Design plans have been approved for an “entrepreneurship incubator” in the works in the Greenwood community of north Tulsa. (Courtesy rendering)
TULSA – Plans are accelerating for an entrepreneurship hub to help drive innovation, business development and economic vitality in north Tulsa.
In May of 2021, the city of Tulsa, PartnerTulsa and the Tulsa Development Authority announced plans to devote $4 million to support creation of a business incubator for the area, a plan ultimately approved by the Tulsa City Council. Subsequent planning led to the recent approval of a design for the Greenwood Entrepreneurship Incubator at Moton, or GEIM. The name refers to the historic Moton Health Center at N. Greenwood Avenue and Pine Street in Tulsa. According to a release, $2.5 million has been dedicated to redeveloping the site.
“The transformative outcomes that will undoubtedly emerge from both the rehabilitation … and the launch of TEDC’s incubator space will truly be a momentous step forward for north Tulsa,” TDA Chair Ashley Philippsen said. “The resurgence of this historic location is sure to excite aspiring entrepreneurs while honoring the legacy of Black Wall Street.”
Funding also will provide for:
• $1 million to seed the Build Tulsa Fund, which will provide financial resources for businesses participating in the incubator and other programs for under-resourced entrepreneurs investing in north Tulsa.
• $500,000 to support the launch of business accelerator programming and courses to leverage the expertise and talent of the local community. A 15-week course is envisioned in which entrepreneur cohorts will be able to develop ideas into successful businesses.
“I’m excited for the impact and essential support (that) GEIM will provide to north Tulsans to help rebuild the legacy of Black Wall Street,” District 1 City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper said. “This will serve as a space that provides an opportunity for black small businesses to produce prosperous entrepreneurs and accelerate economic opportunity within our community.”
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, who also chairs the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity, said creation of the entrepreneurial hub will pay dividends for the entire community.
“I am eager to bring this entrepreneurship hub to life in north Tulsa as we make available the tools we have as a city to make this a reality,” Bynum said. “This hub will provide a dynamic space for innovators and entrepreneurs and will soon further provide opportunities for many Tulsans, especially those who live and work in our north Tulsa community.”
For more information about the project, online go to partnertulsa.org/building-wealth-forour-community/community-revitalization-projects/historic-moton-hospital/.
This content was originally published here.
