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Tulsa's Young Professionals' The Forge Stimulates Region's Start-ups and Small Businesses

Tulsa's Young Professionals' The Forge is building up the Oklahoma city's start-up and small business community.

7/2/2010
Tulsa's Young Professionals (TYPros) have established a business center called The Forge to accelerate the development, success, and sustainability of start-up and small businesses in the Oklahoma area.

"The Forge is tangible proof of what happens when minds come together united in making Tulsa a better, more prosperous city for all of us," said Michael Christian, 2010 TYPros chair and assistant vice president of alternative investments for the Bank of Oklahoma. "It's a project unique to our region, unique because it was created by young professionals for young professionals."

The Forge includes a small business incubator in a S. Cheyenne Avenue location in Tulsa, a meeting place for entrepreneurs, and access to a resource of knowledge. Tenants will include young professional-owned businesses and firms that cater to young professionals.

The TYPros Business Development Crew worked on The Forge for five years, attracting, retaining, and supporting entrepreneurs. It also helped create jobs and stimulate the Tulsa economy.

The Forge's location is temporary, but can host up to nine businesses. It currently has one tenant, Bonvoy Adventure Travel, and is accepting applications for the remaining spaces.

Forge tenants receive utilities, phone, and Internet access; office supplies; and meeting spaces. And it's already creating buzz in the Tulsa business community.

"The talented young professionals who make up the TYPros organization - architects, artists, engineers, business owners and others - play a vital role in the long-term economic health of Tulsa," said Don Walker, 2010 Tulsa Metro Chamber chairperson and Arvest Bank president and CEO. "When you create a place like The Forge where raw innovators are given the support, resources and know-how they need to build successful, sustainable companies, you revolutionize the business community."

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