RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS
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. • 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. • 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 to create an entrepreneurial startup program 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 started 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.
A common theme in the story of Oklahoma City is its entre- preneurial 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, the Greater OKC region is home to 73,000 small businesses and boasts business costs that are 15% 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 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.
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