THE TULSA INITIATIVE INC

The Tulsa Shark Tank concludes the Tulsa Leadership and Entrepreneurship Academy (TLEA), in an effort to stimulate the minority community economically by investing directly into driven individuals who have exhibited a yearning to better themselves and their communities. The Tulsa Initiative Pitch Competition allows entrepreneurs who have gone through the Tulsa Leadership & Entrepreneurship Academy to present a business plan/pitch to a panel of successful entrepreneurs for funding opportunities. The Tulsa Initiative Pitch Competition awards Entrepreneurs thousands of dollars in funds to jump-start their very own venture as well as General Business, IT, Marketing etc. consultation packages.

The mission statement of the Tulsa Leadership and Entrepreneurship Academy is to introduce millennials to positive role models breeding intellectual development, building positive attitudes, and a healthy mindset while developing a connection and support amongst peers. This will be accomplished through an 10-week program that will feature a cohort of 10 men, aged 18-24 years old. The TLEA is focus on the following pillars in which the program is built upon with a focus on Entrepreneurship, as follows: The History of Black Entrepreneurship, Importance of Entrepreneurship in the Community, Understanding the Foundation of Business, Personal Growth, Ethics & Innovation, Understanding the Pitch, & Competitive Analysis, Funding Your Business,Personal Finances, and Building Your Team. Through a series of live web chats and video taking place weekly, scholars and mentors will be exposed to content related to the five focus areas. Scholars and mentors will additionally be given the ability to stay in connection with one another via a third-party application. Throughout the duration of the program, constant benchmarks and solicited feedback will be used in order to ensure the optimal effectiveness of the program.