Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2023 Impact Report

IMPACTREPORT

Adriaan Lombard, Co-Founder of Marama

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

2023 © 2024 The University of Tulsa

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Impact Report

FROM OUR DIRECTOR

As we look forward to what is ahead in 2024, I am excited to look back in celebration of the impactful entrepreneurial activities that have taken place over the past year at the University of Tulsa. It is a great time to be an entrepreneur in Tulsa and an entrepreneurial-minded student at the University of Tulsa. A great achievement for Tulsa was announced in October when the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated Tulsa a “Tech Hub” as part of a historic $500 million investment in U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

Tulsa’s proposal, the Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA), will advance the development of autonomous technologies, such as uncrewed aerial systems, drones, cybersecurity and generative artificial intelligence.

THETA was led by Tulsa Innovation Labs — an initiative of the George Kaiser Family Foundation — and coalition members the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa Community College, Black Tech Street, Madison Strategies Group, PartnerTulsa and Tulsa Economic Development Corporation.

The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tulsa is also growing at an exponential rate with new and larger Venture Capital funds like Hurricane Ventures, 46VC, Cortado, Boyd Street Ventures, Atento Capital, VestHer and Accelerator programs like ACT House, Techstars, StitchCrew and the NEST Collective providing entrepreneurs with unprecedented access to support and earlystage capital. It is a great time to be an entrepreneur in Tulsa!

At the University of Tulsa, we hit the ground running in 2023 with the launch of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) and Hurricane Ventures.

We recognized an opportunity at TU to be a catalyst for entrepreneurial activity, world-changing research and technology commercialization in Tulsa and the region. We have an ambitious plan at TU to raise $10M to provide earlystage capital and support to TU student, faculty and alumni entrepreneurs as well as expanding our entrepreneurship curriculum and co-curricular programming.

We have made significant progress in 2023, receiving financial commitments totaling over $5M toward our $10M goal, successfully launching Hurricane Ventures, and making investments in TU startups starting in Q3. Our JOLT program now has over 167 TU students from every college on campus participating in co-curricular programming and activities, pitch competitions and working on research and entrepreneurial ideas. I am pleased to share this Impact Report along with the student, faculty and alumni stories from this inaugural year of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Hurricane Ventures.

I came to TU in January 2023 to help build a world-class entrepreneurial program and I am grateful every day for President Brad Carson, Provost George Justice and Dean Kathy Taylor for their vision, leadership and support. There are countless others in my TU and CCB family and on our Advisory Board who have collaborated with us to make this first year a success. We have created a firm foundation to build upon and will continue raising the bar in 2024. I hope you enjoy reading the stories from 2023 and I hope these stories will encourage you to get involved and help support our program. Let’s keep building at TU and in Tulsa!

CHRIS WRIGHT Director chris-wright@utulsa.edu (918) 269-8906

Impact Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DIG DEEPER To visit the links on a digital PDF, click directly on the icons.

Hurricane Ventures

Collins College of Business (CCB)

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CHRIS WRIGHT Director chris-wright@utulsa.edu

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TALEYA MAYBERRY-SMITH Entrepreneurial Programs Director taleya-mayberry@utulsa.edu

YEAR IN REVIEW TIMELINE

JOLT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

PITCH COMPETITIONS

HIGH SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMER CAMP

UNIVERSITY INNNOVATION FELLOWS (UIF)

WELCOME TALEYA MAYBERRYSMITH

View interactive version of PDF here

HURRICANE VENTURES OVERVIEW AND TEAM

JOLT Program (JOLT)

CHEROKEE NATION FEMALE FOUNDER ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

GOLDIE'S GROUNDS-- CCB ENTREPRENEURIAL COFFEE HUB

COLLINS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS-ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

2023 IMPACT METRICS

PARTNERS AND THANK YOU

KATHY TAYLOR Genave King Rogers Dean kathy-taylor@utulsa.edu

NATHAN WOOLARD Assistant Professor & JOLT Faculty Advisor nathan-woolard@utulsa.edu CHARLES WOOD John Robert "Cy" Elmburg Professor of Business, Department Head of Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship charles-wood@utulsa.edu

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2023 IN REVIEW

January

February

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Tulsa Mobility Challenge

30 Launching a Side Hustle

Understanding the Science of Play in the Creative Process

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TU Announces Launch of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

March

April

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Fueling Stations 2040: Re-imagining the Fueling Station of the Future

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How to Build a Compelling Business Pitch Workshop

TU Partners with Cherokee Nation & StitchCrew to launch Female Cherokee Accelerator Program

May

June

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Entrepreneur Speaker Series - Jill Donovan Founder of Rustic Cuff

High School Students attend TU’s First Entrepreneurship Summer Camp Pg. 10

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CONTINUE READING: Pg. ## IMPACT REPORT PAGE LINK

EXTERNAL ARTICLE EXTERNAL VIDEO

September

October

November

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Solving Wicked Problems

Students attend Global Entrepreneurship Week

Speaker Series 04 How Black Tech Street is Driving Equitable AI, Cyber Security & Data Analytics with Tyrance Billingsly II and Sean Alexander

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Using Canva and Digital Tools

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CCB Launches Goldie’s Grounds Coffee Shop and Entrepreneurial Hub Pg. 18

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Building a Second Brain - How to Organize Your Digital Life

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Trolley Tour to BOK, Techstars, Atento Capital, Hurricane Ventures, 36 Degrees North

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Five Companies Graduate from Cherokee Female Founders Accelerator Program

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University of Tulsa Students named Global University Innovation Fellows Pg. 12

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University of Tulsa Launches Hurricane Ventures and Announces First Two Start-Up Investments Pg. 14 StarTUp Launch: Venture Capital Club Kick-Off Event Speaker Series 28 Creative ways to Use ChatGPT with Dominick Montgomery & Taylor Brown

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Speaker Series Moonshot Planning with Geordie Robinson & Mallory Devoto from Williams and Dontae Doughty from TU

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Hurricane Ventures Announces Two New Investments Pg. 14

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Inaugural Regent Bank - JOLT Hurricane Pitch Competition Pg. 9

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The front door for students interested in entrepreneurship all across campus. JOLT is a program dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of work within The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

The JOLT signature programs invite professionals from all industries to connect with students through engaging and interactive programming. As a community, JOLT has grown from 5 students when we launched in 2021 to over 167 in 2023 with 70% of our participating students coming from outside of the Collins College of Business. JOLT facilitates several student groups such as the Creativity Club, University Innovation Fellows, Nova Fellowship, and special JOLT Creatives programming for incoming freshmen.

The JOLT Center creates an energizing and inviting space for students to take calculated risks, grow their talents, and discover their true potential. JOLT@TU Business helps students of any major better prepare for their chosen career paths by enhancing the excellent foundation provided by our university’s academic departments. We aim for students to graduate with the necessary skills to respond to uncertainty in a rapidly changing marketplace.​Connected to the Minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, JOLT develops creative co-curricular programming intended to be hands-on and experiential.

The Creativity Club is student-led and organized, where students come together to create unique programs and events.

YEARLY EVENTS ALIGN WITH THE FOLLOWING 3 CONCEPTS OF WORK Creativity (Creativity Club)

Future of Work

Entrepreneurship

• Value of Experimentation During Problem Solving: Tower building exercise based on popular TED Talk • Practices of Highly Creative Thinkers: Session using materials from teachingentrepreneurship.org, designthinking and buildabetterbusiness.com • Value of Play in the Creative Process: Field trip to the Discovery Lab with a presentation by a Laureate neurological research scientist • Science of Happiness: Understanding what really makes you happy • Importance of Empathy: Developing solutions to problems that really solve peoples' needs • Resiliency: How to learn from failure • Improv as a Business Skill

• Power of Networking: Mixer with TU Alums • How to Future-Proof Your Career: Skills identified by the World Economic Forum as being essential to thrive in the future environment of work • Fueling Stations 2040: Reimagining the future and how fueling stations can deal with change • Tulsa Mobility Challenge: A Creativity Challenge to develop real world solutions to the problem of access to transportation in low-income neighborhoods. Students created ideas for improving Tulsa’s transit system and competed for $5,000 in prizes with judges from the City of Tulsa.

• Trolley Innovation Tour of Downtown Tulsa to ecosystem partners Gitwit, AtentoCapital, Techstars, Hurricane Ventures and 36 Degrees North • Idea Storm: Practices Used to Generate New Ideas • The Good and the Bad: Interview with an Entrepreneur Panel • Launching a Side Hustle: Panel focused on college entrepreneurship • Laser Engraver Workshop and how to start a business on campus • How to Deliver Compelling Business Pitches: Featuring speakers from Hurricane Ventures/46VC • Best in Business Speaker Series: Jill Donovan, Founder of Rustic Cuff and author of The Kindness Effect

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ELIZABETH KRESOCK Creativity Club President PhD Computer Science Expected 2024 MS Computer Science

The JOLT Creativity Club is my favorite club at TU! We believe that every person has the potential to unlock a creative side and express unique ideas.

We explore how to navigate the world through a creative lens, how to identify the problems that resonate the most, and how to collaborate and innovate in order to solve problems.

As president of this club, I have seen how students have developed their creative mindset and entrepreneurial skills over this last year through club events and workshops.

I am excited to continue growing my business skills and learning from the best mentors at TU!

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PITCH COMPETITIONS Students from the University of Tulsa had amazing opportunities to participate in a variety of pitch competitions in 2023.

November 10, 2023

JOLT HURRICANE PITCH COMPETITION "Shark Tank-style” competition showcased TU student-created ideas and business ventures with the top three teams collectively winning $25,000 in cash prizes.

The winning pitch was from Marama, led by Adriaan Lombard and James Higgs, both doctoral students in TU’s elite Cyber Fellows program.

The five-member team hopes to combat global food insecurity by introducing the marama bean as mainstream crop. Marama beans, native to the Kalahari Desert in Africa, grow in the driest conditions and require very low farming input. They are full of protein and possess nitrogen-adding capabilities that also make it good for regenerative farming. Lombard and Higgs have created marama bean beverage shots in five delicious flavors, partnering with local farmers in Africa to source their products. The team won $15,000 for their pitch.

“Marama was started with the shared vision of uplifting communities in developing nations and creating a difference for people living globally by meeting their daily nutritional goals,” Lombard and Higgs said. “By utilizing the marama bean as a primary ingredient, we are the first company in the world to provide consumers with a variety of consumer-facing products.”

SkinCheck

MyGamer

Hosted by: TU's Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, JOLT@TU Business, Regent Bank

Marama

Impact Report

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May 16, 2023 I2E LOVE’S ENTREPRENEUR’S CUP Statewide collegiate business plan competition that simulates the realworld process of researching a market, writing a business plan and making a presentation to potential investors. Now in its 20th year, i2E is helping build the next generation of entrepreneurs in Oklahoma. Students compete against teams from Universities throughout Oklahoma.

In the High Growth Undergraduate division, TU team Stop-and-Go Composites won third place and $5,000 for their concept for aircraft brakes, which are commonly composed of carbon composites. Stop-and-Go seeks a new approach to densifying carbon composites by reducing the time to maintain this process and increasing efficiency while remaining cost effective. The Stop-and-Go Composites team included TU students Dayne O’Daniel, Grant Wear, Camryn Matlock, and Collins College of Business faculty member Mike Troilo as adviser.

In the High Growth Graduate division, TU team Fortis Fleet Technologies won second place and $10,000 for their pitch to provide the ultimate line of cyber defense for trucking firms through a patented, first-to-market Controller Area Network data diode specifically designed for commercial trucking industry use. The Fortis Fleet Technologies team included TU students Molly Wahlgren, Abe Anderson, Isaac Akers, Samir Abi-Younes, and their adviser, Collins College of Business Professors Mike Troilo and Chris Wright.

March 25, 2023 ATENTO NATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION TU Students Julian Abhari and Dani Marques participated in the Atento Capital national pitch competition, placing 3rd overall and beating student teams from prestigious schools including Harvard and MIT.

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HIGH SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMER CAMP In June, TU hosted the first ever High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp for students who want to learn, test, and challenge their innovative ideas.

This five day boot camp provided students the opportunity to work in teams throughout the week, meet with some of the top entrepreneurial hubs around Tulsa, such as 36 Degrees North, ACT House, Techstars, and Atento; while participating in daily learning workshops led by Ph.D. faculty from the Collins College of Business. At the end of the camp there was a “Shark-Tank” style final pitch where teams competed for cash and scholarship prizes.

Photo Collage: Students playing

Photo Collage: teacher engaging

Photo Collage: Diverse students hanging out

PH

HOTO

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UNIVERSITY INNOVATION FELLOWS (UIF) The University Innovation Fellows (UIF) program, a flagship initiative of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the Jolt program epitomizes our commitment to advancing education through innovation. This program immerses a select cohort of four students in intensive training on design-thinking facilitated by the renowned Stanford Design School (D. School). The UIF program empowers both students and faculty to be catalysts for change in higher education.

Fellows are leading a global movement to ensure that all students gain the attitudes, skills and knowledge required to navigate a complex world.

In the spring of 2023, after an application and interview process, the University of Tulsa was chosen among 63 higher education institutions spanning 15 countries. Tasked with identifying a problem or opportunity to enhance the university's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, the UIF team used their training to identify a need or opportunity

on the TU campus.

Drawing inspiration from past UIF projects such as the Day of Innovation and TedxUtulsa, the 2023-2024 cohort is set to launch the TU Idea Challenge in late February 2024. This initiative addresses some of the limitations of the Hurricane Pitch Competition, recognizing that certain students eager to participate face various barriers, including those who are still seeking an idea worth pursuing or may be newer to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The TU Idea Challenge

provides a platform for individual student participation, eliminating the need to form a team before entering. Participants will undergo a founders' assessment, administered by ACT House, to identify their primary skill set (Architect, Creative, Techie). Based on these assessments, participants will be strategically paired with complementary skill sets, forming dynamic founder teams.

Prompted on a Friday evening, teams will spend the majority of Saturday engaged in workshops and mentor-supported development of their ideas.

By minimizing some of the barriers to entry, the TU Idea Challenge aims to foster greater participation and help generate new ideas for the Hurricane Pitch Competition held in the fall. This innovative approach not only expands opportunities for involvement but also cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship that transcends traditional barriers, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem for innovation at the University of Tulsa.

2023 UIF FELLOWS JASMINE CHERIFI OLIVIA DAVIES MAHNOOR GHIAS LYDIA ABEBE

JASMINE CHERIFI BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION EXP. 2025

Participating in University Innovation Fellows (UIF), connected my team and I to a global community spanning diverse disciplines, united by a shared goal of advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within campus environments.

We successfully completed an extensive 6-week training, during which we shifted our perspective through a design thinking creative lens, allowing us to examine the finer details beyond the scope of the training.

As the head of the fellows, I've enhanced my abilities in marketing, collaboration, and education, all while deepening my involvement in the dynamic realms of innovation and entrepreneurship.

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TALEYA MAYBERRY-SMITH We are excited to welcome Taleya Mayberry Smith back to TU as our new Director of Entrepreneurial Programs.

Taleya is a dynamic leader with a strong background in operations, offering a blend of strategic insight and diverse experience. Formally, as Head of Operations at ACT House, Taleya is driven to make a lasting impact on economic development, multi-generational wealth, and organizational success, both within her community and beyond.

Originally from Tulsa and a University of Tulsa graduate, Taleya's deep-rooted connection to the city's vibrant ecosystem fuels her passion for fostering strategic partnerships and driving transformative change. Her journey encompasses a rich history both on and off the court. Prior to her role at ACT House, Taleya made a significant mark in the sports arena.

Her experience coaching Division I basketball at the University of Tulsa and playing professionally overseas for several years not only highlights her exceptional leadership skills but also demonstrates her ability to excel under pressure.

By leveraging her expertise in operations and her passion for making a difference, Taleya is dedicated to creating a positive and sustainable impact in her new role. She thrives on delivering successful outcomes, and her track record of driving wins is a testament to her commitment to excellence.

TALEYA MAYBERRY-SMITH Entrepreneurial Programs Director taleya-mayberry@utulsa.edu (918) 269-8906

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Hurricanevc.com

As the Venture Capital Fund of the University of Tulsa, we leverage the TU faculty, alumni network, and resources to capitalize the next generation of innovators.

Top 5 petroleum engineering program in the world

Closing the gap between the world-class research within the University of Tulsa’s walls and the expertise needed to take it to the next level. We are a team of entrepreneurs, investors, attorneys, operators, researchers, designers, technologists, and executives. Together, we leverage an extensive network of experts innovating markets to shape futures.

• The University of Tulsa: faculty, alumni network, and resources of one of the nation’s leading research universities to help passionate founders launch and scale new ventures • Tulsa's Ecosystem: resources, tools, and mentorship • Fund Manager, 46 Venture Capital: 40+ years experience

Top 10 best engineering program in the nation Top 25 cyber security program in the nation

Capital Deployed

FUND TERMS Flexible options to get started including a quarterly subscription model with a 10-year time horizon. Multiple ways to invest, including Self-Directed IRAs to lower the upfront burden, diversify your retirement portfolio, and defer taxes.

19.6X MOIC

Rolling Fund

2%

Pre-Seed - Series A

2.8X MOIC

$20 K

20%

Agnostic with Specialties

FUND MANAGER TRACK RECORD

1B+

Private Angel/Venture Private Growth/PE MEET THE TEAM

Tracy Poole

Kate Lynn

Connor Sitton

Garrett McCain

Structure

Min. Commitment

Management Fee Carried Interest

INVESTMENT CRITERIA Investing in the most signficant opportunities while prioritizing the University of Tulsa's unique strengths.

$50-500 K

Average Investment Size

Stage

Industries

Hurricane Ventures has been approved as a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Investment through Tulsa Community Foundation. If you have a DAF through TCF, contact the Hurricane Ventures team to learn more.

Driven Visionaries Tackling Real Problems

RETURNS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA

READY TO GET STARTED?

Hurricane Ventures dedicates 25% of its carried interest to the University of Tulsa to support the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) and related programs.

Who We Back

Investors

Request Materials > Invest Now >

Founders Pitch Us >

Impact Report

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PORTFOLIO COMPANY PROFILES

airwisesolutions.com Co-founded by TU mechanical engineering alumnus, Josh O’Leary (BS ’94), AirWise Solutions is redefining how industries view drone operations. The platform provides dynamic 3D situational awareness, ideal for leaders overseeing critical infrastructure and public safety operations.

With a seasoned leadership team possessing extensive industry and technical expertise, AirWise is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the rapidly growing drone market. This investment not only reflects our commitment to backing ventures started by TU alumni, but also helps position TU as a key player in the burgeoning advanced mobility corridor, supported by significant state and federal backing.

skincheck.health Founded by Julian Abhari, a senior from TU's computer science program, alongside Dani Marques, an incoming MBA student at TU. SkinCheck is a mobile app that enables users, primary care providers, and dermatology clinics to easily scan, monitor, and evaluate moles— increasing the chances for early identification and timely treatment. This app is deeply personal to Julian, who watched his mom battle skin cancer multiple times.

Designed with inclusivity at its forefront, the team has developed the first-of-its-kind racially unbiased detection tool. This inclusivity is crucial in a field where people of color have historically been underrepresented resulting in inequitable health outcomes.

bpendo.org Founded by Dr. Robert Holbrook, MD, a gastroenterologist with over 15 years of experience, BP Endo is a medical device company based in Oklahoma. They have developed the Insufflation Retention Device (IRD) to tackle air incontinence issues during colonoscopies, a problem that complicates up to 26% of such procedures.

The company is anchored by the support of a TU alum as a foundational investor. With recent FDA clearance, the device is poised to make a significant impact by improving patient care and procedural efficiency.

titanintake.com Co-founded by TU alumnus Patrick Bruce, Titan Intake is revolutionizing healthcare with its AIdriven patient referral software. Their unique platform automates incoming referral data directly into EMRs, ensuring clinics immediately capture, process, and communicate patient referrals.

Titan makes smart data a clinic's superpower: reducing administrative burden by dozens of hours, ensuring every penny of potential revenue is captured, and accelerating patient care.

This is not just a software upgrade; this is a paradigm shift in healthcare technology that puts the patient at the center of their care.

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FEMALE FOUNDERS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM This program, run in partnership with the Cherokee Nation and The University of Tulsa, provides a learning platform for Cherokee Women to develop a path to grow their business.

Based on a generous donation from the Cherokee Nation, The University of Tulsa partnered with Erika Lucas and StitchCrew to launch a female-focused accelerator program. This program gives participating founders the opportunity to refine and scale their business idea.

A first of its kind in the region, the eight-week program focuses on supporting Native American women as underrepresented entrepreneurs.

The unique programming will take participants from conception to business planning and through steps to growing their business before concluding with an opportunity to pitch their business proposal to potential investors and partners.

“Native American women often face a unique set of challenges within the business community, including systematic disparities, harmful and

(L-R) Cherokee Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, Cherokee Treasurer Tralynna Scott, Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Collins College of Business Dean Kathy Taylor and TU Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Director Chris

“Native American Women have been short changed for far too long. The time to invest in them is now,” said Erika Lucas, CEO of StitchCrew. inaccurate stereotypes, discrimination and lack of resources” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “I believe the Cherokee Nation has an obligation to support Native American women in pursuing their ambitions of creating, refining and growing businesses of their own. Through partnerships and programs such as this, that help Cherokee women overcome those obstacles and achieve their dreams, we are honoring that obligation and furthering Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma’s success.”

The tribe will provide $10,000 to each Cherokee woman selected to participate

in the pilot program. The grant will help participants develop their pitch, materials and business concepts and reimburse personal expenses related to the program.

The business accelerator program aims to support Native American female entrepreneurs by promoting economic growth, addressing the significant disparities and unique challenges faced

by Indigenous female business owners, encouraging diversity in the business world, and creating role models to help inspire Native girls and women to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams and aspirations.

Impact Report

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“According to a report from the National Women’s Business Council, Native American women entrepreneurs have the lowest rates of business entrepreneurship among all racial and ethnic groups,” said Kathy Taylor, dean of TU’s Collins College of Business. “We stand here ready to change that statistic.”

Through education, mentorship and networking, the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and JOLT@TUBusiness will serve as a springboard for the promising businesswomen selected to participate in the program.

“Native American Women have been shortchanged for far too long. The time to invest in them is now,” said Erika Lucas, CEO of StitchCrew. “That’s why we are thrilled to partner with The University of Tulsa and the Cherokee Nation to bring this program to fruition.”

StitchCrew is an organization aimed toward building a more equitable economy through entrepreneurship.

Since 2017, StitchCrew has partnered with organizations like the NBA, Google, BASF, and others, to design and implement programs that democratize access to capital, resources and networks for traditionally overlooked entrepreneurs.

Cherokee Nation, the largest sovereign tribal government in the U.S., recently announced an annual economic impact of more than $3.04 billion in Oklahoma, where the tribe’s reservation is located. The tribe and its businesses continually expand opportunities and advantages throughout northeast Oklahoma by supporting education, growing industries, providing jobs, improving health care, building infrastructure and more.

PROVISION PANTRY Founded by Amber Behrens Food service company providing meal preparation, juicing, and full-service catering services to the entertainment industry, large corporations, and government agencies.

BECAUSE I'M A NURSE Founded by LaToya Smith Future of Work company tackling the nurse labor shortage crisis by helping nursing education organizations address the 74% failure rate in nursing students’ dosage calculation exams so they can improve graduation rates.

MOTOR MOUTH THERAPY Founded by Caitlin Bruder Care economy company providing on-site therapy services to families, educators, and caregivers so they can focus on helping children reach their goals at home, school, or day care.

JOBWORX Founded by Andrea Roten Future of Work company reinventing the way employers and job seekers connect through its talent recruitment platform that matches job seekers and employers in the hourly job market with just a swipe.

CLAIMREV Founded by Amber Sharp Claims processing and tribal mobile health company, decreasing claim denials, boosting operational efficiency, and maximizing reimbursements for customers through its proprietary custom rules engine.

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Impact Report

GOLDIE’S GROUNDS POWERED BY

The CCB’s Entrepreneurial Coffee Hub The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business opened a gleaming new entrepreneurial hub that will allow students to sell handmade goods, practice their marketing skills and support each other along the academic journey.

Goldie’s Grounds Powered by Williams, a completely renovated space on the first floor of Helmerich Hall, also offers students free coffee – a service that will be managed by the nonprofit She Brews Coffee House in the adjacent Kendall Whittier neighborhood. The ribbon-cutting celebration was held on the sixth annual 918 Day, which celebrates all the things that make Tulsa a great city, and Mayor G.T. Bynum made time to stop by TU for the event.

“We are here to celebrate two great Tulsa institutions: The University of Tulsa and Williams,” Bynum said. “This is very much what we’re doing in Tulsa – take something, build upon it and build

something better for the future.”

The lounge will allow students from across campus to market their “side hustles,” sell products and showcase art for display or for sale. Business development programs will also be held in the lounge, and an app is being developed that will promote its events.

Three TU MBA students – Lauren Agpoon, Hannah Havameyer and Nick Parisi – developed a plan and a budget for the hub as part of a class project.

Their pitch to Williams played a key part in obtaining $250,000 in funding to make it a reality, said Kathy Taylor, dean of TU’s Collins College of Business.

“Goldie’s Grounds Powered by Williams symbolizes our commitment to collaboration, creativity, and community within the Collins College of Business and beyond,” Taylor told the standingroom-only crowd. “I sincerely appreciate the Williams team for their ongoing partnership and generous support as well as the backing of TU President Brad Carson and Provost George Justice.

And I’m incredibly proud of Hannah, Nick and Lauren for their dedication to bringing Goldie’s Grounds to fruition. In fact, Lauren interned with Williams last summer and has been offered a full-time position upon her graduation.”

Debbie Cowan, Williams’ senior vice president and chief human resources officer, attended the event with other Williams representatives and shared her excitement for the project.

“TU is one of Williams’ long standing partner schools located right here in our headquarters city. We’re happy to sponsor this student-centric space that encourages community, innovation and collaboration for the workforce of tomorrow. Our hope is that students will wake up with Williams as they grab a coffee on their way to class, gather with their peers on a class project or showcase their own entrepreneurship,” Cowan said.

The space is open to all TU undergraduate and graduate students regardless of major or college.

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COLLINS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Melinda Stinnett

(L-R) Melinda Stinnett, Kathy Taylor, and John Chandler Melinda Stinnett was the managing director of Stinnett & Associates, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and certified Great Place to Work, which she founded in 2001. Stinnett and her leadership team grew the firm from a “party of one” to over 100 team members and contractors in six cities spread across three states. During that time, they significantly expanded their service offerings beyond process improvement, Sarbanes-Oxley, and internal audit services to include cybersecurity, supply chain management, data analytics and automation, and ESG. Prior to founding Stinnett, she worked in public accounting for 12 years with international firms

including Arthur Andersen and Price Waterhouse. She has significant experience in various industries including energy, manufacturing, construction, utilities, and retail.

In July 2022, Stinnett & Associates was acquired

by CBIZ, a public company offering accounting, tax, advisory, and other services to their clients. Stinnett now works for CBIZ as a senior managing director and co-leads the Risk Advisory Services practice, one of the fastest growing divisions in the Advisory group.

As part of her client-facing responsibilities, Stinnett serves as the outsource chief audit executive for a Fortune 50 company with annual revenues of over $40 billion.

She has been instrumental in the development of governance programs and facilitation of operational and compliance process improvement reviews and is considered a valuable adviser to executive management, audit committees, and board members.

Stinnett is also passionate about giving back to her community. She enjoys sharing her time and talents with various local charities and organizations. Stinnett is currently a Tulsa Community College Foundation Board member, is on the Tulsa Regional Chamber Board of Advisors and is serving as their treasurer. She is also a member of the board of governors for the OSU Foundation, the OSU School of Accounting Advisory Board and executive committee and the OSU Eastin Career Center Readiness Board. Stinnett has also served as a board member of the Philbrook Museum of Art, Indian Nations Council of the Boys Scouts of America (and is a Silver Beaver recipient), Tulsa Zoo Friends, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Stinnett was named Oklahoma Small Business

Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2017.

In the fall of 2022, Stinnett received the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. She was named the Oklahoma Society of CPAs’ 2021 Outstanding Member in Business & Industry award and was selected as the 2021 inductee into OSU’s Spears School of Business Hall of Fame.

Stinnett was also a recipient of the OSU Spears College of Business 100 for 100 in 2015.

She was also recognized as an OSU School of Accounting Distinguished Alumna and honored with the OSU Spears School of Business Orange Star Award in 2011.

In her spare time, Stinnett enjoys Marvel superhero movies, scuba diving, and quality time with her family, which includes her husband, Joel; their four children – Amanda, Josh, Nate, and Sarah; two daughters-in-law – Mallory and Shanyn; and two grandchildren – Amelia and Stetson.

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Total 2023 Financial Commitment to TU Entrepreneurship Programs & Hurricane Ventures

2023 IMPACT METRICS

$4.9 MM

$2 MM

Total 2023 Capital Raised by Hurricane Ventures

$1.39B $55k

171

Businesses have been created by TU alumni in the past 10 years

$50k

2023 Accelerator Program Funding Cherokee Female Founders

167

Number of Students in JOLT Program

in funding has been secured by TU alumni in the past 10 years

4

Investments Made

62% of JOLT students plan to start a business within 5 years of graduating.

2023 Pitch Competition Prize Money Awarded to TU Students

$10.4 MM Total Capital Raised by Portfolio Companies

70% of JOLT students feel they have access to the resources they need at TU to start a business.

Impact Report

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THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TIME, SPONSORSHIPS, OR GIFTS TO HELP GROW ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA IN 2023.

Philip Abode Sean Alexander Scott Asbjornson Tyrance Billingsley Julie Buxton Mark Caracio Brad Carson John Chandler Claire Cornell Dax Craig Jerry Dawkins Delta Airlines Foundation Tom Evans Rose Gamble Robin Gentzen Parker Amy Gerald David Hall Jennifer Hankins Earl Harris Matt Hickman Madison Hill

Brian Paschal Jeff Holman Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr Jonathan Pinto Tracy Poole Matt Ingram John Redmond George Justice Regent Bank Kevin King CB Rowan Sean Kouplen Jeffrey Rudd Mark Lauinger Eric Schick Bill Lawson Ashli Sims Kate Lynn Connor Sitton Erika Lucas Randy Stapleton Alex Majed Corey Taylor Doug May Taleya Mayberry-Smith Kathy Taylor Tom Trimble Abbey Marino Mike Troilo Garrett McCain Matt Warren Dustin McDaniel Todd Welsh Jennifer McGrail Williams Andrew McKinnis Andy McMillan Joey Wignarajah Larry Wofford Megan Meussner Nathan Woolard Peter Mullen Chris Wright Tim Newton

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Impact Report

Ready to get involved in 2024?

There are a lot of opportunities as we continue growing in 2024. Whether you're an investor, Tulsa community member, TU alum, professor, researcher, current student, or part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, visit the links below to help spur innovation and impact marketplaces.

Hurricane Ventures

CHRIS WRIGHT Director chris-wright@utulsa.edu (918) 269-8906

Collins College of Business (CCB)

TALEYA MAYBERRY-SMITH Entrepreneurial Programs Director taleya-mayberry@utulsa.edu (918) 269-8906

JOLT Program (JOLT)

CENTER FOR INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP 2023 IMPACT REPORT © UNIVERSITY OF TULSA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM OR TRANSMITTED, IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING OR OTHERWISE, WITHOUT PERMISSION IN WRITING FROM THE PUBLISHER.

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