Mayor Promotes Entrepeneurship

(TULSA, Okla.) February 25 - We've all heard of big businesses like American Airlines and Dollar Thrifty Auto employing thousands of people right here in Tulsa. 

Starting tomorrow Mayor Kathy Taylor is launching a competition not for big businesses, but to get more entrepreneurs and small businesses here in Tulsa.

Each day Tulsans spend about $29 million on products made by companies based outside of Oklahoma.

Mayor Taylor and Spirit Bank have started a competition that will financially help aspiring entrepreneurs get started on their dreams.

Risha Grant has always wanted to be her own boss.

"It's one of the most challenging things I have ever done."

A challenge she was up for and continues everyday with her magazine "Xposure Business".

"Xposure was designed to make that small business owner the celebrity."

Named Oklahoma's small business journalist of the year Xposure Business focuses on small businesses in the Tulsa area. With starting your own business, Grant says fear is one of the biggest set backs.

"The other thing I would say is financing and trying to finance your business is one of the most difficult things that small business owners face."

That's where a new city wide business competition comes in.

"The mayor is serious about entrepreneurism because small business does account for majority of job growth here in Oklahoma and Tulsa."

Try nearly 80-percent of all of Tulsa's economy. Mayor Taylor and other supporters are hoping a lot of aspiring entrepreneurs take part.

"It will make business aware that other resources that are available including loan programs mentoring even. Just a place to get nurturing or some assistance from someone who has more experience."

The winner will get $25,000 to help make their idea big business. Something Grant says is a great thing for any beginning entrepreneur.

"I think what she's doing is awesome, because it's taking a step to say we believe in small business we support small business and we're here for you."

You can click on the following link to find out more about the Mayor's entrepreneur competition.

The idea to have an entrepreneurship week came from Kansas City. Although there is only one winner, Mayor Taylor hopes this competition will motivate aspiring entrepreneurs to get started.