The Oklahoma Cooperative Marketing Program is designed to leverage state dollars with local investment to market communities and key economic development assets across the state. The program provides a matching fund to support marketing efforts that attract jobs and investment from outside the state.
NOTICE: The application period for this program opened on Tuesday, Aug. 19 and closed Friday, Sept. 19.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the following documents on this webpage before applying:
- Program Rules & Agreement for Potential Participation (this document is required to be attached to the application)
- OIEP FAQ
Program Details
There is $750,000 available in the program for potential matching opportunities. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be a municipality, county, or recognized economic development entity.
- The matching funds can come from municipalities, counties, economic development organizations, or private sector partners.
- The funds must be used exclusively for marketing activities related to economic development assets.
Eligible assets include but are not limited to:
- Industrial land
- Speculative buildings
- Business developments
- Lab space
- Other strategic assets crucial for economic development
Eligible Marketing Activities
- Digital and traditional advertising campaigns
- Development of marketing collateral (brochures, videos, photography, etc.)
- Participation in trade shows and economic development events
- Website and digital asset development
- Market research and data analysis to support marketing strategies
Matching Levels by Community Size
- Small-Medium Communities (up to 99,999 population): Match $1 of funds spent by local entity with $1 in state funds
- Regional collaborations (cannot include MSAs): Match $1 of funds spent by local entity with $1 in state funds
- Large Communities (>100,000 population): Match $1 of funds spent by local entity with $0.75 in state funds
Application Process
- Pre-Application Consultation
- Interested applicants MAY schedule a consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to ensure alignment with program goals and eligibility requirements.
- Application Submission
- Complete the online application form, including:
- Description of the project
- Expected impact and target audience
- Budget breakdown
- Proof of matching funds
- Complete the online application form, including:
- Review and Approval
- Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of staff from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
- The review process will assess alignment with state economic development priorities, return on investment potential, and feasibility.
- Approved applicants will receive an official award notification with next steps.
Program Details
Award Amounts Based on Community Size
- Small-Medium Communities (up to 99,999 population): Match $1 of funds spent by local entity with $1 in state funds
- Regional collaborations (cannot include MSAs): Match $1 of funds spent by local entity with $1 in state funds
- Large Communities (>100,000 population): Match $1 of funds spent by local entity with $0.75 in state funds
Maximum state contribution per applicant is $50,000.
Minimum project spend by applicant/community entity is $5,000.
Reimbursement Process
- Project Execution
- The recipient executes the approved marketing activities in accordance with the submitted proposal.
- Submission of Documentation
- The recipient submits a final report detailing:
- Summary of completed activities
- Copies of invoices and proof of payment
- Performance metrics and expected outcomes
- The recipient submits a final report detailing:
- Reimbursement Approval
- The Oklahoma Department of Commerce reviews and verifies submitted documents.
- Approved expenses will be reimbursed according to state policies.
Reporting Requirements
- Awardees must submit a final report within 90 days of project completion.
- The report must outline the impact of marketing efforts, including measurable outcomes such as leads generated, site visits, and business inquiries.
- The state reserves the right to audit program participants to ensure compliance with program guidelines.
Agreement for Potential Participation
Companies must download and sign the Agreement for Potential Participation and then upload a copy when applying.
Program FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the program will be posted here as they are developed.
Questions
For questions or assistance, contact Stefanie Appleton, Director of Marketing, at 405-885-8155 or stefanie.appleton@okcommerce.gov.