Tulsa breaks ground on new Eastside Center for Entrepreneurship hub

Work started Tuesday on the Bank of Oklahoma Eastside Center for Entrepreneurship in east Tulsa. The business project aims to reduce barriers to ownership and help establish local jobs.

The facility will stand at Plaza Santa Cecilia. It will measure 15,000 square feet. It will offer workspace, technical assistance, mentorship, and programming for new entrepreneurs.

Eastside Rise, the Bank of Oklahoma, and the City of Tulsa formed a partnership for the project. Luisa King serves as the executive director of Eastside Rise.

“Eastside Rise is thrilled to see the Bank of Oklahoma Eastside Center for Entrepreneurship take shape in the heart of the Global District,” said King. “Investing in the success of our local small businesses and entrepreneurs supports the prosperity and economic opportunity in Tulsa, and we’re grateful for the advocacy and support of neighbors, business owners, and public/private partners who made this center possible.”

Bank of Oklahoma President and CEO Stacy Kymes praised the new investment in east Tulsa. Leaders plan to finish construction by the fall of 2027.

“Bank of Oklahoma is proud to invest in a resource designed to remove the barriers that too often sit between a good idea and a thriving business,” said Kymes. “We’re excited about the opportunities this program will create as people turn ideas into growth, helping build a stronger and more vibrant community for years to come.”

The site choice responds to challenges faced by immigrant and minority entrepreneurs. East Tulsa represents over 20 countries. Its residents speak over 100 languages.

Partners created the hub to serve this diverse neighborhood. Mayor Monroe Nichols praised the collaboration behind the facility.

“The reason this space exists is because of the people and organizations like Eastside Rise, Plaza Santa Cecilia, and so many other philanthropic partners that are helping build a stronger network of opportunity, entrepreneurship, and connection in this part of our city,” said Nichols. “It’s truly incredible what we can achieve when we bring so many talented people, great ideas and resources together around common goals and I can’t wait to see what new opportunities are able to be realized here in the Tulsa Global District because of this investment.”

Entrepreneurship hubs provide shared workspaces and guidance for business founders. Municipal governments often coordinate with private companies to support neighborhood revitalization. Groundbreaking ceremonies mark the official start of commercial site construction.

The center will open doors to local small businesses across the Tulsa community.