Entrepreneurship Across the Midwest: Is Tulsa Next?

For over a year now, we've been hearing about how Kansas City is the next big hub for entrepreneurship.  But other Midwest states aren't far behind (just take a look at the big entrepreneurial movements going on in Omaha and Chicago, for instance).  But you won't believe what city may be next in line--Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In a recent article posted on TulsaPeople.com, reporter Tara Lynn Thompson covers the growing startup scene in the Tulsa area and highlights important new companies emerging from our southern neighbor.

One of those individuals making a statement in Tulsa is Brian Paschal, executive director of The Forge, Tulsa's Young Professionals' (TYPros) business development center.  According to Paschal, Tulsa was founded on entrepreneurial risk-takers.  And these risk-takers have helped Tulsa become one of the Top 10 states for job growth and business creation, according to the 2011 US Bureau of Labor statistics.

So what's going on in the startup scene in Tulsa?  Take a look:

• i2e (Innovation to Enterprise): a private, nonprofit corporation that focuses solely on high-growth companies in Oklahoma
• Launch: a new 16-week entrepreneurial program at Tulsa Community College 
• TCC Startup Cup: a business idea competition that helps to get more ideas to market in the area
• The Tulsey Awards: recognizes the importance of entrepreneurs on Tulsa's economy and quality of life
• Hardesty Center for Fab Lab Tulsa: a nonprofit entity that supplies entrepreneurs with equipment and computers for innovation and STEM education 
• Tulsa Web Devs: a tight-knit group of Tulsa web developers and designers that build with open-source technology 
• Sway Balance: a new app that tests balance for a variety of patients like athletes and those with chronic diseases
• Collaboratorium: a private, nonprofit corporation that operates as a resource center to provide coaching, education, discounted office space and networking for startups

That's right, Kansas City!  Our friendly neighbor to the south is doing its part in building the entrepreneurial scene in the Midwest.  We're excited to see what others cities jump on board in 2012 and beyond.

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