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Tulsa Launches East Tulsa Incubator to Boost Entrepreneurship in Tulsa Global District

2/14/2024
This article was archived on 3/14/2024
Today, the City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, and the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) announced plans to launch a new business incubator for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Tulsa Global District.
 
The Tulsa Global District, located near 21st & S. Garnett Rd., will be home to the new Business Incubator, which will soon start construction at Plaza Santa Cecilia, 2160 S. Garnett Rd.
 
The Business Incubator at Plaza Santa Cecilia will act as a hub to include robust programmatic support to launch and scale immigrant businesses, a community space to host workshops and classes, as well as an international market-themed retail space for immigrant entrepreneurs to test and market their products. These unique features will support immigrant entrepreneurs all over the Tulsa metro area, promote tourism, and serve as a model for inclusive economic growth.  
 
“I am thrilled about the launch of the East Tulsa Incubator project. It is a great example of how public/private partnerships can work together to create economic opportunities for everyone in our city,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “We must ensure that all Tulsans have access to the resources they need to succeed, and this project is an important step in that direction.”
 
The Tulsa Global District is the most culturally diverse community in Tulsa, with over 80 languages spoken and 25 countries represented from Mexico and Central America, as well as Vietnamese and Hmong communities.
 
“East Tulsa’s Global District is more than just a destination district; it’s the culmination of diverse cultures working together to create an exciting and vibrant environment to welcome visitors and Tulsans to a new experience,” Councilor Christian Bengal, District 6, said. “With this public-private partnership, it sends a clear message that East Tulsa is raising its voice for resurgence into the marts of commerce and investment.”
 
Many immigrant entrepreneurs often need help navigating resources, such as how to form an LLC, get permits, and acquire capital. The Business Incubator at Plaza Santa Cecilia will be the first business incubator in Oklahoma to cater specifically to immigrant entrepreneurs.  
 
“I am excited for the launch of the new incubator at Plaza Santa Cecilia and what it will mean for the entrepreneurial spirit of the immigrant community here in Tulsa County,” Stan Sallee, Tulsa County Commissioner, District 1, said. “I am grateful for the support of my fellow Commissioners in allowing Tulsa County to contribute to this worthwhile endeavor and am excited to see the opportunities that develop for this thriving community.”
 
The City of Tulsa invested $1 million in ARPA funding for the Business Incubator, with Tulsa County also contributing $120,000 in ARPA funds. GKFF also contributed $1,400,000 to the project through Elevate East, its new program that is funding an array of initiatives in East Tulsa to lift families and improve neighborhoods.
 
"Elevate East is working collaboratively with community members to create opportunities where families can thrive,” Ken Levit, executive director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, said. “This incubator not only cultivates thriving local businesses but also offers invaluable resources to immigrant entrepreneurs, enhancing economic opportunities for all. We are excited to see the renovation of Plaza Santa Cecilia, a culturally significant building for Tulsa’s Hispanic community, and grateful for the public-private partnership supporting this catalytic investment.”
 
Tulsa’s first immigrant community development corporation, Tulsa’s Immigrant Community Development Corporation (TICDC), will manage the Business Incubator at Plaza Santa Cecilia.  TICDC aims to acquire and manage properties in East Tulsa that support revitalization and create an environment that encourages new wealth-building opportunities for neighborhood residents.
 
“I am full of enthusiasm and excitement to partner with the City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, and the George Kaiser Family Foundation, leveraging our strengths and creating something amazing together here in East Tulsa at Plaza Santa Cecilia,” Esteban Torres, co-owner of Plaza Santa Cecilia said. “We are making history together for our immigrant community to achieve great things.”
 
Groundbreaking for construction at Plaza Santa Cecilia is set for Summer 2024. GH2 is the architect for the project.  
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