The Strate Center - Growing Entrepreneurs in NW Oklahoma

The James W. Strate Center for Business Development at Autry Technology Center is in the business of just that, local business. Located just south of Autry Technology Center’s main campus in Enid, the Strate Center provides professional business training to those interested in starting, expanding or operating a small business.

With more than 23,000 total square feet of incubation space, the mission of the James W. Strate Center for Business Development is to empower entrepreneurs and emerging businesses that will have a significant impact on the local and state economy through the creation of new businesses and jobs. Research indicates businesses that are located in an incubation environment have an 80 percent success rate compared to a 20 percent success rate without incubation services.

The Strate Center opened its doors in 2008 and has been home to more than 25 businesses who have occupied the incubator as tenants. Numerous services are available such as start-up resources, small business coaching, self-employment training, business plan development, access to seed capital, occupancy in a certified business incubator, contract identification and bid matching and a construction plan room. The Center also provides Internet access, fax, copy machines and all other things businesses need at a low cost.

All areas of the Strate Center are designed to be flexible for use as office, lab or manufacturing activities. The cost per square foot for office space rent for the first year including basic utilities is $6.00. The cost per square foot for lab/manufacturing space for the first year including basic utilities is $1.50. The cost increases throughout a tenant’s time in the incubator until it is comparable with the cost of renting a space for business outside of the Strate Center.

To become a tenant, interested parties must complete an application process. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee of area business leaders who make the recommendation to accept or deny application to The Center.

To learn more about the James W. Strate Center for Business Development, contact Brian Gaddy, Director of Center for Business Development at 580.242.2750 or bgaddy@autrytech.edu.

Current Strate Center Tenants:

BaseConnect

Premier Image, LLC

Over the Fence Farms and Spotted Cow, LLC

4 R Pups

Bee Line Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC