Welcome Guide 2024_FB

RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Several key organizations are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate the startup process, especially in high-tech sectors: i2E: This Oklahoma City-based non-profit organization is focused on helping innovative small businesses by providing commercialization support, funding, and business development resources. i2E works with entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies to turn groundbreaking ideas into successful businesses. OCAST (Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology): OCAST is a state agency that invests in technology transfer, research, and commercialization. By supporting tech-driven businesses, OCAST helps Oklahoma’s entrepreneurs bring their inventions and products to market. Thunder Launchpad: Launched in 2018 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thunder Launchpad is an entrepreneurial startup program focused on supporting technology-driven businesses. Through a competitive application process, selected entrepreneurs receive mentorship, capital access, and the tools needed to bring their ventures to life. gBETA Oklahoma City: A free, seven-week business accelerator program for early-stage companies with local roots. gBETA helps startups gain early customer traction, refine their business models, and prepare for future investment opportunities. Participants benefit from intensive coaching, along with access to a national network of mentors, investors, and partners. Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator: A rapid, 90-day virtual program that helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into action. Participants learn how to prototype their concepts, test assumptions, and execute a single experiment to validate their ideas. These programs, along with Oklahoma City's broad entrepreneurial support infrastructure, provide crucial resources for startups at every stage. Whether you're in the early planning phase or scaling your business, OKC has the tools, support, and community to help your entrepreneurial dreams take flight.

Oklahoma City has long been a hotbed for entrepreneurial spirit, earning recognition as one of the best cities in the nation to start a business. If you’ve got a great idea and the drive to make it a reality, OKC offers a thriving environment for entrepreneurs. Today, Greater Oklahoma City is home to over 75,500 small businesses, with operating costs that are 15% lower than the national average. This affordable business climate, paired with a strong support network and local incentive programs, creates an ideal environment for startups to not only survive but thrive. Oklahoma City’s investment in infrastructure, access to capital, and entrepreneur support over the past decade has helped foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem that’s growing by the day.

For more information about resources for entrepreneurs in Oklahoma City, visit GreaterOklahomaCity.com.

14 Oklahoma City Official Welcome Guide 2024

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