Tulsa Program Aims To Help Developing Local Businesses

Starting your own business can be a daunting task that takes a lot of work and a lot of money, but one program in Tulsa is helping guide young entrepreneurs through that process.

There are nine startup companies that call the space on 3rd and Cheyenne home. The chamber said there are five more on the waiting list to get in.

The program was recently accredited by the state chamber of commerce and it is giving the young entrepreneurs some opportunities they might not have had otherwise.

“The lifestyle quotient in Tulsa has improved dramatically over the last decade,” said Entrepreneur, Trevor Barrios.

Barrios, 31, is from Tulsa, moved away for some time, and returned home about a year and a half ago.

“Having lived here prior and coming back from Los Angeles, one of the things that attracted me was the quality of lifestyle compared to the cost,” he said.

Now he now plans to stay for the long term; after all, he and his business partner will soon be graduating from the program. They already have office space leased for their consulting company, Sapien Brand Experience.

“I was pleasantly surprised at all the local businesses that had sprung up organically. It’s actually a very exciting time and a very exciting place to be at the moment,” Barrios said.

The Forge, part of the Tulsa Chamber, provides entrepreneurs low rent office space, mentors and even state tax breaks for being part of the program.

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“It may not be impactful now, but years down the road that's gonna have a huge impact on their business,” said Program Director Jessica Flint.

Brady Deaton just moved his marketing business, Idefi Group, into the Forge last month, after years of working from home.

“It gives you more of an air of professionalism as well, without the big expense,” Deaton said. “We've got something that’s really exciting, I think, everybody’s very excited about where it’s going and the new direction.”

You can feel that excitement in the space.

“There is so much support in the community for places like this. Our whole vision is to see these young, talented people stay in Tulsa, build their businesses in Tulsa and hire people in Tulsa,” said Flint.

The rent for a space at the Forge ranges from $275 to $475 a month and they are currently interviewing possible tenants for a space that will open up in September.

The chamber said they don’t want anyone just looking for cheap office space; they want people who want to connect with the community, grow and be involved.