Oklahoma City, January 31, 2026
Governor Kevin Stitt has announced a new executive order aimed at simplifying business processes for startups in Oklahoma. The initiative includes the appointment of a Chief Entrepreneurial Officer, a one-stop online portal for permits and licenses, and significant reduction in business filing fees. Additionally, it explores tax waivers for startups and promotes entrepreneurial education in schools. This executive order is part of a strategic vision to create a business-friendly environment, enhancing Oklahoma’s economic prospects and supporting local entrepreneurs.
Governor Stitt Unveils New Initiative to Boost Entrepreneurs in Oklahoma City
Governor signs executive order to streamline business processes for local startups.
Oklahoma City, OK – Governor Kevin Stitt has taken significant steps to enhance Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial landscape with a new executive order designed to simplify the process of starting and growing businesses in the state. The initiative introduces a variety of measures aimed at reducing the barriers that small business owners often encounter, which is expected to foster a robust environment for entrepreneurial innovation and economic growth.
This executive order includes pivotal components such as the establishment of a Chief Entrepreneurial Officer to oversee business initiatives, a one-stop online portal providing access to necessary permits and licenses, and a dramatic reduction of new business filing fees to just $1. Additionally, the order explores potential tax waivers for startups in their initial two years, proposes to integrate entrepreneurial education into school curriculums, and aims to enhance access to state contracts for emerging businesses.
Building on Prior Success
The new measures build upon the encouraging economic trends witnessed in Oklahoma in recent months. Reports indicate that May 2025 marked a historic milestone for the state, as it boasted its most successful month in economic development. During this period, companies announced more than 2,900 job openings, reflecting a growing trend of private investment and job creation.
Moreover, the state secured a notable $51 million federal investment for the Tulsa Tech Hub in July 2024, aimed at advancing research in autonomous technologies. These previous achievements align with Governor Stitt’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, positioning Oklahoma as a competitive player in the national economic landscape.
The Importance of Entrepreneurship
As emphasized by state officials, entrepreneurship is vital to Oklahoma’s economic prosperity. Historically, the state’s legacy has been shaped by individuals willing to take risks and create their own opportunities. This new executive order is anticipated to enhance those avenues, ultimately benefiting the entire state’s economy.
Strategies for an Entrepreneur-Friendly Environment
The executive order is part of a larger strategic vision to make Oklahoma the most business-friendly state in the country. By targeting the reduction of red tape and promoting favorable economic policies, state leaders hope to attract new businesses while nurturing the existing ones. The focus on job creation, economic diversification, and supporting small businesses illustrates a forward-thinking approach to economic development.
Key Features of the Executive Order
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chief Entrepreneurial Officer | Designating a Chief Entrepreneurial Officer within the executive branch to oversee initiatives supporting entrepreneurs. |
| One-Stop Online Portal | Launching an online portal to provide easy access to permits, licenses, and compliance guidance for business owners. |
| Reduced Filing Fees | Proposing a reduction of new business filing fees to $1 to lower the cost of starting a business in Oklahoma. |
| Entrepreneurial Education | Embedding entrepreneurial education in schools to foster a culture of innovation and business acumen among students. |
| Tax Waivers for Startups | Exploring tax waivers for startups during their first two years to alleviate financial burdens and encourage new businesses. |
| Access to State Contracts | Improving access to state contracts for young businesses to support their growth and integration into the state’s economy. |
| Reporting and Accountability | Requiring reports on these initiatives to be submitted to legislative leaders within 120 days to ensure transparency and accountability. |
Conclusion
Governor Stitt’s executive order marks a strategic move toward enhancing Oklahoma’s business environment and encouraging a new generation of entrepreneurs. By reducing regulatory burdens and fostering educational programs, the state aims to launch successful startups that will significantly contribute to Oklahoma’s economy. It remains crucial for the community to support local businesses and remain engaged in these developments as Oklahoma continues to forge a path toward economic resilience and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new executive order signed by Governor Stitt?
The executive order aims to simplify the process for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Oklahoma. It includes designating a Chief Entrepreneurial Officer, launching a one-stop online portal for permits and licenses, reducing new business filing fees to $1, and exploring tax waivers for startups during their first two years. Additionally, the plan proposes embedding entrepreneurial education in schools and improving access to state contracts for young businesses. Reports on these measures are expected within 120 days.
How does this initiative build upon previous efforts by Governor Stitt?
This initiative builds upon previous efforts by Governor Stitt to enhance Oklahoma’s business environment. In May 2025, the state celebrated its most successful month of economic development, with companies announcing plans to create 2,907 jobs. In July 2024, a $51 million federal investment was secured for Tulsa’s Tech Hub, focusing on autonomous technologies. These initiatives reflect a continued commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting entrepreneurs in Oklahoma.
What is the significance of entrepreneurship to Oklahoma’s economy?
Governor Stitt emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in Oklahoma’s prosperity, stating that the state’s legacy was built by individuals who took risks and created opportunities. He expressed confidence that these new measures will set entrepreneurs up for even greater success, benefiting the entire state.
How does this executive order fit into Oklahoma’s broader economic development strategy?
The executive order is part of a broader strategy to make Oklahoma the most business-friendly state in the nation by reducing red tape and supporting economic development. The state continues to implement policies aimed at attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, with a focus on job creation and economic diversification.
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