Start Up Enid is a collaborative partnership between Autry Technology Center, Northern Oklahoma College, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and the Enid Regional Development Alliance. Together, this collective effort is designed to connect local entrepreneurs with higher education resources, experienced business mentors, and leadership development opportunities that foster long-term success. The goal is simple: to continue strengthening and supporting Enid’s growing entrepreneurial spirit.
Each year, Start Up Enid partners provide meaningful programming to encourage innovation and small business development across our region. Each fall, Northwestern Oklahoma State University hosts an educational series featuring business leaders who share insight on topics that support the growth and sustainability of small businesses. During the summer, Northern Oklahoma College offers a program for students to develop their business ideas, with the potential for financial support awarded to a winning plan.
This spring, the Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition returns once again as an exciting opportunity for new and emerging businesses. The competition provides aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable tools, mentorship, and resources needed to launch and expand innovative ventures right here in our community.
Through the support of Autry Technology Center and generous corporate sponsors, the competition recognizes top performers with cash awards and in-kind professional services—helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. The competition is open to the public and welcomes individuals or start-up ventures that have been registered in Oklahoma for fewer than five years.
This funding and programming are key components of the Start Up Enid team’s commitment to workforce development and entrepreneurial growth. Our team continues to seek sponsors and partners who want to help expand the opportunities available through Autry, NOC, and NWOSU.
By investing in entrepreneurs today, Enid is building a stronger, more diverse economy for tomorrow—one business idea at a time. If you would like to help support this effort, we will be happy to connect you with ways to get involved.