Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

PROJECT PURPOSE

Provision of financial and technical assistance to small businesses seeking to establish visitor-serving concessions across state park system. Potentially could be a small business revolving fund loan program that would live beyond initial ARPA funding, if permissible under ARPA regulations.

EVIDENCE

OTRD has well-established concessionaires in some parks, but there are many more opportunities for small business operators to provide guest-facing, revenue-generating services (food service, outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, lodge amenities). Examples include rock climbing, canoeing, ziplining, bike tours, art/cooking/cultural experiences at lodges, spa services at lodges, cafes at smaller parks, etc.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

This program would establish new businesses and employment opportunities at parks across the state, most of which are located in low-income, rural census tracts with limited job prospects.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

OTRD will establish KPIs for the program and each individual participant. OTRD will work directly with participants in identifying business opportunities within parks, as well as provide tech. assistance throughout business development, start-up and ongoing operations. Participants will be required to report revenue and operations data to OTRD.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma