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