Entrepreneurs take chances despite economy

TULSA - Entrepreneurs in Tulsa are taking chances amidst signs the economy is improving.

Small business loans are up nationwide and here at home. The U.S. Small Business Administration saw lending rise nearly 30 percent nationwide in 2010. Here in Tulsa, Arvest Bank announced SBA loans increased 53 percent in that same time period.

"Small businesses are just critical to our economy. Most of the economy locally, and the U.S., is based on small businesses," said Rick Huck, executive vice president of Arvest Bank.

Huck says Tulsa entered the recession later than most cities across the country, and is starting to climb out of it. He says things are looking up.
"Get ready for the expansion. Get ready for the economy. It is improving, don't wait too late," he said.

That's advice some Tulsans are ready to take. They know big dreams need big plans.
"I want to make gourmet fruit trays, I had a gift for my cousin's birthday, they just loved it. They thought somebody professionally did it and I did it. So I want to be able to bring my own artistic style to catering," said Isaac Alexander.

Alexander wants to open his own catering business. He says the economy doesn't worry him. To him, the risk is worth it.
"I don't have to clock in to no boss, it's mine. It's my own thing," he said.

Alexander hopes the entrepreneur program he enrolled in will give him the tools he needs to succeed.

"Small business will always be around. People will always be interested in going into business, and doing things for themselves because they have talents. And they want to display those talents," said Reginald King, the entrepreneur program coordinator.

He says now is the time to get a good idea off the ground.
"Normally in a time like now you find more individuals that go into small business. For one reason or another. With unemployment and the rate that it's at at this point and time, with people being laid off, they change their mind about going into the workforce," King said.

King says when most people start their own business, they don't look at the long haul.
"You have to have a drive. You have to have a presence about yourself that you know what you want to do. And that you have to go after it," he said.

For more information on the program you can call the Greenwood Business Resource Center at 918-585-2226.