Gradient offers free entrepreneurship sessions in Tulsa next week

TULSA, Okla. (OBV) — Oklahoma entrepreneurs can get help with business financing, artificial intelligence tools, and intellectual property during more than 20 free public sessions at Gradient Nov. 16–20.

The Tulsa organization’s Global Entrepreneurship Week programming will take place at 12 N. Cheyenne Ave. Microsoft is sponsoring the week, and organizers expect more than 1,000 attendees.

“Every big idea starts somewhere, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Bring your questions, pick a session, and jump in,” Gradient President and CEO Devon Laney said in the event announcement.

Monday’s lineup includes business finance, a university pitch competition, and an introduction to entrepreneurship. Tuesday brings an open house, sessions on AI and automation, and small business banking with Bank of Oklahoma.

Wednesday’s schedule includes intellectual property guidance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and a town hall with state Rep. Ronald Stewart and Tulsa City Councilor Laura Bellis. Producers from the FX series The Lowdown will also discuss building a film industry in Tulsa.

Participants can organize their week around six tracks on Gradient’s event website. Growth + Capital focuses on financing and expansion, while Commerce to Counter covers retail, hospitality, and businesses selling physical products. Other tracks address technology, creative businesses, professional skills, and public policy.

The program welcomes prospective founders as well as people already running businesses. Attendees can choose sessions across tracks to match the questions they are working through.

Gradient provides coworking space, mentorship, and programs for people developing ideas or growing companies. Its website lists more than 500 businesses in its community.

The full schedule and registration are available at joingradient.com/gew.