The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has announced an expansion of its services in Tulsa through a new partnership with Tulsa Tech and innovation hub Gradient, in a move designed to enhance support for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region.
The initiative will see Oklahoma SBDC advisors embedded within Gradient’s downtown Tulsa facility, alongside an alternating presence at Tulsa Tech. The collaboration is intended to provide coordinated, no-cost business advisory services, bringing together expertise, workspace, and networks to better support startups and growing enterprises.
Based in Durant, Oklahoma SBDC said the expansion reflects a broader strategy to strengthen its reach in key innovation and workforce development hubs. By positioning advisors directly within these environments, the organisation aims to improve access to practical guidance for founders at all stages of development.
The partnership is expected to deliver a more integrated support system, enabling entrepreneurs to tap into shared resources across both Tulsa Tech and Gradient. Officials said the initiative will also contribute to wider regional economic development by fostering business growth and sustainability.
As part of the programme, Oklahoma SBDC advisors will rotate between the two locations, ensuring consistent engagement with the local business community. The organisation noted that this approach will allow for more responsive, hands-on support tailored to the needs of Tulsa-based entrepreneurs.
The announcement has been welcomed by leaders at Gradient, who emphasised the importance of collaboration in building a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“The strongest entrepreneurial ecosystems are built through collaboration,” states Gradient CEO Devon Laney. “Partnering with the Oklahoma SBDC allows Gradient to provide on-site connections with the expertise and resources founders need at every stage, whether they are just getting started or actively growing. This partnership represents an important step in strengthening Tulsa’s broader support system for entrepreneurs, and we’re proud to work together in serving founders across the region.”
Gradient, described as Tulsa’s hub for innovation, provides flexible workspace, programming, and access to resources for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and startups. Located within the historic 112,000 square foot OATSCO warehouse in downtown Tulsa, the facility has been designed to support business growth through a combination of physical infrastructure and curated support services.
Since opening in 2021, Gradient has generated more than $1.7 billion in economic impact, positioning itself as a key player in Tulsa’s evolving innovation landscape. The addition of Oklahoma SBDC advisors is expected to further enhance its offering by providing direct access to business consulting expertise.
Oklahoma SBDC State Director Michele Hockersmith highlighted the strategic importance of embedding advisors within innovation hubs, noting that the partnership aligns with the organisation’s long-standing mission.
“At the Oklahoma SBDC, our mission has always been to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses, and this partnership advances that mission in a significant way,” states Oklahoma SBDC State Director Michele Hockersmith. “Embedding our advisors at Tulsa Tech and Gradient allows us to deliver hands-on, coordinated support within this hub of innovation. We’re grateful for their partnership and excited about the long-term economic impact this collaboration will create for Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma.”
Founded in 1984, Oklahoma SBDC has established itself as a comprehensive business consulting network across the state, supporting more than 150,000 individuals in starting and growing businesses. Its services are available across all 77 counties, delivered through a network of 20 locations.
The organisation provides no-cost advisory services covering a wide range of business needs, including financial planning, market analysis, and operational strategy. Funding is provided in part by the US Small Business Administration, alongside partnerships with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, higher education institutions, and regional organisations.
Officials said the Tulsa expansion underscores the SBDC’s commitment to adapting its service delivery model to meet the evolving needs of entrepreneurs. By integrating into established innovation centres, the organisation aims to create a more accessible and collaborative support environment.
The partnership also reflects a broader trend towards ecosystem-based economic development, where public and private sector stakeholders work together to drive business formation and job creation.
With Tulsa continuing to position itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, the collaboration between Oklahoma SBDC, Tulsa Tech, and Gradient is expected to play a significant role in shaping the city’s future business landscape.
