Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma (REI) announces that the organizations full range of services are now available in Tulsa and surrounding communities. The most recent expansions include the services of the Womens Business Center and the opening of the Native American Business Enterprise Center. The recent expansion of activities rounds out the full line of economic development products and services available from REIs Tulsa office located at Memorial Place Center.
Sponsored by the U S Small Business Administration, REIs Womens Business Center (WBC) has been providing training and counseling to women entrepreneurs and other businesses through workshops in the southeast quadrant of Oklahoma for more than five years. Training workshops address the needs of both the beginner and the more advanced business including business plan development, business taxes, cash flow management, profit and loss statements and other business-related subjects. The program has been so successful that the SBA has provided funding allowing REI to expand the program statewide.
The expansion of the WBC into the Tulsa area began in February with workshops in Tulsa and Sapulpa. Workshops are planned for Muskogee and Owasso in the very near future.
The Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) is based in the Tulsa office. This program is designed to enhance the growth and expansion of minority business enterprises. Services include training workshops and seminars, client assessment, one-on-one consulting, bid assistance and procurement of government contracts.
We are pleased to make our services conveniently available to people in the Tulsa area, said Tom Seth Smith, President & CEO. Our recent expansion of services and the opening of the NABEC office provide easy access to all that we offer, and this will also help us meet the rising demand for economic development services in the area.
REIs complete line of economic development services includes business financing including the lending programs of the U. S. Small Business Administration. Additional services include down payment and closing cost assistance for homebuyers, tax credit programs, business incubators, equipment program, import/export trade assistance, Womens Business Center and Native American Business Enterprise Center.
A recent 10-year economic impact report reports that REI services have generated more than $78 million in economic impact for Tulsa County. This figure reflects impact from all services available from REI. Statewide, REI has a diverse client base including start-ups; expanding businesses; manufacturing, service and retail operations; health care facilities; day care operations; medical, dental and chiropractic clinics; hotels, motels and other service industries.
REI provides economic development services from five locations, Durant, Alva, Oklahoma City, Lawton and Tulsa. The Tulsa office is located at Memorial Place, 7633 East 63rd Place and may be called at 918.459.4515.