ENID, OK - Autry Technology Center’s annual Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition is now taking applications. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Up to $30,000 will be awarded to the top four teams.
“The Business Model Competition is a tremendous opportunity for local businesses and entrepreneurs to present their concept to experienced judges,” said Autry Tech Workforce Development Specialist Meredith Westfahl said. “Competitors gain incredible feedback and access to seed capital. It is also a great way for companies to gain exposure in the local market.”
Businesses interested in entering must be less than five years old to be eligible. Preference may be shown to businesses operating in the Enid and Northwest Oklahoma trade area. The competition consists of three phases: submission of a business plan, a fifteen-minute oral presentation and a third presentation in front of a judging panel. Four winners and a people’s choice winner will be selected. Top three winners will receive up to one year of a community desk in the co-working space at the Strate Center.
More than $210,000 has been awarded in seed capital through the Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition since its start in 2012. Funding for the competition is provided in combined effort from area businesses who sponsor entrepreneurship activities through Startup Enid, a collaboration between NWOSU, NOC, ERDA and Autry Tech. If you are interested in donating, contact Tambi Brown at tbrown@autrytech.edu for more information.
For more information about the competition and for an application, visit autrytech.edu/scbmc2024 or contact Meredith Westfahl at mwestfahl@autrytech.edu or 580-242-2750.
Autry Technology Center has been a part of the Enid community since 1967 and is one of 29 CareerTech schools across Oklahoma. The center has more than 25 career programs and offers a wide variety of evening and weekend short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Autry Tech serves nearly 16,000 individuals each year, including many area employees who receive training through the Workforce Development Department that works with over 500 local businesses each year.
