• 85% of new jobs are created by existing companies
• It costs 100 times more to recruit new business  
• Local companies are talking to out-of-state recruiters

The opportunities presented by a community’s established businesses are often overlooked, but for most communities, these companies may be the best option for economic renewal. These expansion activities drive the economy of our state. Developing relationships with local firms through a Business Retention and Expansion program will produce quicker results than most other economic development techniques that focus on attracting new businesses to your community. It makes good sense to start an economic renewal program by first working to ensure the survival and growth of existing firms, learning the strengths of the local business climate, and identifying the areas of the community that need improvement.

Some key business retention and expansion strategies include:

Relationship Building
We can find people in your community, region, or across the state with similar goals, strengths, and challenges. We bring these interests together through large regional partnerships or one-on-one meetings.

Service Provider Database      
Imagine a Rolodex with thousands of entries. Use the Service Provider Database to find foundations, Workforce Oklahoma Centers, adult career development groups, agritourism organizations, Training for Industry Program providers, and leadership planners just to name a few. Search by county, region, industry, or keyword.
Incentive Development

Let our experts guide the way. We can help you develop local, performance-based incentives tied directly to job creation or retention.

Oklahoma Site Ready Certification Program
Industrial properties certified as "shovel ready" grab the attention of site selection consultants and company executives. Complete the Site Ready Certification process, and then join communities in reaching buyers through the GIS-based Buildings & Sites Database .

Data & Statistics
Labor force studies, manufacturing sector status reports, industry sector analysis, and employment briefings--you'll find all the statistics you need to complete grant applications, answer questions from site selection consultants, plan for the future, and more. Visit the Data & Research page.

Networking & Professional Development
Commerce and its partners regularly sponsor workshops and conferences that give economic development and community reps a chance to network, discuss trends, looming challenges, and improvement plans.

Economic Development Specialists
Oklahoma Department of Commerce Economic Development Specialists work hand-in-hand with economic development and community development professionals across the state to assist them in forming strategies and best practices that keep Oklahoma's businesses exactly where they belong--Oklahoma.

Managed by Vikki Dearing, Director of the Commerce Business Solutions Team, the Economic Development Specialists provide a wide variety of expertise and assistance including:

• Rural economic development;
• Oklahoma’s business visitation tool --Executive Pulse;
• Business and community advocacy; 
• Women-owned business assistance; 
• Minority-owned business assistance; 
• Entrepreneurial and start-up business support.
  
  The Economic Development Specialists, contact information, and areas of expertise are listed below. Contact them today!
  
  Rob Gragg
  Rural Development Coordinator focusing on the issues facing rural communities in their economic development efforts
  405-815-5299.
  
  Martin Roberts
  Economic Development Specialist focusing on BR&E
  405-815-5262
  
  Rana Steeds
  Economic Development Specialist focusing on supporting women-owned businesses, business incubators, and business start-ups
  405-815-5143
  
  Ken Talley
  Economic Development Specialist focusing on supporting minority-owned businesses and business start-ups
  405-815-5218

Commerce Tools & Resources:
Oklahoma Site Ready Certification Program -Fill your empty industrial and commercial properties, and create jobs
Export Assistance -Step-by-step instructions on how to launch an export strategy and find new markets
Business Incentives for Expansion
Workforce Assistance for Employers
Management & Training Programs -Customized training for reduced fees or no charge
Financial Resources
SCORE (South Central Oklahoma Regional Enterprise) -A regional partnership dedicated to taking care of existing businesses need for employees