A new concept is helping to expand the boundaries of James W. Strate Center for Business Development outside its doors.

The business development academy was adopted from the “virtual incubator” online concept. Brian Gaddy, center director, said he liked the idea of creating an academy but does not like the idea of a virtual incubator.

“If they enroll, they are part of something,” he said. “It isn’t virtual.”

Currently, there are 16 people in business development classes at Autry Technology Center, where the center is located, and four of those are members of the academy. To be part of the academy, they must pay $120 a year to share in some of the benefits of the business development center.

The academy is open to small retail businesses or businesses needing services. Retail businesses do not qualify for occupancy in the main business development center. Academy members who are not in the center do not receive the tax breaks occupants of the center do, but they do receive consulting services, use of meeting rooms and shared areas in the building. They also have access to shared equipment and access to bid assistance.

Gaddy hopes some of those clients soon will become occupants of the business development center. The academy is about two months old.

Businesses in the development center normally are there for three years, Gaddy said. Since the center’s opening, one business, Range to Ridge Cabins, has moved out on its own to concentrate on growth. There currently are seven businesses at the center, and Gaddy said there is space for more.

“Full is a relative term around here,” he said.

With remaining space, he said, the center could squeeze in two more smaller businesses, or one large business could take up all the space. A related facility at Enid Woodring Regional Airport is ready for a business to move into now, providing an additional 6,000 square feet for growing businesses.

The theory at the development center is that a business should be established enough by three years to move out, Gaddy said.

“We hope by three years we should have a waiting list to move in,” he said. “We’re looking for some home-based businesses, someone who has been doing business in their garage and are ready to take that next step. Those fit well into our program.”

Current businesses in the program are:

• Aerosock Inc., which sells windsocks for general aviation, emergency medical transportation, as well as local, state and federal governments. The company also is expanding to include some services they previously outsourced.

• Custom Land Management, an Oklahoma limited liability company that provides management services for brand imaging, marketing, training and consulting in commercial, residential and agricultural markets.

• Fence Solutions, which provides labor and time-saving products to agriculture and livestock communities.

• Grace Care Companion Services, which provides non-medical personalized assistance for in-home, hospital or other care facilities. Services pertain to seniors, patients recovering from surgery or joint replacement or anyone who needs help with everyday living.

• Kalida Ventures, a diversified media company helping creative professionals be successful by providing marketing expertise in distributing and selling content.

• Pro-Presenters, a professional audio-video solutions provider that can design, supply and install complete turnkey solutions for personal, educational, corporate and government applications.

• Sweet Shack, specialists in handmade toffees and brittles. Each order is handmade and packaged in Tiffany-style boxes or gift bags.