On Veterans Day, Oklahoma City hosted a “Battle for OKC” competition that gave ten veteran‑owned businesses a chance to showcase their ideas to a panel of judges. The event, organized by financial‑technology firm Baker Hill, took place at The Verge in downtown Oklahoma City and offered a $10,000 prize to help the winning company grow.
Eligibility and participant mix
To qualify, each business had to be registered in Oklahoma, have operated for at least one year, and be at least 51% owned by a veteran. The lineup reflected the diversity of veteran entrepreneurship in the state: a personal‑computer company, a health‑and‑wellness venture, a mobile‑app startup, a career‑advice service, and an online portfolio platform, among others.
Judges and prize focus
The judging panel evaluated the pitches on market potential, scalability, and community impact. While the $10,000 cash award will directly support the winner’s growth plans, the broader goal of the competition is to connect veteran founders with local banks, investors, and mentors who can provide ongoing financial and strategic assistance.
Community impact
Andy Ivankovich, CEO of Baker Hill and a former Air Force C‑130 crew chief, emphasized the importance of supporting veteran‑owned businesses. “There are roughly 2,500 veteran‑owned businesses employing 20,000 people in Oklahoma. Getting a few more backed and supported strengthens our local community,” he said.
Ivankovich’s own military service fuels his commitment to the cause. He recalled flying through Tinker Air Force Base during his four‑year Air Force career and expressed that serving his country remains “near and dear to my heart.”
Local economic significance
Veteran entrepreneurs contribute significantly to Oklahoma’s economy, and events like Battle for OKC help bridge the gap between innovative ideas and the capital needed to bring them to market. By fostering relationships with financial institutions and investors, the competition aims to create jobs, stimulate local commerce, and reinforce the state’s reputation as a hub for veteran‑driven enterprise.
Participants left the event with valuable feedback, new contacts, and a renewed sense of purpose. Even those who did not win the prize gained exposure to potential partners and investors, positioning them for future growth.
Looking ahead
Baker Hill plans to make Battle for OKC an annual tradition, expanding the prize pool and inviting more veteran founders to compete. The company hopes the event will continue to highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of Oklahoma’s veterans and inspire additional community support for their ventures.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
