Meet new people, celebrate AfroFest, and win an all inclusive paid trip to Tulsa!
It was a busy January for Oklahoma! Lily Gladstone made history as the first Indigenous woman to be nominated for Best Actress for the Oscars for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon, the Tulsa international airport is (finally) expanding, and we all survived that freezing cold snap the other week. Now that we’re thawing out in this (startlingly) warm weather, let’s take a look at all of the exciting happenings and opportunities bringing Black History Month and entrepreneurship to the forefront.
Those who are unfamiliar with Tulsa might not expect it to be such a catalyst for entrepreneurs and creatives, but the city is bursting with opportunities for anyone inventive to take an idea to the next level. Yes, most of these dollars comes from the same source *cough* 👀, but for those who are savvy enough, you can tap in and leverage multiple resources for your business, art, or community.
Entrepreneurs securing the bag in Tulsa is about as Oklahoma as it gets nowadays. I’d say it’s even more Oklahoma than the infamous Route 66 Blue Whale…
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Opportunities
Snag an All Inclusive Trip to Tulsa through Living on Tulsa Time!
Dreaming about moving to Tulsa? Already live here, but dreaming about more of your friends moving to Tulsa? Apply to Living on Tulsa Time to be considered for an all inclusive trip to Tulsa, find a new career opportunity, and explore the city and the growing tech scene from April 4-6, 2024. Apply here.
Apply to the Tulsa Idea Challenge, happening May 4-5, 2024
Applications for the second Tulsa Idea Challenge opened this week! The Tulsa Idea Challenge is a fun, two-day entrepreneurial workshop and competition for Tulsans to learn how to collaborate and transform an idea into action. You’ll be randomly paired with a fellow Tulsan and collaborate on an idea over 48 hours with the chance to win a share of the $50,000 prize pool. It’s a great way to meet new people and you receive $300 just for participating in the full two days. Open to anyone and everyone with an idea. Apply here.
STARTERS Bootcamp Pre-Accelerator Applications Closing Feb 2nd
Have a side hustle or business idea you’d like to test, but not sure where to start? Apply to STARTERS, a pre-accelerator program that teaches you the basics of turning an idea into a real, money-making business in seven weeks. Like the Tulsa Idea Challenge, this is open to anyone and everyone with an idea. Apply here by Feb 2nd.
Level Up Applications open February 11-18, 2024
Level Up has opened applications for its career training program for North Tulsa parents and guardians who are currently unemployed or are making less than an average of $10/hr at their current job. Apply here to their upcoming training opportunity for CNA and CMA certification.
Apply to be a Mayfest Vendor
Calling all artists! Tulsa’s biggest art festival is returning for its 51st year, and applications are open for visual art vendors, musicians, and other performing artists. Mayfest 2024 is happening May 10-12 in the Tulsa Arts District. Apply to be a Mayfest vendor or volunteer here.
Secure $25,000 for your Business through W.E Build
W.E. Build is an entrepreneurship accelerator designed to level the playing field for women historically denied access to resources and funding. This program is about building businesses, advancing professional development, achieving personal growth, and creating companies that catalyze multi-generational wealth. The application for the W.E.Build Accelerator is now open! Apply here.
Build In Tulsa: Black History Month 2024
Build in Tulsa is hosting a series of free business events in honor of Black History Month, including an open house, business coaching, and their hallmark Female Founders Pitch Night.
Tap In
Homebuyers Lunch & Learn – Feb 2nd, 12-1pm
Thinking about buying a house, but intimidated by the process? Come learn all the basics about buying a home in Tulsa—and get a lender credit. Lunch provided. Location: 1110 S Yale Ave, text Tina to RSVP: 806.470.7553
AfroFest – Feb 3rd
Explore a vibrant marketplace showcasing merchandise, cuisine, services, and events from black vendors in Tulsa. AfroFest will be held on February 3rd from 6-9pm at the Greenwood Cultural Center. Beats by DJ Stylez. Get your free ticket here.
If you’re looking for more daytime expos and community events on Saturday, Feb 3rd, check out the Black Wall Street Heritage and History Festival or the 39th Annual Tulsa Women’s Expo.
Cityscape Oasis: One Day-Writer’s Retreat – Feb 9th
Join for an inspirational and focused day of writing in a historic Art Deco building in downtown Tulsa, with a creative instructor who has taught writing at the university level for years. Normally $99, but currently discounted to $49.50. Space is limited. Register here.
Explore the Tunnels of Tulsa – Feb 10th
The Tunnel Tours are back! Join the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture on February 10th for a guided Underground Tulsa tour, exploring seven buildings, lobbies and explore tunnels without ever stepping outside. $25. Buy your ticket here.
Valentine’s Day – Feb 14th
Take a peek at the most romantic restaurants in Tulsa to find the perfect Valentine’s Day date spot.
Get Hired
Hued Songs is hiring a part-time, fully remote administrative role at $21-22 an hour. Hued Songs is a small non-profit that produces experiences that amplify Black joy, creativity, and Belonging.
The University of Tulsa is hiring a Talent Acquisition Partner.
Global Gardens is hiring a part-time Assistant Garden Educator at $15-17 an hour for 5-10 hours per week.
Osage Casino is hiring for a variety of roles.
Help Your Neighbors
Iron Gate Soup Kitchen Needs Donations
Iron Gate, one of the main soup kitchens in Tulsa, needs your help to get more high-need items like pop-top tuna, canned soup, and instant macaroni and cheese to provide food to families in need. Buy from their Amazon Wish List.
Donation Drop-off Hours:
Sunday/ Saturday- 9am-2pm
Mondays/ Wednesdays- 8am-12pm, 2pm-4pm
Fridays- 8am-12pm, 2pm-3pm
Donate Books to #BlackKidsRead
The Greenwood Cultural Center is seeking children\’s book donations for their #BlackKidsRead program. Their goal is to collect 500 books specifically for black children with characters and content that reflect black history, culture, and heritage. Contact 918.596.1020 or visit their website for more information.
Have any Tulsa opportunities you’d like to me to add to next month’s newsletter? I’m especially on the lookout for independent businesses, programs, and resources to share. Email me at tulsaitsok@gmail.com. Thanks!