In January, Progress OKC launched the Kiva lending program in Oklahoma. It’s a low-barrier micro-lending program for entrepreneurs and startups that typically have difficulty accessing capital. Traditional lenders such as banks may require credit history, collateral, citizenship and financial performance verification that can create barriers for startups, especially for women and minorities. The Oklahoma City program is hitting its goals and has already fully funded 10 local

Small businesses are a key contributor to successful economic development. In Oklahoma, more than 50% of the private workforce is employed by small businesses and approximately 2 out of 3 people in the Oklahoma City metro are employed by an establishment or business with fewer than 100 employees. Oklahoma City leaders are seeking input from small businesses and entrepreneurs to help identify support, resources or incentives needed by business owners to start, grow or stabiliz

This week, we marked a preservation milestone for Oklahoma City. Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice accepted a certificate from Lynda Ozan with the State Historic Preservation Office, placing the Brockway Center on the National Register of Historic Places. Vacant and in need of renovation, the Brockway Center was considered for demolition in 2019 by the owner of the building. Historians, community activists and the Oklahoma City Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs rallied, called

The month of June usually presents some of our most predictably perfect weather, so it’s an ideal time to pack your calendar full of outdoor events and festivals. This June has many events to choose from that celebrate the people of Oklahoma City, their talents, history and passion. Pick several to experience some of Oklahoma City’s culture and community. June 16 is Walk Over Wednesday, a lunchtime event created to encourage connections among people who live and work in or ne

When I met Dr. Stephen Prescott in 2006, it was obvious he was a visionary. He was a rare leader who had the ability to pull together teams and take action to turn vision into action. When he accepted the leadership position at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, he built a culture of engagement within the organization that fostered tremendous growth. He immediately set out to assemble some of the most accomplished scientists in the world, recruiting 30 new principal sc