Women's Business Center Scholarship and Microgrant Initiative

Geographic Scope: All 77 counties in Oklahoma

Target Audience:

• Single mother households
• Single woman households
• Majority-owned by single mothers or single women

Focus Areas:

• Launch or growth of small businesses
• Business training and education
• Tangible business equipment and items

What the Program Provides:

• Scholarships for training attendance
• Microgrants with no repayment expectation
• Smaller, targeted amounts
• Support for purchasing equipment needed to generate revenue
• Assets that can be used when applying for business loans

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a single mother or single woman household business owner
• Must attend one of three scheduled information sessions
• Business at any stage (startup through expansion)

Contact Information:

• Email: wbc@reiok.org
• Phone: 1-800-658-2823
• Ask to speak with a team member about REI Women's Business Center Capacity Initiative

About REI Oklahoma:

• Non-profit economic development firm
• Statewide organization serving all 77 Oklahoma counties
• Founded 1982
• Locations: Durant (HQ), Oklahoma City, Tulsa
• Programs: Business Lending, Women's Business Center, Minority Business Center, Down Payment Assistance, New Markets Tax Credit, Commercial Facilities

Application Process

Step 1: Attend Information Session

• Participation in one of three virtual information sessions was required (January 12, 14, or 16, 2023)
• Sessions were virtual to ensure ease of access across Oklahoma

Step 2: Submit Application

• Applications opened January 18, 2023
• Closed March 15, 2023, or when funds were expended

Step 3: Selection Process

• Formal application review
• Priority given to single mother or single woman household business owners
• Recipients selected through formal application process

Contact for Application Details:

• wbc@reiok.org
• 1-800-658-2823