In Ardmore, Opening Your Own Business Isn’t Just Aspirational… And Here’s Why

Every entrepreneur hears the same advice, “Just go for it!”  

But taking the leap can feel more like jumping off a high cliff sometime after midnight. In other words: terrifying.

That’s a legitimate feeling.

You may be thinking, “Yeah, I’d love to open my own business, but am I really going to quit my job and actually do it? Besides, I have no idea where to even start.”

That’s ok. Because you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. 

Answering the Most Common Questions About Starting Your Own Business in Ardmore

The anxieties you’ve had about starting a business are completely normal and some of the most common things we hear.

Things like:

• I don’t have the money or capital to start a business or even survive the first six months
• I’m worried I won’t have a large enough customer base to grow my business
• All the red tape, permitting, and tax compliance is way over my head
• I have no idea how to run a business, hire people, or manage everything alone

So, let’s talk through each of them.  

The Fear:  I don’t have the money or capital to start a business or even survive the first six months.

The Ardmore Reality:  Both the Ardmore Development Authority and the City of Ardmore can take the edge off of that risk through our various financial assistance programs. Two examples include the Downtown Loan to Grant Program, which recently infused local businesses like Honey and Vine and Texoma Smash Club with $25,000 awards to transform historic spaces. And the city's Facade Grant Program offers both commercial property and business owners a 50% matching reimbursement grant of up to $5,000 to help cover the cost of exterior storefront improvements.

The Fear:  I’m worried I won’t have a large enough customer base to grow my business.

The Ardmore Reality:  Ardmore is positioned in a locational sweet spot: right between Oklahoma City and Dallas/Fort Worth. Add in the easy accessibility to I-35 and suddenly, you’re not just selling to the local population; you’ve got a low-overhead base camp that’s capable of reaching two massive, regional markets within a 90-minute drive. We’re also right next to Lake Murray State Park, bringing thousands of local outdoor enthusiasts, tourists and their consistent, seasonal spending.

The Fear:  All the red tape, permitting, and tax compliance is way over my head.

The Ardmore Reality:  The ADA serves as your single point of contact and acts as a FREE navigator to help with things like site assistance and any incentive programs you may qualify for. And remember, Oklahoma has some of the lowest tax rates and strongest business incentives in the country.

The Fear:  I have no idea how to run a business, hire people, or manage everything alone.

The Ardmore Reality:  Between the ADA, the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, Work Ready Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Works, our entrepreneurs have access to an organized peer support network that is designed to support and sustain your business. 

Ready to Start the Conversation?

Get in touch with us. Tell us about your idea, your vision, and your concerns. Let us guide you through them and point you in the right direction and connect you with the right programs and people.  

Remember: you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And you don’t need to take the leap without a safety net.