Stitt Signs Executive Order to Lower Barriers for Oklahoma Startups

OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Oklahoma, outlining a series of administrative and policy changes designed to reduce friction for new companies.

The order directs the executive branch to designate a Chief Entrepreneurial Officer and launch a one-stop online portal to help business owners navigate permits, licenses, and compliance requirements. It also proposes reducing new business filing fees to $1, expanding entrepreneurial education in schools, exploring tax waivers for startups during their first two years, and improving access to state contracts for younger firms.

“Oklahoma was built by bold dreamers and doers who took risks, created opportunities, and forged their own path forward,” said Governor Stitt. “It’s more important than ever that we make it possible to keep that legacy alive. As a business-friendly state, we know that our entrepreneurs are the key to Oklahoma’s lasting prosperity. That’s why I’m taking steps to set them up for even greater success. When entrepreneurs thrive, we all win.”

State agencies are instructed to track entrepreneurship-related metrics and deliver reports on fees, taxes, education, and contracting opportunities to legislative leaders within 120 days, setting the stage for potential legislative action tied to the governor’s initiative to strengthen Oklahoma’s startup ecosystem.