BUILD IN TULSA

Ashli

Stationed at 302 E. Reconciliation Way, Build in Tulsa is accomplishing this through its network of partnerships with other business accelerator programs that share the same mission: to close the racial gap in America by catalyzing the creation of multigenerational Black wealth through tech and entrepreneurship. While minorities make up 32% of the U.S. population, they represent only 18% of entrepreneurs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

ACT Tulsa, Lightship Foundation and Techstars Tulsa work with Build in Tulsa to pair skills development, networking and funding to meet underrepresented Black and Brown entrepreneurs wherever they are in their business development journey. The accelerators in the Build in Tulsa network range from 12 weeks to six months, with a focus on early-stage, high growth startups, particularly those in the technology field. They provide a suite of services, including training and workshops to get founders accelerator-ready, mentoring and networking events to introduce entrepreneurs to one another, while connecting entrepreneurs to potential sources of capital.

Build in Tulsa was conceptualized in late 2020, on the eve of the centennial commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Build in Tulsa is rooted in the legacy of Black Wall Street and is committed to providing opportunity for minority entrepreneurs who have historically been denied resources and funding. Since its launch, the platform has grown to a network of more than 217 business owners.

One of those business owners is Tara Payne, founder of Mavens Meet, a training program for virtual assistants who are developed and matched with executives. “I love how I saw myself represented in the team,” Payne says. “Knowing that Black women are the fastest growing demographic of people who are starting businesses, and there was that support, that was what made me want to be involved.” Along with critical programming that helped her launch Mavens Meet, Payne has utilized Build in Tulsa’s mentoring program.

Sims says she can’t speak to if programs like these have always been around in Tulsa, but knows that the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, as well as myriad other civic leaders, have long advocated for Black businesses, as well as newer organizations like Black Tech Street.

“I don’t think any one organization has all of the solutions,” Sims says. “That’s why Build in Tulsa is proud to partner with many organizations in and outside of Tulsa to bring more attention and resources to Black entrepreneurs who struggle to raise money to build their businesses.”

For more information on Build in Tulsa’s accelerators, visit buildintulsa.com.