Oklahoma Farm Bureau: Pioneering Rural Business Innovation
Since its inception in 1942, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau has been a cornerstone in safeguarding the agricultural and rural way of life. With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, the Bureau supports Oklahoma’s rural and agricultural businesses through transformative programs.
Apply Now for the 2025 Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerators
The eagerly anticipated 2025 application period for the Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerators is now open! If you’re a rural Oklahoma or agricultural innovator with an enterprise ready to grow, you have until April 4 to apply for this groundbreaking program.
Program Overview
The program is divided into two distinct pipelines to widen opportunities:
- Activate Oklahoma: This pipeline offers resources and support for rural Oklahoma businesses developing innovations that foster economic opportunities across rural communities.
- AgCelerate Oklahoma: Targeting agricultural innovators, this pipeline focuses on technologies with direct farm and production applications, essential for diversifying farmer opportunities.
Both pipelines offer a comprehensive training schedule from April through September, encompassing pipeline-specific boot camps designed to connect entrepreneurs with essential Oklahoma-focused business resources and curriculum. As participants progress, they will access further training sessions ensuring a holistic development path.
Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates from both Activate Oklahoma and AgCelerate Oklahoma gain access to exciting opportunities, including:
- Pitching their ideas for potential equity investment from committed partner organizations.
- Preparation for applying for additional funding options like grants, loans, and creative funding mechanisms.
Applicants interested in either pipeline can find application details and submit their request by visiting the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Website. Successful applicants will undergo an interview process during final selection.
Program Participation Details
Key information for successful applicants includes:
- There is no cost to participate in either pipeline.
- Full attendance at all provided training sessions is mandatory.
- Eligible candidates must have substantial business operations within Oklahoma and reside in communities with populations not exceeding 50,000.
Collaborative Development Effort
The Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerators program is a collaborative rural development effort. It’s driven by Oklahoma Farm Bureau in partnership with both state and national entities. The goal is to bolster economic prospects for rural communities and enhance support for Oklahoma agriculture through entrepreneurial growth.
Partner Organizations
In partnership with dynamic organizations, the program offers quality resources and mentorship to participants:
- AgLaunch Initiative
- Oklahoma CareerTech
- Oklahoma SBDC
- Oklahoma i2E
- Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology
- Generation Food Rural Partners Fund
- Oklahoma State University’s Food and Agricultural Products Center
- Noble Research Institute
- Cortado Ventures
Why Choose Oklahoma Farm Bureau?
Oklahoma Farm Bureau has remained a champion of Oklahoma’s agricultural communities for over eight decades. By empowering rural entrepreneurs and fostering an environment ripe for innovation, the Bureau ensures that rural and agricultural enterprises not only survive but thrive.
For more information, support, and to apply for the program, visit the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Website or call (405) 523-2300.
Copyright © 2025 Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
Source: https://www.okfarmbureau.org/news/okfb-2025-rural-business-accelerator-applications-open-through-april-4/