Cherokee Nation receives $500,000 in small business loans

The Cherokee Nation was recently awarded a $500,000 Local Business Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support Cherokee citizen-owned businesses and create small business loans to create community-based jobs. Ta.

Deputy Chief Brian Warner accepted the donation during the Oklahoma Tribal Opportunity Partnership Summit in Chickasha.

“I measure our success as a tribe by looking at our individuals and the opportunities they have. This opportunity supports Cherokee-owned small businesses and employment for Cherokee families. We can do that,” Warner said. “We can open doors for people who want to become entrepreneurs, teach their children a new way of life, and break through intergenerational trauma. We have an opportunity to strengthen our communities. Whenever the time comes, you have to take advantage of it.”

The summit was held at the Oklahoma University of Science and Arts and provided the Department of Agriculture an opportunity to share grant and program opportunities with tribes across Oklahoma.

“President Biden and I believe in investing in rural communities, and there is no better opportunity to do that than through tribal partnerships,” said Kenneth Cohn, USDA State Rural Development Director. he said.

“Tribal governments are on the ground, they know their people, they know what's needed in every community, and they're in a unique position to help when the federal government can't. Having the Cherokee Nation as a partner So we have a better opportunity to serve people, and that's ultimately our goal.”

Since 2022, the Cherokee Nation has received $1.6 million in grants from the USDA Rural Development Service for programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children Program, the Farmworker Relief Program, and the Foodworker Relief Program. There is.

Following a successful pilot last year, the Tulsa Idea Challenge will return in May. The event, sponsored by 36 Degrees North, Builders + Backers and Tulsa Remote, is designed to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for Tulsa residents and the chance to win a share of $50,000.

Last year, approximately 1,300 people applied and 349 Tulsans were selected to participate in the challenge.

The nine top-performing teams (and 18 Tulsans) were awarded $50,000 for ideas ranging from school security drones to smart welding goggles to improve campus safety. Notably, 85% of participants were first-time entrepreneurs.

“The Tulsa Idea Challenge is a great opportunity for our city’s innovators to turn simple ideas into real-world solutions through creativity, ideation and collaboration,” said Devon Rainey, CEO of 36 Degrees North. “Entrepreneurship is central to Tulsa's history, and this challenge strengthens his 36 Degrees North mission to provide the city with the tools and connections needed to build impactful and long-lasting businesses. Thing.”

Tulsa residents age 18 and older, regardless of business experience, can apply online through April 10 at apply.buildersandbackers.com/TIC202. Entrepreneurial workshops and competitions guide participants on how to work together to turn ideas into action.

After being paired with another Tulsun by the event organizers, the teams will choose a problem, analyze it, and create real-world solutions through purposefully created exercises created by builders and supporters. Learn how to create an actionable plan that delivers. Prizes will be awarded to teams in different categories.

Space is limited, so those who apply early will be given priority. Selected participants will be paid $300 upon completing the workshop and have the opportunity to fast track their spot in the summer or fall cohort of Builders + Backers' Idea Accelerator. This comes with his $5,000 to test and launch the new venture.

The challenge will be held at the University of Tulsa on May 4th and 5th. This program accepts up to 200 participants.

Canadian franchise Freshslice Pizza announces expansion into the United States

Freshslice, known for its high-quality ingredients and commitment to innovation, is exploring franchise opportunities in the U.S.

The company says it has “revolutionized the franchise industry what Netflix did for the video rental industry.”

Franchisee candidates must:

Fill out the “Own a Franchise” form at investinfresh.com.

Have at least $60,000 in cash and an entrepreneurial spirit

Aligned with vision, values ​​and culture

Direct questions should be directed to franchising@freshslice.com.

Pass the screening process

Interested franchisees in the Tulsa area may also email Eric Chupp at eric@freshslice.com.

The Salvation Army announced the grand opening of its newest thrift store at 3111 S. Harvard Ave.

All proceeds from the thrift store will go directly to maintaining the Salvation Army's Male Adult Rehabilitation Center, and every purchase will make a meaningful donation, the organization said.

The new thrift store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mastercard and BOK Financial Corporation announced an expanded agreement that makes Mastercard the exclusive payments network across BOK Financials' debit and commercial portfolio and expands its relationship with BOK Financials' TransFund processing business.

“The two companies will build an innovative, inclusive and sustainable future of banking based on shared values ​​of advancing the communities they serve,” according to a news release.

“Mastercard and BOK Financial share a passion and commitment to supporting and uplifting local communities. BOK Financial is more than just a bank, it’s a force for good financial education and opportunity.” U.S. Financial said John Levitsky, president of the agency, MasterCard. “Through our expanded partnership, Mastercard will provide unparalleled expertise, technology and services to drive new payment experiences, community impact and financial access for BOK Financial and its customers.”

“At BOK Financial, we continue to grow and invest in the future of our communities,” said David Reynolds, Director of Product Management, BOK Financial Corp.

“Our expanded partnership with Mastercard will enable us to deliver a differentiated value proposition to our customers through cutting-edge technology and purpose-driven initiatives. We're excited to be working with a company that has a strong commitment to connecting people.”

Foster Garvey announced the opening of its Tulsa office in the Midcontinent Tower at 401 South Boston Avenue.

“This newest office is part of the company's national expansion into the markets most important to our customers' success,” the company said in a news release.

The Tulsa office, led by R. Daniel Carter, president of the Tribal Government and Business Practice Group, said it will further enhance the firm's services to Native American tribes and tribal organizations.

“Foster Garvey takes great pride in our long history of service to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and their tribal communities,” said Diana Shukis, co-chair of the company. “Our Tulsa office strengthens our ability to continue to work closely with tribes to protect their sovereignty and treaty rights, protect their history and culture, and expand economic opportunities.”

“We are excited to have Daniel lead our Tulsa office,” said Rafael Stone, co-chairman of the firm. “His dedication to public service and civic leadership is evidenced by his tenure as federal and tribal attorney general, as well as his work on various boards, including the Tulsa Children's Bar Association and Tulsa Area Indian Affairs. .The committee further strengthens our commitment to serving our clients and the community.”