By Laurie Winslow, World Staff Writer
Copyright © 2013, World Publishing Company. All Rights Reserved
Tulsa received a positive plug from a website that ranks the city high for entrepreneurship.
By popular vote, Tulsa ranked No. 7 among medium-sized cities with a population of 250,000 to 500,000, in a list of the “Best Cities for Young Entrepreneurs 2013,” according to the website of Under30CEO.
Under30CEO.com is a platform of Under30Media, which defines itself as the “leading media property for educated, ambitious, 20-somethings.” The site lists the top 30 cities for young entrepreneurs by categorizing them into three different groups based on population size.
Austin, Texas, topped the list of large cities of more than 500,000 people, while Chattanooga, Tenn., was the top-ranked out of small cities with a population of 100,000 to 250,000.
Under30CEO readers were asked to vote on the locations they thought were the best places for a new company to open shop based on local resources, culture, atmosphere and overall appeal to a young 20-something, according to the site.
Brian Paschal, executive director of The Forge and TYPros, or Tulsa’s Young Professionals, said he was excited that the city received such a high ranking based on popular vote.
“I think that showcased the passion and enthusiasm we have here in Tulsa. Our entrepreneurial community took initiative to say Tulsa is a great place to grow and build business,” he said.
Paschal noted that The Forge, which is a small-business incubator located in the Wright Building Annex at 125 W. Third St., and members of TYPros were aware of the vote and promoted it through their networks.
Though he doesn’t know much about the site that compiled the list, Paschal said he does hope that rankings such as these make people realize that the area is open for doing business and is great at helping entrepreneurs and startups.
The Forge initially was created by TYPros to attract and retain the area’s homegrown talent, and provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Tulsa also is home to a variety of entrepreneurial endeavors and programs, including the annual entrepreneurial competition known as the TCC StartUp Cup, sponsored by the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, which awards $30,000 to the top winner, and the Tulsey Awards.
Tulsa Community College also offers aspiring entrepreneurs a 16-week program, called “Launch: Your Entrepreneurial Journey,” that takes them through the critical steps of starting a business.
Another example is i2E Inc. a private not-for-profit corporation, with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, that is focused on growing high-growth companies in the state.
Top 10 medium-sized cities for young entrepreneurs
1. Atlanta
2. Raleigh, N.C.
3. Cincinnati
4. Kansas City, Mo.
5. St. Louis
6. New Orleans
7. Tulsa
8. Minneapolis
9. Omaha, Neb.
10. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Source: under30CEO.com
Click here to read the article at the Tulsa World website.
