Business and Entrepreneurial Services

Support for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

The process of converting an idea into a business venture requires intensity, focus and a support network. Our mission is to help entrepreneurs build strong businesses, and we do that in three ways.

Business Consulting & Coaching

We provide business consulting and coaching to early-stage companies and aspiring entrepreneurs. We’ll help you explore the feasibility of an idea, identify a new market for your product or service, evaluate your marketing, understand how to hire the right employees and more.

Business Incubation When You’re Starting a Business

Business incubation is a focused process that includes management guidance, technical assistance and consulting for young, growing companies. Entrepreneurs can locate their business in the incubator as a residential or associate tenant. Residential tenants have access to services and rent dedicated office or lab space for up to three years. Associate tenants have access to our services but do not rent dedicated space. Meridian has incubation facilities located in Stillwater and Guthrie. To learn more about the business incubation program and to apply, please contact us through our website at meridiantech.edu/bes.

Entrepreneur Training and Events

Learn new strategies and skills to help you launch and run your new venture. We provide several opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners to listen and learn from each other. We also partner with local organizations to bring education and training events to the communities we serve.

Starting a Business

In this free two-hour class, we cover the basic questions you need to answer when deciding to open a business, paying particular attention to market research and financials, two major areas that cause trouble for all new businesses. 2/07 T ………… 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location: Perry Chamber of Commerce 2/11 Sat ……… 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location: Stillwater Public Library 2/14 T ………… 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location: Pawnee Public Library 2/16 Th ……… 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: The Peak in Guthrie

There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP to Erica Pereira at 405.377.2220 or BES@meridiantech.edu.

Startup Stillwater Accelerator

Learn what it takes to launch a business with Startup Stillwater Accelerator, a six-week series devoted to getting your new business off the ground. Startup Stillwater Accelerator sessions will be led by Business and Entrepreneurial Services Assistant Director, Brad Rickelman. Each session will also include guest entrepreneurs.

Winter Cohort

3/22 - 5/3 W………… 11:45 am - 1:00 pm

Spring Cohort

4/04 - 5/16 T ………… 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Sessions are facilitated by Meridian staff and local entrepreneurs. Materials and lunch are included. All sessions held at Center for Business Development in Stillwater.

Building Your Team

How do you develop a team of employees? What are some common areas that keep teams from producing at their highest level. This one-hour class will discuss Team Formation Theory, and give advice on building the right team for your business. 3/07 T ………… 11:45 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Center for Business Development in Stillwater

3/09 Th ……… 11:45 am - 1:00 pm

Location: The Peak in Guthrie

Registration is $10 and includes a box lunch. Please RSVP to Erica Pereira at 405.377.2220 or BES@meridiantech.edu at least two days before the class to register.