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Registration is open for the third cohort of the Cox Small Business Leadership Academy, a free, 10-week leadership development and continuing education program for small business owners.

Funded by Cox, the Cox Small Business Leadership Academy is designed for all small business owners and leaders, with a special emphasis to empower businesses owned or led by people from underserved populations, individuals with disabilities and veterans.

“The Cox Small Business Leadership Academy gives small business owners a free, unique opportunity for growth and development,” said ���ϲ���ַ��ȫ Vice President of Workforce Development Pete Selden, Ph.D. “Through collaboration with partners like Cox Communications, we’re able to empower small businesses and strengthen the community.”

Participants will learn about various small business topics including cash management, digital and AI marketing, negotiation skills and effective management strategies, with no cost to the elected participants.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our business community, and Cox Communications, which includes Cox Business and Cox Media, takes great pride in lending our support,” said Oklahoma Vice President Roger Ramseyer. “Building upon the success of the two preceding cohorts, the 2024 Small Business Leadership Academy is certain to enhance the success of the participants’ businesses, while also strengthening our own supply chain and accelerating the growth of diverse suppliers in northeast Oklahoma.”

Shirin Zakerion participated in the Cox Small Business Academy’s second cohort and said she’s gained invaluable knowledge and skills that have led to greater productivity, financial health and a stronger market presence for her business, Siren Curl Studio.

“The program offers practical, actionable insights and strategies that can drive real results, and the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and network with fellow entrepreneurs is great,” Zakerion said. “The program structure and schedule were designed with busy small business owners in mind. The sessions were held at convenient times, typically in the evenings, which allowed me to manage my business operations during the day and attend classes without major disruptions.

The Fall 2024 Cox Small Business Leadership Academy will meet in-person from 6-9 p.m., every Tuesday, beginning Aug. 20 through Oct. 22 at the ���ϲ���ַ��ȫ Metro Campus in downtown Tulsa. Upon completion of the program, participants will be awarded a certificate and three continuing education units.

Small business owners and leaders interested in participating should submit a brief application by July 5 at tulsacc.edu/coxacademy. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Cox will select the finalists from the applicant pool with acceptance notifications expected by Aug. 8.