OKLAHOMA (OBV) – The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is offering a digital helping hand to small businesses throughout the state.
Oklahoma’s Commerce Department launched Oklahoma Business Hub.
The website, which can be accessed by going to www.oklahoma.gov/business, was created to support the needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We’re working to make Oklahoma the most business-friendly state in the nation, and that starts with making sure entrepreneurs aren’t bogged down by endless bureaucracy and confusing red tape,” Secretary of State Josh Cockroft said. “I’m excited for this new tool for business owners across Oklahoma to use as they launch their businesses and provide jobs and services for Oklahomans.”
The Oklahoma Business Hub gives entrepreneurs guidance on planning for, starting and operating a small business. It also provides resources helpful to small businesses, connects individuals to organizations and state agencies and provides a list of frequently asked questions.
The Oklahoma Secretary of State, the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services assisted the Department of Commerce in creating the website.
Heather Turner, executive director of Commerce’s Community Outreach & Revitalization Enterprise (CORE) Division, said the joint effort made the website a comprehensive experience for site visitors.
“Commerce is often seen by the public as the go-to source of information for planning, launching and operating a business,” Turner said. “And while our staff does a great deal to support these businesses, we acknowledge that many aspects of small businesses operations is shared across multiple state agencies. This website was a much-needed collaborative effort between our agency and others, including the Oklahoma Secretary of State and the Office of Management Enterprise Services.”
CORE was established when SB 1447 was signed into law. The bill also established established the Oklahoma Office of Economic Development, Growth and Expansion (OkEDGE) and the Legislative Evaluation and Development (LEAD) Committee.
OkEDGE serves as the state’s leading entity in matters pertaining to economic development, with a focus on recruiting companies to either expand or start in Oklahoma, as well as retaining companies that already exist in Oklahoma.
CORE focuses on the long-term development of local communities to increase competitiveness and enhance economic opportunities.
LEAD reviews certain incentive packages for relocating or expanding businesses.
