A new competition brings together Baker Hill, The Verge OKC, IVMF, Gradient, and Oklahoma SBDC to support veteran entrepreneurs in Oklahoma in gaining assistance during the process of establishing and developing their businesses.
Oklahoma City, October 20 (Reuters/ PR Newswire ) – Veteran entrepreneurs from Oklahoma will have the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 prize through a new business pitch competition called Battle of OKC. They will be able to showcase their businesses and connect with resources that can help them grow. The finals of the competition will be held in Oklahoma City on Veterans Day.
Baker Hill Announces the launch of this competition today, in collaboration with The Verge OKC, the Veterans and Military Families Research Institute (IVMF), Gradient, and Oklahoma SBDC. Battle of OKC will connect veteran entrepreneurs with business leaders, mentors, and community resources, while providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity and businesses.
Baker Hill Chairman and CEO Andy Ivankovich stated: "Veterans know how to lead, adapt, and find a way forward when the path is not clear – and these are precisely the qualities needed for entrepreneurship." Battle of The purpose of OKC is to bring opportunities to this potential. We hope to provide a platform for veteran entrepreneurs to share their stories, connect with people and resources that can help them grow, and access capital that may have a significant impact on their future."
Battle of OKC Open to eligible veteran entrepreneurs. It is required that veterans hold the majority of the equity in their businesses, that the businesses have been in operation for at least one year, and that they are registered in Oklahoma. Applicants will first need to submit a three-minute video introducing their business, the opportunities they see, and why they are ready to take the next step. A judging panel will select 10 entrepreneurs to advance to the finals.
Subsequently, these 10 finalists will present their pitches to the judges on November 11th, Wednesday, Veterans Day, at the Battle of OKC event being held at The Verge in Oklahoma City, in order to compete for a $10,000 prize.
The Verge OKC is a non-profit community dedicated to helping transform creativity into influential businesses. It will assist in recruiting and mentoring participating entrepreneurs throughout the entire competition process.
The Verge Executive Director Kristin Garcia stated: "The core of The Verge is to connect entrepreneurs with the networks, resources, and opportunities they need to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. We are delighted to be part of Battle of OKC, and we are consciously creating space for our military community to integrate into Oklahoma's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Veterans bring valuable skills, leadership, and a unique business perspective, and they should know that there is a community here willing to support them as they build and develop their businesses."
The Daniello Veterans and Military Families Institute (D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, IVMF) will provide supportive outreach and recruitment services, and help participating veterans connect with entrepreneurial resources and gain professional expertise.
IVMF Executive Director of Projects and Policies Barbara E. Carson "Just last month, we co-hosted an event in Oklahoma City with veteran entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners." Battle of OKC is a great example of this continued momentum, as the community is coming together to recognize, celebrate, and invest in veteran-owned businesses in Oklahoma. We at D' Aniello IVMF understand that when veteran entrepreneurs have access to the right networks, resources, and opportunities, they can build thriving businesses and strengthen their communities.
Oklahoma SBDC will also provide recruitment and pitch coaching for the finalists one week before the event. Oklahoma SBDC State Director Dr. Michele Hockersmith stated: "This collaboration brings together partners with complementary professional skills to jointly support veteran entrepreneurs in Oklahoma. Our role is to help entrepreneurs connect their pitches with solid business strategies, along with clear financial data and realistic growth plans. This preparation is valuable not only for the competition but also outside of it."
The design of Battle, of, and OKC is not just about providing a stage and a prize money. By bringing together veterans entrepreneurs, business leaders, and organizations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, this competition creates channels for connections and access to professional resources, which can continue to be beneficial even after the final pitch session.
Veteran entrepreneurs who are interested in participating can visit www.bakerhill.com / okc to learn about the requirements and submit a three-minute video pitch. Registration will close on October 29th. A total of 10 finalists will be selected to compete on-site in Oklahoma City on Veterans Day.
About Baker Hill
Baker Hill is a leading provider of commercial lending technology for banks and credit unions in the United States. Every month, financial institutions use Baker Hill's platform to process over $7 billion in loan disbursements, helping them to lend better, faster, and more in their communities™. Baker Hill is supported by the private equity firm Flexpoint Ford and offers the scale, security, and innovation needed to meet the demands of modern banking. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, with operations also in Santa Barbara, California. For more information, please visit www.bakerhill.com.
About The Verge OKC
The Verge OKC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community dedicated to helping transform creativity into influential businesses. During the competition, they will also assist in recruiting and mentoring participating entrepreneurs. Learn more at: https :// www.vergeokc.com
Regarding D' Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families
The IVMF at Syracuse University is the first interdisciplinary college in the field of higher education, dedicated to improving the lives of American veterans and their families after retirement, serving those who have once served their country. Learn more: https :// ivmf.syracuse.edu
About Oklahoma SBDC
Oklahoma Small Business Development Center ( Oklahoma SBDC ) provides confidential, free small business consulting, training, and market research for entrepreneurs across the state, helping them to start and develop their businesses. The program is organized by Southeast Oklahoma State University, and its statewide network assists business owners in refining financial plans, preparing for financing, and seeking growth opportunities. Learn more at: www.oksbdc.org.
About Gradient
Gradient represents the fusion of diverse ideas, different groups of people, and perspectives, adding layers and depth to the community. As one of the largest innovation centers in the United States, Gradient promotes meaningful connections, nurtures bold ideas, and provides exclusive referrals for entrepreneurial resources. Learn more at: www.joingradient.com
