The startup scene in OKC is vibrant and making national waves. The low cost of living and labor, central location in middle America, good schools and low taxes and regulations have turned OKC into an entrepreneurial paradise.
According to Inc.com, OKC is catching the attention of ambitious entrepreneurs because of a strong research community, the ability to hire talent quickly and cheaply, an influx of millennials, and quality of life.
Millennials and young entrepreneurs are finding a plethora of benefits in OKC. We’re among top 5 cities with youngest entrepreneurs and the top 20 cities where millennials make the most money. Plus, the Oklahoma Entrepreneur Mentoring Program was recently launched a free in-person mentorship and coaching to emerging entrepreneurs by matching them with teams of experienced Oklahoma business leaders and subject matter experts.
Throughout OKC’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, there are tools to help your small business succeed, including business intelligence, evaluation tools, small business health insurance, and demographic reports.
Plentiful funding opportunities are available through organizations like i2E, where they invest in entrepreneurs, and OCAST, advancing technology-based economic development.
The sense of community support extends to accelerators like StitchCrew and Thunder Launchpad, growing the innovation economy right here in Oklahoma City. A cornerstone of business and entrepreneurial life in Oklahoma City is the connectivity in the professional community. Organizations like the Greater OKC Chamber and Starspace 46 bring professionals and industries together on a regular basis, making connections and resources that much easier to access.
Click HERE to view the Oklahoma Entrepreneurial Resources Directory.
Provided by the Tom Love Innovation Hub
Click below to view the Innovation District’s entrepreneurship assets on our Cognitive City, The Nucleus.
Use the SizeUp LBI – or local business intelligence – tool to analyze your business’ position in the market and get the competitive intelligence you need to succeed.
i2E, Inc. is a nationally recognized private not-for-profit corporation focused on growing innovative small businesses in Oklahoma and making a positive impact on the state’s economy. i2E receives state support from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology and is an integral part of Oklahoma’s Innovation Model.
In partnership with the Oklahoma City Thunder, StitchCrew runs an accelerator program at the Thunder launchpad to help founders conceive, design and scale ventures. Here’s your chance to get your idea off the ground, out of your garage, and ready to be venture backed.
