TULSA—The J.M. & H.C. Hall Store. Frisco Depot. Tulsa House Hotel. Reed & Perryman Store and Post Office. Jeff Archer Store.
The year was 1882 and these were the very first business buildings constructed in Tulsa, Okla. Then, through much of the 20th century, the focus in Tulsa’s economy on the energy industry. The city became known as the “Oil Capital of the World.”
Fast-forward to today and Tulsa’s economic landscape has blossomed and diversified, and includes industries like finance, technology and telecommunications. While big business remains, small- and mid-size businesses now power a significant portion of the city’s economy.
One of the city’s vibrant, growing startups was recently honored at Cox Business’s first-ever HackON: A Small Business Accelerator event. Stephanie Conduff, the 33-year-old founder of Leche Lounge, received a $10,000 prize package for winning the competition.
“The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well all over the country, including places like Tulsa, Providence, R.I., and Gainesville, Fla. — in places you wouldn’t necessarily think,” says Ken Kraft, senior vice president of marketing for Cox Business. “We have a strong focus on the startup community. The goal is to create a forum for entrepreneurs, in markets we serve, that allow them to network, share ideas, and meet with experts.”
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