Oklahoma City, December 23, 2025
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has certified several new business incubators and recertified existing ones. This initiative aims to enhance Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing essential resources for startups and small businesses. Notable new incubators include the Gradient Innovation Hub in Tulsa, The Foundry at Thrive Nexus in Oklahoma City, and Vault 405 in Edmond. These centers offer strategic resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to fuel economic growth across the state.
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has recently announced the certification of several new business incubators and the recertification of existing ones. This initiative aims to bolster the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster economic growth throughout Oklahoma.
Newly Certified Incubators
Gradient Innovation Hub
Located in downtown Tulsa, Gradient Innovation Hub integrates three separate 36 Degrees North incubator and coworking locations into one of the largest innovation hubs in the nation. Situated in the historic Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company warehouse, it offers workspace, mentorship, investor connections, and technical assistance across various industries. Since 2019, Gradient has generated over $1.4 billion in direct economic impact for the Tulsa region.
The Foundry at Thrive Nexus
Near downtown Oklahoma City, The Foundry provides startups and emerging businesses with strategic resources, expert guidance, and a collaborative environment. It features tailored programming, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities aimed at enhancing business success.
Vault 405
Established by Citizens Bank of Edmond, Vault 405 has transformed a historic downtown building into a hub for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and community growth. It serves as a launchpad for startups and small businesses, offering workspace, resources, and a supportive network. With its recent designation as a state-certified incubator, Vault 405 will provide enhanced mentorship, tax incentives, and targeted support to help young companies thrive and contribute to the local economy.
The Shoppes at Guthrie
Located in downtown Guthrie, The Shoppes is a retail incubator designed specifically to showcase local talent and entrepreneurial spirit. It provides startups with an affordable space to grow and reflect Guthrie’s welcoming charm.
New Incubator Spaces
The Verge OKC
The Verge has relocated to the Citizens Building in downtown Oklahoma City, now occupying over 27,000 square feet. The space features soundproof meeting rooms, versatile office and co-working areas, and media rooms, all with panoramic views of downtown. This expansion significantly increases tenant exposure to other entrepreneurs and support services.
Duncan Center for Business Development
Situated in Duncan, this center has transitioned from an interim incubator space to offering full-time office space to incubator graduates, providing ample opportunities for community entrepreneurs to develop and flourish.
Recertified Incubators
Great Plains Technology (GPT) Center Business Development Center
Based in Lawton, the GPT Business Development Center has received its 10-Year State Certified Incubator Recertification. The incubator offers a comprehensive assistance program designed to help startups and early-stage businesses improve their chances of becoming healthy, sustainable, and self-sufficient enterprises.
Background
Business incubators play a crucial role in nurturing entrepreneurial companies by providing essential resources necessary for surviving the critical startup years and achieving sustained growth. Oklahoma is home to a thriving incubator network, with 13 certified business incubators strategically located at technology centers around the state. These centers assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in overcoming marketplace challenges.
Key Features
| Incubator Name | Location | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gradient Innovation Hub | Tulsa | New Certified Incubator | Workspace, mentorship, investor connections, technical assistance; over $1.4 billion economic impact since 2019 |
| The Foundry at Thrive Nexus | Oklahoma City | New Certified Incubator | Strategic resources, expert guidance, collaborative environment, tailored programming, mentorship, funding access |
| Vault 405 | Edmond | New Certified Incubator | Workspace, resources, supportive network; enhanced mentorship, tax incentives, targeted support for young companies |
| The Shoppes at Guthrie | Guthrie | New Certified Incubator | Affordable space for startups; showcases local talent and entrepreneurial spirit |
| The Verge OKC | Oklahoma City | New Incubator Space | Over 27,000 sq ft; soundproof meeting rooms, versatile office and co-working areas, media rooms, panoramic views |
| Duncan Center for Business Development | Duncan | New Incubator Space | Full-time office space for incubator graduates; supports community entrepreneurs |
| Great Plains Technology (GPT) Center Business Development Center | Lawton | Recertified Incubator | Comprehensive assistance program; helps startups and early-stage businesses become sustainable and self-sufficient |
FAQs
What is the role of business incubators in Oklahoma?
Business incubators in Oklahoma provide resources to help startups and early-stage businesses survive the critical startup years and achieve sustained growth. They offer workspace, mentorship, investor connections, and technical assistance across industries.
How many certified business incubators are there in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has 13 certified business incubators strategically located at technology centers around the state.
What are the benefits of being part of a business incubator in Oklahoma?
Being part of a business incubator in Oklahoma provides access to affordable lease space, on-site managerial, administrative, and financial services, and a supportive network to help entrepreneurs and small business owners overcome challenges in the marketplace.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oklahoma Business Incubator Association Bolsters Entrepreneurial Growth
Oklahoma City Startup Oddball Academy Faces Imminent Closure
Enrollment Opens for New Belle Isle Enterprise High School
New Innovation Hub in Norman Boosts Oklahoma Tech Scene
DataSync Unveils AI Platform for Oklahoma Retailers
Oklahoma City University Unveils Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
Tulsa’s Tech Sector Boosted by $50 Million Investment
Oklahoma City’s Startup Ecosystem and Retail Recovery
