The Consortium for Entrepeneurship Education is celebrating it's second National Entrepeneurship Week this week, February 23 - March 1. To honor the event, Oklahoma's capitol celebrated it's first Entrepreneurship Day, where it was noted that Oklahoma's entrepeneurs have been honored by the Kauffman Foundation and by Entrepeneur Magazine.

According to a press release on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, website, Oklahoma's Advantage, Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins and Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Natalie Shirley were on hand for festivities.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins said:

The state recognizes the sense of urgency and importance in creating a culture of entrepreneurship in Oklahoma. Oklahoma's entrepreneurs will provide the innovation, creativity, and leadership needed to take us successfully into our next 100 years.

And Natalie Shirley added:

Entrepreneurs are the future of Oklahoma’s economy. In order to grow Oklahoma’s economy and compete in the global marketplace, we must support the development of entrepreneurs in Oklahoma.

The 2nd Century Entrepreneurship Center located within Oklahoma Commerce, provides an opportunity to improve and increase Oklahoma’s efforts of supporting entrepreneurs. For more information about the 2nd Century Entrepreneurship Center, visit http://www.okcommerce.gov/smallbiz.

Shelli Todd was recently named Director of the 2nd Century Entrepreneurship Center. Todd’s responsibilities will include working with the statewide network of entrepreneurship programs and services, helping build capacity for technology-based entrepreneurs, and advocating for entrepreneurship education.

Oklahoma Commerce has a strong history of supporting entrepreneurs. There are extensive resources at http://www.okcommerce.gov/, including the business licensing database and Capital Review, a resource on financing for small businesses. The Website also provides business planning resources and frequently asked questions regarding starting a business. Commerce is also responsible for the certification of business incubators and has an extensive network of statewide partners that serve entrepreneurs.

Labels: Entrepeneurship

Posted at 2/27/2008 07:27:00 AM