Business Friendly States: Oklahoma in Profile

There are twelve major metropolitan areas throughout Oklahoma. This includes Ada, Altus, Elk City, Fort Smith, Guyman, Miami, Oklahoma City, Joplin-Miami, Tulsa, Weatherford, Lawton, and the I-35 Corridor. These areas are home to some of the state's largest businesses. Locating your company in these areas will provide you with a high volume of cliental, but present some less than ideal aspects as well.

Business owners have found that many of these metropolitan areas suffer from congested traffic during rush hours throughout a normal business day. The State of Oklahoma is working to correct these issues by creating extensive road expansions and alternative route options. For residential purposes, business owners and entrepreneurs are choosing to live in surrounding communities to escape the fast paced living of the metropolitan cities.

Working and Living in Oklahoma

The State of Oklahoma has much to offer in the way of natural beauty. Featuring expansive plains, plentiful streams and lakes, as well as vast mountains and valleys Oklahoma offers relaxed living for business owners and entrepreneurs that choose to locate their businesses to this state. With affordably priced residential real estate throughout Oklahoma, individuals are able to establish homes in communities that offer lower crime rates than many states throughout the country.

Funding and Tax Incentives in Oklahoma

Capital is easily obtainable throughout Oklahoma, and tax incentives include the Insurance Premium Tax Credits, Quality Jobs 10-Year Cash Incentive Program, Investment and New Job Tax Credit Package, 21st Century Quality Jobs 10 Year Cash Back Incentive Program, Oklahoma Opportunity Fund, PrimeWIN Prime Contractor Incentive, New Market Tax Credits, Training for Industry Program, Community Development Block Grant and Economic Development Infrastructure Financing, Economic Development Pooled Finance, Former Indian Lands Tax Credit, and the Tax Increment Financing Program. These are just a few of the business incentive and tax credit programs available throughout the state.

Employment in Oklahoma

Major private employers that have taken advantage of the opportunities in Oklahoma include businesses such as Integris Baptist Medical Center, Firelake Grand Casino, Verizon, Spriti Aero Systems, Bank of Oklahoma, Oklahoma University Children's Hospital, Mercy Hospital, American Airlines, St. John's Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, and the Chesapeake Energy Corporation. Oklahoma offers a considerable amount of innovation and support for technology companies, while healthcare, energy, and finance are among the strongest industries throughout Oklahoma.

Education and Training in Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University, Northeastern State University, Rogers State University, East Central University, University of Oklahoma, and other such educational and training facilities throughout the state of Oklahoma provide a steady stream of highly education professionals in a wide array of industries. Apprenticeships and other programs offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen industry while businesses gain the benefit of employing these professionals when they emerge into the workforce.

In Conclusion

Overall there is much to be gained by choosing to locate your business venture in Oklahoma. From its business friendly environment to the substantial growth prospects throughout the coming years, business owners and entrepreneurs can find that their investment of time, energy, and money can provide them with success they seek within their industry.