Lawmakers call for probe of Oklahoma incubator program amid data collection concerns

OKLAHOMA CITY — Amid struggles with data collection and participation, two Republican lawmakers want to probe the long-term effectiveness of a state program designed to nurture new small businesses.

Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, and Rep. Mike Lay, R-Jenks, said they want to examine the effectiveness of the state’s small business incubator program to determine if it is having the intended long-term impact, if it is being marketed effectively and if any changes need to be made to it.

The incubator program, which was created in 1988 through the Oklahoma Small Business Incubators Incentives Act, provides startup businesses with state tax exemptions for up to 10 years with an aim of diversifying local economies.

Lawmakers call for probe of Oklahoma incubator program amid data collection concerns • Oklahoma Voice