Tulsa, Okla. – A groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday marked the start of the Bank of Oklahoma Eastside Center for Entrepreneurship, a new resource hub aimed at expanding economic opportunity for local small businesses and entrepreneurs in the city’s Eastside.
Partnerships and purpose
The center is a joint effort between Eastside Rise, the Bank of Oklahoma and the City of Tulsa. Its stated mission is to “reduce barriers to [business] ownership” and to help create jobs in East Tulsa, a culturally diverse area that represents more than 20 countries and where residents speak over 100 languages.
Facilities and services
Located at Plaza Santa Cecilia, the 15,000‑square‑foot building will provide flexible workspace, technical assistance, mentorship programs and a calendar of workshops for new entrepreneurs. The facility is designed to bridge the gap between a good idea and a thriving business, giving aspiring owners the tools they need to launch and grow.
Community leaders weigh in
“Eastside Rise is thrilled to see the Bank of Oklahoma Eastside Center for Entrepreneurship take shape in the heart of the Global District,” said Luisa King, Executive Director of Eastside Rise. “Investing in the success of our local small businesses and entrepreneurs supports the prosperity and economic opportunity in Tulsa, and we’re grateful for the advocacy and support of neighbors, business owners, and public‑private partners who made this center possible.”
Stacy Kymes, President and CEO of Bank of Oklahoma, added, “Bank of Oklahoma is proud to invest in a resource designed to remove the barriers that too often sit between a good idea and a thriving business. We’re excited about the opportunities this program will create as people turn ideas into growth, helping build a stronger and more vibrant community for years to come.”
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols highlighted the broader impact, stating, “The reason this space exists is because of the people and organizations like Eastside Rise, Plaza Santa Cecilia, and so many other philanthropic partners that are helping build a stronger network of opportunity, entrepreneurship, and connection in this part of our city. It’s truly incredible what we can achieve when we bring so many talented people, great ideas and resources together around common goals.”
Timeline and outlook
The center is slated for completion by the fall of 2027. City officials anticipate that the hub will not only support existing entrepreneurs but also attract new startups, bolstering job creation and economic resilience in East Tulsa.
For more information about the Bank of Oklahoma Eastside Center for Entrepreneurship, visit the Bank of Oklahoma website.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
