What We Do
Creating Environments for Business Growth & Workforce Development
In order to build the best Ada, every sector has to work together. Through partnerships with local organizations, we’re able to provide support in the following areas:
Local Business Growth
Business Retention & Expansion
We collaborate closely with local businesses to foster growth, enhance competitiveness, and create high-quality jobs. By conducting regular on-site visits, gathering feedback through surveys, and building strong partnerships, we work to understand the unique challenges businesses face. Whether it’s addressing workforce needs, streamlining processes, or facilitating access to funding, we are committed to ensuring long-term business success.
Workforce Development Strategy
Growing Ada requires addressing the critical need for skilled talent across key sectors, including Manufacturing, Healthcare, IT, and STEM fields. We partner with Pontotoc Technology Center, who offers a range of courses and customizable training programs. The Ada Jobs Foundation is focused on increasing digital skilling opportunities, helping both current and future workers thrive in an evolving economy. AJF hosts the only Youth Coding League team in Oklahoma, introducing vital tech skills to local youth and fostering an early interest in technology careers.
Economic Research Analyses
We are dedicated to supporting local businesses by providing in-depth economic, labor, and market research analyses. By leveraging both public and private data sources, we offer insights into the local economy that help businesses make informed decisions. If you are interested in learning more, please email Daniel Castaneda at dcastaneda@growada.com.
Local Incentives
We help expanding companies through two unique incentives designed to cover net, new jobs, and new capital or infrastructure expenses over the course of 5 years.
Rural Innovation
The Conduit Startup Showcase
Our pitch competition gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their business ideas before a panel of experts. The best pitches win cash prizes to help bring their idea to fruition.
Build to Scale
Tech Ecosystem Development and Culture Building,
We support tech-based entrepreneurship through events, networking, media, and community leadership roundtables.
Investor Outreach & Support
We work hard to recruit, inform, and engage investors in our region. We provide support through workshops on non-equity sources of capital, including federal SIBR/STTR programs.
Community Development
Business Improvement Grant (BIG)
In order to support local businesses, enhance the historic character of Ada, and create investments for the future – we provide a matching $5,000 grant for structural improvements in the downtown and Main Street area of Ada.
Community Housing & Neighborhood Initiative
Currently in the planning and research phase, our aim is to improve Ada’s neighborhoods and housing through public and private investment, community engagement, and placemaking.
Community Development Research & Technical Assistance
We support community members, stakeholders, and local government through planning-related research and assistance in the following areas:
- Housing condition surveys
- Walkability audits
- Small-area plans
- Site development feasibility analyses
- Infrastructure impact assessments