© Copyright 2018, Tahlequah Daily Press
GrowOK, a special one-day venture assessment workshop designed to help rural and tribal entrepreneurs understand the markets they serve, is returning to Tahlequah on Nov. 30.
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.
Beginning at 9 a.m., the workshop will be held at the Osiyo Training Room on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex. Registration deadline is the week prior to the free workshop, and is required to attend. Interested businesses or individuals can register online at 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.
“By partnering with the GrowOK program we are not only investing in job creation, but we are encouraging our Cherokee Nation citizens in their own quest to build a business and create a profitable future for their families. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this program will have in our area,” said Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr.
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 Cherokee Nation is a funding partner in the GrowOK workshop, as are the Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation and the Muscogee (Creek) 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. Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., is a supporting partner.
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