ARPA Programs
These relief programs were created to help individuals, entrepreneurs and small businesses in our community recover and thrive after the pandemic. As part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City administers the funding for these programs through several partnerships with community organizations. Apply today through the partner links provided below.
Storefront Improvement Program
The Storefront Improvement Program offers businesses the opportunity to receive reimbursements of up to $25,000 for outdoor building enhancements such as signage, paint, windows, and other exterior improvements. Businesses must be either minority-owned or located in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT). Applicants are required to submit price quotes or project estimates from contractors as a part of the application. The application for this program closed on July 5, 2024.
Real Deal
This 6-month executive coaching program provides training and strategy sessions for business owners. Through monthly meetings and one-on-one support participants develop detailed, long-term strategies for growth, examine their financials and learn skills to improve their business. Businesses that complete the program may be eligible for grant funding to execute the strategies developed in this program. This year, the Real Deal is accepting applications for a similar cohort dedicated for just food and beverage.
The application for this program is closed.
Accelerator Programs
OKC Food Truck Business Accelerator
The OKC Food Truck Business Accelerator Program aims to empower OKC-based food truck businesses. The program offers tailored support, expert guidance for Synergy Restaurant Consultants, and a vibrant community for 20 selected OKC-based food truck operators. Participants will receive hands-on business evaluation, exclusive online training, personalized coaching, and community collaboration. Completion of the program prepares participants to apply for a grant of up to $8,000 to help grow their business.
The application for this program is closed.
StitchCrew Latino
Learn startup mechanics, financial fundamentals, growth strategies, marketing and capital access strategies from StitchCrew's 8-week business accelerator for Latino-owned businesses. Graduates of the program may be eligible for a $15,000 grant
The application for this program is closed.
OKC Minority Founder
Minority founders and entrepreneurs will benefit from a 6-week micro-accelerator program with curriculum, case studies, networking and mentorship to launch the business. Following the accelerator, businesses can receive operational technical assistance for marketing, HR, financial and other support. Graduates of the program may be eligible for up to $20,000 in grants for their business.
The application for this program is closed.
Progress OKC
Generation Impact Business Accelerator, run by Progress OKC, is a 12-week program for early-stage entrepreneurs. The program is focused on entrepreneurs learning about business fundamentals, receiving mentor-supported technical assistance, developing a full business plan, and may be eligible for a grant to implement business growth strategies developed through the program.
The application for this program is closed.
Artist Entrepreneur Program
Visual and performing artists are invited to apply for the new Artist Entrepreneur Program, a 10-week accelerator designed to equip under-resourced and under represented artists in Oklahoma City to create and enhance their strategic business plan. Upon completion of the program, participants may be eligible for up to a $5,000 grant to implement their business plan.
The application for this program is closed.
Minority Supplier Program
Minority Supplier Program
The Alliance is partnering with Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, Greater OKC Hispanic Chamber and REI Oklahoma to help small businesses with bidding opportunities and responses, certifications, registering on supplier databases, contracting and financial preparation. You can apply to any of these organizations as the services you receive may be provided through any one of them.
Individual Workforce Training
OK Coders
OK Coders is Oklahoma's expert developer bootcamp for in-demand careers. The Verge and Techlahoma have partnered with OK Coders to offer a part-time bootcamp that prepares individuals for careers in computer programming and web development through six 4-week modules. Opportunities are also available for a post-training paid internship
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma/TEEM
Receive culinary training, food manufacturing training and warehouse and inventory control training ranging from 8 weeks to 6 months to become work ready and employable by top in-demand careers in Oklahoma. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma partners with the Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM) to provide these opportunities for individuals who are justice involved, unemployed or underemployed.
ReMerge
Mothers in the criminal justice system can reenter the workforce with ReMerge's employment assistance programs. ReMerge mothers can earn a Google certification for IT support with the help of industry professionals in their Digital Skill Career Pathway Training to open doors to a variety of employment opportunities.
It's My Community Initiative (IMCI)
It's My Community Initiative collaborates with Work Ready Oklahoma to provide work readiness training and support to individuals on federal benefits programs. Upon enrollment, participants receive one-on-one support from a Career Coach to assess their career goals and create actionable plans.
Curbside Apparel
Curbside Apparel offers training in screen-printing, apparel production, and retail sales, allowing participants to gain real-world experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. Employment support is offered to participants in Curbside programs to help bridge the gap between the training provided by Homeless Alliance and stable, long-term employment opportunities.
Rose State College
Rose State College offers support services to students pursuing studies in information technology and cyber security. These services encompass economic aid for professional certifications and testing, tutoring, resume writing assistance, and stipends to overcome financial obstacles hindering meaningful employment.
Mid-America Christian University
Qualified student applicants can earn financial support by enrolling in approved cybersecurity and data analytics courses at Mid-America Christian University. The eligible coursework covers various subjects such as Cybersecurity, Risk Management, IT Security, Data Analytics and Network Communications.
Restore OKC
RestoreOKC is a community development organization in Oklahoma City that creates employment opportunities and mobility within the community. The program supports Wellspring Cleaning, a social enterprise training program employing single mothers seeking flexible employment. Participants gain skills in hospitality, team leadership, and business management.
Center for Employment
Opportunities (CEO)
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to people recently released from incarceration. The goal is that anyone with a recent criminal history who wants to work has the preparation and support needed to find a job and stay connected to the labor force. CEO is dedicated to ensuring that justice-impacted job-seekers have opportunities to achieve social and economic mobility.
gener8tor
gener8tor Skills Accelerator provides virtual skills training in Project Management and Sales at no out-of-pocket costs for eligible participants. Participants receive one-on-one career coaching from expert gener8tor staff, skills training for high-demand roles, and ongoing support after graduation. The program focuses on unemployed and underemployed job seekers with basic computer skills who can commit 15-20 hours a week to the program.