Local Non-Profit Helps Start-Ups Grow During COVID-19 Pandemic

A local non-profit that helps people start and grow their own business said it's having a big impact on Tulsa's economy.

36 Degrees North said the start ups they've helped in the past four years have been creating jobs and last year saw the most growth so far. 

“If you have ten jobs coming from one hundred businesses that is an impact. It may not be an impact from one organization, but when you start collecting all of our small businesses who are able to hire it definitely helps the economy," said Charity Marcus. 

Marcus is the co-founder of Black Women Business Owners of America, a company that started in Tulsa two years ago.

She said technology has helped them grow at a rapid pace.

These types of success stories are common at 36 Degrees North. 

“Going to 2020 honestly was really where our business went through the roof. So much so that it was extremely stressful for us both," said Lawrence Macalpine.

Macalpine is a technology consultant who recently moved to Tulsa with his wife. He said they've created more jobs within their company in the last year and 90% of those are in Tulsa. Here at 36 Degrees North, the technology industry is creating the largest revenue. 

“We saw an increase in both the number of companies that we serve, the number of jobs that were created or retained and the revenues of those companies plus the investment dollars those companies were able to generate in 2020," said Devon Laney. 

Laney is the President and CEO of 36 Degrees North and said a recent survey showed companies working within 36 Degrees North, have had an impact of more than $375 million on Tulsa's economy.

He said even more start up companies are expressing interest this year, and he believes that trend will continue.