ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Goal – Create a community where those with an idea to create a business are welcomed, nurtured, and supported.

• Host a monthly “coffee break” for budding entrepreneurs to discuss opportunities, challenges, and successes. Invite successful business owners from the area who can share start-up experiences. Invite officials from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center to participate in these events. Action Step Owner: MAEDS and the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce.

• Develop a procedure for budding entrepreneurs to use shared office space in the MAEDS building. Make conference room, copy machine, etc., available for “qualified” budding businesses. Action Step Owner: MAEDS and the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce.

• Host a “pitch contest” for new business ideas. These ideas can turn into real businesses or draw investors to an existing new business. Action Step Owner: MAEDS.

• Develop a strategy to market and expand the MAEDS revolving loan program. Since the program was initiated, it has assisted 176 existing businesses and 113 new businesses through its loan programs, resulting in the creation of more than 2,000 jobs. Action Step Owner: MAEDS.