ENID, OK - The Strate Center for Business Development at Autry Technology Center is in the business of nurturing entrepreneurs or startups and growing them into new businesses and jobs. Located just south of Autry Technology Center’s main campus in Enid, the Strate Center provides professional business training to those interested in starting, expanding or operating a small business.
Research indicates businesses that are located in an incubation environment have an 80 percent success rate compared to a 20 percent success rate without incubation services. With more than 23,000 total square feet of incubation space, the Strate Center for Business Development is ready to empower entrepreneurs and emerging businesses that will have a significant impact on the local and state economy.
The Strate Center opened its doors in 2008 and has been home to dozens of businesses who have been through the incubator as tenants. Numerous services are available such as start-up resources, small business coaching, self-employment training, business plan development and possible access to seed capital. The Center also provides Internet access, fax, copy machines and all other things businesses need at a low cost.
All areas of the Strate Center are designed to be flexible for use as office, lab or manufacturing activities. The cost per square foot for office space rent for the first year including basic utilities is $6.00. The cost per square foot for lab/manufacturing space for the first year including basic utilities is $1.50. The cost increases throughout a tenant’s time in the incubator until it is comparable with the cost of renting a space for business outside of the Strate Center.
The Business Incubator Program is designed for up to a 36-month tenure, but some businesses graduate out sooner while others may stay even longer. Starting and growing a business will always come with challenges. The Strate Center provides resources and community, so no one has to face those challenges alone. They create an environment for entrepreneurship by providing networking opportunities, training, and shared knowledge about business best practices.
Benefits of locating inside our Business Incubator include dedicated workspaces, such as office, lab, commercial kitchen, manufacturing or personal desk only. Tenants also have a network of contacts (local, state, national, and international) and a focused advocate for success.
The Business Incubator Program is certified by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce which allows our incubator resident clients the opportunity to receive an Oklahoma State Income Tax Exemption for up to 10 years when they successfully participate and graduate out of their program!
In 2023 you will be able to become a resident client or an affiliate client. While the application process is very much the same, some of the benefits are different. Affiliate Clients do NOT qualify for the Oklahoma State Income Tax Exemption or reside at their facility. Other than that – they will assist you in a similar manner! Space is limited and an application process is required!
The business incubator admission criteria and application processes are below. And remember, if the business incubator program is not the right fit for you, consider looking at their coworking opportunities as well.
To qualify you must be a startup or early-stage business, meaning your business is still in the development phase and needs nurturing and assistance. You'll need to be providing a viable product or service and your business concept should be realistic and marketable.
You will need a business plan. They want to see that you have a guide in place. You can reach out to them if you would like assistance in putting your business plan together!
Your business plan should show your growth potential over time in a specific market. You should also be able to show that your business can grow jobs in the area.
Another requirement is initial capitalization. Your business should have a projected revenue stream to cover initial startup fees and operating expenses. You should also have adequate technical, educational or workplace experience to develop the product or service in your target market.
The Strate Center is also looking for individuals that are coachable. You will be conducting business in an open, collaborative, and cooperative fashion which would include meeting the coaching and consulting requirements of the incubator with the intent to participate fully in the incubator program.
If selected to reside inside the business incubator, you will be required to provide proof of insurance with Autry Technology Center listed as additional insured. This is only required if you are selected to take residency.
You can start the process by filling out an application HERE.
The Strate Center for Business Development is located at 2020 Willow. Learn more online at https://autrytech.edu/businessincubator/. Call 580-242-2750 to set up a tour.
