Entrepreneurs Get Hands-On Training At Tulsa Boot Camp

By Dan Bewley & Terry Hood, The News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- If you've ever thought about starting your own business, you might consider going to boot camp. Oklahoma State University's boot camp for entrepreneurs begins this weekend in Tulsa.

"I've always liked art, I mean ever since I was a kid," said Rocky Wallman.

Rocky Wallman is living a dream, one painting at a time. For the past five years he's been selling creations from artists all around the country.

"I have some pieces by David DeVary, he's from Santa Fe," Wallman said. "Everywhere from North Dakota to Wyoming to Texas to California."

He started his Dakota Rock's gallery online but now has show space in south Tulsa and is looking to expand to other states.

"When I started I had a little business plan and I thought I could get started with this much money and I did," he said. "But then I quickly learned that there's a whole lot more to it."

Last year Wallman graduated from the Cowboy Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs. The six-week program at OSU-Tulsa is designed to give budding entrepreneurs hands-on training in business.

It's also geared for anyone who has thought about opening their own business.

"We take them through all of the elements of starting your business, from the marketing, the financials. Is your business an idea or is it really a business that you can make profitable?" said Mary Means, Oklahoma State University.

Wallman says the boot camp helped him focus on how to do market research, as well as dealing with finances. He says becoming your own boss is a challenge, but one that has a big reward.

"It can be scary at times but if that's what you want to do then that's what you just, you just put your foot forward and just go ahead and do it," he said.

The boot camp begins this Saturday, October 9th, 2010, and runs for 6 weeks. It costs $650 but there are scholarships available.

Wallman's store is located at 8281 S. Harvard in south Tulsa.