January is about innovation at i2E! We're excited for the Entrepreneur’s Cup, Oklahoma’s top collegiate business plan competition with $21,000 in prizes. entrepreneurscup.org Presented by Love's Travel Stops and hosted by i2E.

Applications for the Entrepreneur’s Cup are open! Oklahoma college students, showcase your innovative business idea for a chance to win up to $21,000 in prizes! entrepreneurscup.org Presented by Love's Travel Stops

We’re excited to introduce John Gorman, i2E's new Controller. John spent over 8 years in public accounting, gaining experience in tax, financial, and forensic accounting. He's a CPA and holds a degree in Accounting. Welcome, John! We’re lucky to have you on the team.

Community in Action. Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial ecosystem thrives on its people. At i2E, our Bridge2 pre-accelerator connects founders and mentors. We celebrated Cohort 3 at our welcome reception, making connections and sharing ideas. Here’s to collaboration ahead!

Entrepreneurs often struggle to find the right resources. Oklahoma Commercialization Network, powered by OCAST, provides a cohesive hub for founders to access what they need. Discover startup opportunities at i2E.org/network. REI Oklahoma The Verge OKC 36 Degrees North

In today’s fast-paced market, customer feedback is an invaluable tool that goes beyond merely checking a box on your to-do list. Customer feedback is not just a one-time event; it’s an ongoing conversation that can significantly impact your business's growth and success.

Every great success story starts with resilience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from failure. One breakthrough idea, one right move, one moment of innovation—that’s all it takes to change everything. Keep pushing forward, your breakthrough is closer than you think!

Know an aspiring entrepreneur? i2E’s virtual E3 Introductory Workshop on Tuesday, March 4 is the perfect starting point for early-stage founders to turn their ideas into reality. lu.ma/3ymqwbtd

Meet Rex Smitherman, President of i2E! With 35+ years in community development, he began at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and spent 9 yrs at Fannie Mae. Since 2008, Rex has turned innovative ideas into successful enterprises. Let's celebrate his dedication! #teamspotlight

Innovation begins with the right mindset. At i2E, we help entrepreneurs focus on what truly matters—the problem. Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze, put it best: "Fall in love with the problem, not the solution."Great startups don’t just build products; they solve real challenges.

Thank you to 405 Magazine for featuring this major milestone! Read more about it here: 405magazine.com/i2e-and-plains… #Entrepreneurship #OklahomaInnovation #EconomicGrowth #i2E

Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” For entrepreneurs, challenges aren’t roadblocks, they’re proving grounds for success. At i2E, we know that resilience defines great founders. What challenge are you turning into an opportunity today?

Are you a first-time founder or early-stage entrepreneur with a great idea but not sure where to start? This free, high-energy session is open to all aspiring founders and will walk you through the foundational steps of building a successful business lu.ma/g2e3ril7

Applications for E3 Cohort 56 close tomorrow. The E3 program offers expert mentorship to help turn your big idea into a thriving business. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience. Apply now at i2E.org/E3 to secure your spot.

Meet Srijita Ghosh, Venture Advisor & Business Development Director at i2E! Connect with her and our mentors to grow your startup. Learn more: i2E.org.

Big news at i2E: Darcy Wilborn has been named our new President! With a decade of leadership and a passion for empowering Oklahoma’s entrepreneurs, Darcy is ready to guide i2E’s next chapter of innovation and impact. Read more i2e.org/i2e-names-darc…

After years of dedicated service, Rex Smitherman has retired from i2E. His steady leadership helped shape Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Thank you, Rex, for everything, and enjoy your well-earned retirement!

Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 2, for i2E's virtual E3 Introductory Workshop. Whether you are refining a pitch or still developing your idea, this workshop provides you with the tools and clarity to move forward with confidence. Register today: ow.ly/QxvH50Wwlq4

Shannon Carr, VP of Marketing & Communications at i2E, leads storytelling and outreach, turning founders’ creativity and resilience into messages that inspire investors, partners & the community. Her favorite part? Sharing entrepreneurs’ stories as they build from the ground up.

Success doesn’t happen by accident. As Estée Lauder once said: “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” We’re honored to walk alongside founders who are doing exactly that. Learn about how we help entrepreneurs turn vision into reality at i2E.org.