Small business programs launch in Oklahoma

Oklahoma businesses still need our help and JPMorgan Chase has made an investment to help small businesses in our state. Progress OKC and the Tulsa Economic Development Corp. are using that support to launch programs to help business owners and entrepreneurs, especially those in underserved communities, as they fight to recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn.

The program in Oklahoma City, called the Building Business Back Better program, features one-on-one development services focused on small business operations, customer attraction, capital access and strategic growth, all at little or no charge to the business owner.

The program is designed to help existing small businesses struggling to maintain revenue in the pandemic, business owners looking to secure capital to maintain or grow their operations and entrepreneurs interested in gaining knowledge about business strategy, capital and resources during an uncertain time.

The Tulsa Economic Development Coalition is establishing a program called Sky’s the Limit, a virtual coaching and mentoring platform that will offer business owners access to strategic guidance from both local and national experts. Tulsa will also launch an accelerator that identifies franchise-worthy, single-site businesses and guides them through the franchise development process.

Business owners and leaders who want to connect with others and learn more about these programs are invited to join upcoming virtual roundtable events “The Road to Recovery: Supporting Oklahoma Small Businesses” on Thursday, February 25. Progress OKC will host an event at noon, and TEDC will host an event following that, at 1:30 p.m. Both events will share details of the new programs and how to access support. The Oklahoma City event will discuss small business readiness and response, crisis management, small business support including access to capital and economic recovery and resiliency. Speakers include Mayor David Holt and a variety of small business owners, consultants and economic development professionals.

At a time when small businesses have been faced with revenue loss, supply delays and changing regulations, these business support programs supported by JPMorgan Chase are important steps for small businesses in Oklahoma to find support and access to capital.

To learn more about Progress OKC’s virtual event, visit theallianceokc.org. You can also stay connected through Facebook and Instagram @progressokccdc

Contact TEDC for more information about their programs or virtual event. You can also stay connected through Facebook and LinkedIn @TEDCCreativeCapital.