Eastside Business Center

The Eastside Business Center will provide affordable workspace, technical assistance, mentorship, and programming for emerging entrepreneurs, with a focus on residents from historically underrepresented and underserved communities. By creating a hub for innovation and collaboration, we aim to reduce barriers to business ownership, create quality jobs, and support the long-term economic vitality of our neighborhoods.  It will be located inside Plaza Santa Cecilia, a culturally significant building located in the heart of the Global District.

To date, we have secured $2,520,000 from City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, and the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Funds from GKFF helped us to acquire the property (2160 S Garnett Rd) in summer 2025.

Project Overview

This transformative space will include:

  • Space & Infrastructure: Create a fully equipped co-working space with offices, meeting rooms, and high-tech facilities for entrepreneurs to collaborate, network, and operate their businesses.

  • Mentorship & Training: Provide access to business development programs, legal and financial consulting, marketing guidance, and culturally relevant mentorship.

  • Community Engagement & Partnerships: Build a network of local businesses, government organizations, and community stakeholders to support the incubator's activities and create pathways to success for immigrant entrepreneurs.

The Details

The Eastside Business Incubator will offer:

  • 14,465 SF of space

  • Two classrooms for hosting workshops, creating community space for 100+ community members.

  • Co-working spaces

  • Private Conference room

  • Two group meeting spaces

  • Small collaboration spaces

  • Private offices

  • Class A facility with flexible seating that can be adaptable for many events, including civic meetings, community forums, and trainings.

Get involved

History & Development

  • 2021: Concept originated to address disproportionate struggles of East Tulsa entrepreneurs during COVID-19; survey indicated strong interest in a business center.

  • 2022: Committee formed for planning; City of Tulsa committed $1 million (COVID Relief Funds), Tulsa County committed $120,000.

  • 2023: Plaza Santa Cecilia, a cultural staple in East Tulsa for nearly 30 years, was identified as a location for the center. Two local Latino investors committed to purchasing and selling a portion of the plaza.

  • Early 2024: Eastside Rise established as a Community Development Corporation (CDC) to purchase, develop, and manage the center.

  • 2024: Project announced; legal teams began work agreement for Eastside Rise to own business center; GH2 hired for design.

  • 2025: Miller-Tippens hired as construction managers; Eastside Rise officially purchased 15,000 square-feet business center in June.

Eastside Rise is launching a capital campaign to raise an additional $3.5M to support: 

  • Renovation of the permanent facility located at 2160 S Garnett Rd 

  • Build-out of flexible co-working, training, and office space 

  • Investment in technology, equipment, and shared resources for entrepreneurs 

  • Long-term sustainability through dedicated operating reserves 

With your support, we can build a place where East Tulsa’s entrepreneurial talent can rise, thrive, and transform our community.