Ardmore Offers a Lower Cost of Doing Business

Did you know that Oklahoma offers some of the lowest tax rates and best tax incentives in the country? Regardless of the size of your operation, you’ll find a lower cost of doing business here, globally recognized incentive programs, and a pro-business environment. Some of these include:

State Incentives

Quality Jobs Program

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Offers cash incentives of up to 5% of additional payroll for a duration of up to ten years. To qualify, a company must achieve $2.5 million in annual payroll within three years, create new full-time positions, and pay new Oklahoma employees wages that meet or exceed the state average.

Small Employer Quality Jobs Program

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Provides small businesses (500 employees or fewer) with cash incentives up to 5% of new payroll, for up to seven years. Eligible companies must create new full-time jobs and pay new Oklahoma hires at least 110% of the average wage for similarly sized in-state businesses.

21st Century Quality Jobs Program

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Designed to reward companies that generate high-wage jobs, this program offers cash incentives of up to 10% of new payroll for up to ten years. Eligible businesses must create at least ten new full-time positions within three years, pay an average wage of $104,954 or more annually (indexed for inflation, or 300% of the county average if lower), and derive at least 50% of sales from out-of-state markets

Business Expansion Incentive Program

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Supports established Oklahoma businesses seeking to expand operations by offering annual cash incentives. The program targets significant capital investments, including buildings and equipment, and allows qualifying companies to receive direct cash payments or payments that offset private bond obligations.

Cybersecurity Software Workforce Tax Credit

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Grants individual tax credits for qualified cybersecurity software professionals. Employees with a degree from an accredited institution can receive up to $2,200 per year, while those with a certificate from a technology center may receive up to $1,800 per year. The credit is available for a maximum of seven years.

Engineer Workforce Tax Credit for Aerospace

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Offers employer tax credits for hiring and training new engineers in the aerospace sector. New engineering graduates may receive a 50% tuition reimbursement credit for the first four years of employment, with additional credits of up to 10% of wages for Oklahoma graduates and up to 5% for out-of-state graduates (capped at $12,500 per employee annually). Current aerospace engineers are eligible for individual tax credits of up to $5,000 per year for five years.

Engineer Workforce Tax Credit for Automotive

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Provides similar benefits as the aerospace program but applies to the automotive industry. Employers may claim a 50% tuition reimbursement for new engineers for four years, plus wage-based credits for Oklahoma and non-Oklahoma graduates (maximum $12,500 per employee annually). Current automotive engineers can also receive individual credits up to $5,000 per year for five years.

Investment/New Jobs Tax Credit Package

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Provides a state tax credit to growing manufacturers based on either capital investments in depreciable property or the addition of full-time employees in manufacturing, processing, or aircraft maintenance. Companies can claim a five-year credit of 1% per year of new property investment or $500 per new employee, with the credit doubling in Enterprise Zones or for investments exceeding $40 million.

Discretionary Grants Loans & Local Incentives

Discretionary Grants/Loans

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The ADA offers discretionary grants and loans as well as additional incentives based on the needs and nature of the project. They are dependent on job creations and total capital investment. Applicants should consult with the ADA team for guidance and more information.

Ardmore Facade Grant Program

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This program helps downtown businesses enhance the visual appeal of their properties by providing financial support for exterior improvements. The goal is to encourage aesthetic upgrades that strengthen the vibrancy and economic attractiveness of Ardmore’s downtown district. By investing in building facades, the city fosters a welcoming environment for customers and promotes long-term business growth.

Fire Suppression Grant Program

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Designed to improve safety and compliance, this initiative offers grants to local businesses for the installation of fire suppression systems. The program helps companies meet fire safety standards while minimizing upfront costs, protecting both employees and property. By supporting fire safety improvements, Ardmore encourages a secure and resilient business community.

OG&E Economic Development Incentive Credit (EDIC)

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Offered by Oklahoma Gas & Electric, this program provides financial credits to companies that invest in property and create new jobs within the OG&E service area, which includes Ardmore. The incentive helps reduce the initial costs of expanding operations while promoting economic development, encouraging businesses to invest locally and grow their workforce.