Navigating Entrepreneurship: Insights from Darcy Wilborn, VP of i2E
Photo Credit: i2E
In today's rapidly evolving world, innovation is the cornerstone of progress. For innovators and entrepreneurs in Oklahoma, i2E (Innovation to Enterprise) aims to stand as a beacon of support and opportunity.
Since its inception, i2E has played a crucial role in Oklahoma's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a wide range of services and support to startups and early-stage companies. These services include mentoring, funding, business development assistance, access to networks, and specialized programs aimed at accelerating the growth and success of emerging businesses.
Darcy Wilborn, as Vice President of i2E, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her insights into entrepreneurship offer a practical and realistic view of the industry, helping aspiring entrepreneurs navigate its complexities with clarity and confidence.
Importance of Problem-Solving
Wilborn spearheads the E3 program, which originated over a decade ago to support technology commercialization from universities. Between 2010 and 2016 brought about, tech-based startups faced a scarcity of advisory services and funding sources.
Wilborn underscores the importance of problem-solving in the world of entrepreneurship.
"The most successful entrepreneurs that I've seen are in love with solving a problem,” said Wilborn.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo
E3 has emerged as a cornerstone program allowing i2E to refine and enhance its expertise, celebrating its 50th cohort in January 2024.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Wilborn emphasizes the critical nature of customer retention and engagement in making a product "sticky" in entrepreneurship. She highlighted that having a sticky product was essential for startup success, involving factors such as repeat customers, long-term contracts, or integration into customers' daily routines.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Wilborn recommends finding a problem they're passionate about solving and gaining industry experience or joining a startup team to learn and grow.
From a high school internship with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to roles at L’Oreal and Accenture, she embraced diverse experiences. Wilborn encourages young professionals to explore various jobs to discover their passions. Her journey underscores the value of trying different roles to find fulfillment and excel in one's career.
Wilborn’s insights provide a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
Programs to support innovators & entrepreneurs
Explores product/market fit for new concepts and aids in scaling existing businesses.
Six-week intensive program with videos, workshops, and one-on-one calls.
Provides a comprehensive report with recommended resources and potential funding sources.
Led by Oklahoma Farm Bureau for entrepreneurs in communities of 50,000 people or fewer
Focuses on agricultural and rural innovation.
Offers tracks for on-farm agriculture applications and rural-based businesses.
Multi-day hybrid development sessions and pitch opportunities.
Potential equity investments to support ventures and economic growth.
Prepares high-growth startups for accelerator program applications and funding.
Eight-week program with workshops, coaching calls, and live demo day pitch.
Includes an upfront $50,000 convertible note investment.
Allows founders to meet early milestones, refine pitch presentations and diligence packets.
Statewide collegiate business plan competition.
Simulates real-world market research, business plan creation, and investor presentations.
Facilitates the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs in Oklahoma.
Led by Northeast Oklahoma City Renaissance, this 16-week program is tailored for BIPOC founders in Oklahoma City.
Designed to accelerate minority entrepreneurship.
Supports founders with high growth and main street business concepts.
Focuses on businesses established in Oklahoma City since March 1st, 2022.
Aims to drive regional economic growth and inclusion.
The Future of Entrepreneurship in Oklahoma
Looking ahead, Wilborn envisions a bright future for entrepreneurship in Oklahoma. She sees the state's abundant resources and supportive ecosystem as catalysts for growth.
"I am very hopeful that entrepreneurs from other parts of the country will look to Oklahoma for resources for their startup," she shares.
With organizations like i2E leading the way, Oklahoma is steering itself to become a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.