The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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July 17, 2010

Strate Center incubator is seeking business ideas

By Bridget Nash Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Any entrepreneur with an idea can seek to open his or her business through James W. Strate Center for Business Development at Autry Technology Center.

“We’re looking for people who can add jobs and produce wealth for the Garfield County area,” said Brian Gaddy, center coordinator.

Gaddy said the business center is not for people who desire to open a retail business but, other than that, a plethora of ideas are accepted.

Anyone with an idea can come to the business incubator and develop a business plan. The next step is to make a presentation for the selection committee.

“That committee decides if they become an incubator client or not,” Gaddy said.

Those selected are assigned a space and are asked to pay a small amount of rent. The rent generally runs anywhere from $1 to $6 per square foot, per month which includes utilities.

“Actually, probably the smallest (space) we have is a $75 dollar space, per month,” Gaddy said. “What that does is allow them to take the money that they would normally use on rent and utilities and use it for growing their business.”

The center also offers services to the public.

“We have a plan room that any local contractor can come in and look at all the big construction projects across the state of Oklahoma. At no cost to them, they can come in and put in bids,” Gaddy said. “Either a general contractor or subcontractor can come in and find work and either get jobs in Enid or go somewhere else and work and bring that money (earned) back to the community.”

Business development courses also are available to anyone who wishes to take them.

“The business development courses that are coming up, those are a great place to get your feet wet and see what it takes to go to the next level,” Gaddy said.

The Business Development Academy is divided into eight courses and a person can enroll in all eight courses for $120 or take courses individually for $20 per course.

Courses include business basics, planning your business, marketing your business and products, image and market positioning, financial planning for your business, income statement, general business management and managing your business.

“We can help anybody, just about, that needs help,” Gaddy said.

For information on Autry Tech’s business incubator or other business development services call 242-2750.

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