GrowOK workshop for new and growth-oriented ventures returns to Okmulgee on August 9
i2E, Inc. and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation provide intensive, one-day business assessment class to help small businesses validate concepts, expand market, capture new revenues
Contact: Darcy Wilborn,
(405) 813-2424
contact@growok.org
GrowOK, a free one-day venture assessment workshop designed to help rural and tribal entrepreneurs understand the markets they serve, is returning to Okmulgee on August 9.
Presented by i2E, Inc., with support from seven state and federal partners, the GrowOK workshop helps participating entrepreneurs explore the ideal customer segment for their new business concepts.
The GrowOK workshop will be held at the College of the Muscogee Nation, 2170 Raven Circle, Okmulgee, OK (Hwy Loop 56) in the Student Center Building. Room will be open at 8:30 a.m. with training beginning at 9 a.m. Registration is required.
Interested businesses or individuals can register at www.growok.org.
The intensive GrowOK workshop will lead participants to evaluate their customer segments, product/market fit, risks and competition, initial paths to market, ways to reach potential customers and much more.
GrowOK is ideal for businesses in the concept stage that may not have revenue or customers, as well as more established businesses that are seeking growth.
The GrowOK program was established to increase the number of successful businesses that create jobs in rural Oklahoma. The workshop is free to tribal citizens and residents of rural Oklahoma with a completed registration form.
“GrowOK is a wonderful training program which helps existing business owners and those interested in starting a business better understand ‘how’ to reach their customers and to ensure that the messaging being put forth is being well received by their target audiences,” said Christopher Coburn, CEO, Mvskoke Loan Fund-CDFI. “Better prepared business owners are more likely to succeed which will help grow our economy and help families build assets.”
The GrowOK workshop will conclude at 4 p.m., with follow-up activities to be completed by the participating entrepreneurs. Additionally, founders can opt-in to participate in weekly one-on-one meetings to receive individual feedback and direction for their businesses, and receive a recommendation report with next steps for their venture.
“This class greatly helped us refine our vision and our approach to the market,” said Trevin Cole, a GrowOK alumnus and founder of CliqFlik. “It is greatly helpful to young companies.”
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is a funding partner in the GrowOK workshop, as are the Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation, along with the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), the Oklahoma Business Roundtable and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., is a supporting partner.
“We are elated to be partnering with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and our other partners to bring this GrowOK workshop to Okmulgee and Eastern Oklahoma,” said Scott Meacham, i2E’s president and CEO. “Ultimately, we see this workshop helping rural Oklahomans and tribal citizens to grow successful ventures and create more jobs in their communities.”
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About i2E, Inc.: With offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK, i2E’s nationally recognized services include business expertise and funding for Oklahoma’s emerging small businesses. i2E has more than $60 million of investment capital under management. www.i2E.org
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