On Veterans Day, ten veteran entrepreneurs gathered at The Verge in downtown Oklahoma City for the “Battle for OKC” competition, a Shark‑Tank‑style pitch event hosted by financial‑tech firm Baker Hill. The entrepreneurs each sought a $10,000 prize that could help expand their businesses and strengthen the local economy.

According to KOCO, the competition highlighted the scale of veteran‑owned enterprises in the state, noting that there are roughly 2,500 veteran‑owned businesses employing about 20,000 workers. Baker Hill CEO Andy Ivankovich said, “If we can get a few more backed and supported, it would be great for the local community.” Ivankovich, a former Air Force C‑130 crew chief, emphasized his personal commitment to the cause, adding that serving his country has always been near and dear to his heart.

To qualify for the event, businesses had to be registered in Oklahoma, have operated for at least one year, and be at least 51% veteran‑owned. Participants represented a range of sectors, including a PC company, a health‑and‑wellness firm, an app‑based service, a career‑advice platform, and an online portfolio marketplace, as described by Dirk Soma, director of entrepreneurial development at Baker Hill.

The panel of judges, whose identities were not disclosed, evaluated each pitch on criteria such as market potential, scalability, and community impact. While the judges will decide the winner, the broader goal of the event is to connect veteran entrepreneurs with local banks and investors, fostering growth and job creation throughout Oklahoma City.

“Helping veterans start and run companies has been a focus for me since 2022,” Ivankovich said, referencing his ongoing efforts to translate military service into economic opportunity for fellow veterans.

What’s next: The judges will announce the $10,000 winner later this week, and the winning team will receive mentorship and introductions to regional financial partners to accelerate their business plans.

Sources: koco.com, bostonobs.com, koco.com