OKC Rescue Program

Administrator: The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City

Funding Source: City of Oklahoma City's allocation from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Geographic Scope: Oklahoma City only

Purpose

Help small businesses and nonprofits with COVID-19 economic recovery through direct financial assistance and technical support services.

Eligibility

• Location: Must be located in Oklahoma City
• Size: 100 or fewer employees
• Ownership/Status: Must meet at least ONE of the following:
  • Minority-owned business
  • Located within a Qualified Census Tract (majority low-income neighborhoods)
  • Demonstrate economic impact of COVID-19

Key Features

Technical Support Funds: Up to $15,000 in matching services for:

• Marketing (including websites and customer outreach)
• Human resources services
• IT support
• Financial and business planning advice
• Architecture and engineering services
• Legal services
• Accounting services

Facility Improvement Reimbursements (for small businesses):

• Outdoor facade improvements
• New ventilation systems
• Outdoor seating
• Other facility modifications

Program Components

1. Direct Reimbursement: Qualifying projects directly reimbursed
2. Training Programs: Create more resilient workforce
3. Accelerators: Combination of training and grant funding to grow small businesses or launch innovative ideas

Contact

The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City

• Address: 105 N. Hudson Avenue Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
• Phone: 405-604-6780
• Email: info@theallianceokc.org

How to Apply

Application Process:

1. Submit application (online application portal available on website)
2. Low-barrier application process designed for accessibility
3. Alliance reviews eligibility and matches qualified businesses/nonprofits with pre-screened, local vendors

Required Information:

• Business/nonprofit location (must be in Oklahoma City)
• Employee count (100 or fewer)
• Ownership status or qualification (minority-owned, in QCT, or COVID economic impact)
• Description of needed services or facility improvements

Vendor Matching:

• Alliance pre-screens and qualifies vendors
• Matches applicants to vendors on approved scope of work
• Alliance pays vendor upon completion of services

Vendor Services:

• Maximum $15,000 in technical assistance services
• Services performed by local, pre-screened experts
• Scope of work approved before services begin

Languages: Spanish-language vendors available; applications accepted from Spanish-speaking applicants