Oklahoma City's Mayor David Holt Leads National Initiative for Entrepreneurship as Founding Mayor

David Holt: Pioneering Entrepreneurship in America

In a remarkable development for local leadership in the United States, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt has been appointed as the first 'Founding Mayor' of 'America the Entrepreneurial'. This national initiative, launched in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary, aims to reignite the entrepreneurial spirit across America.

This initiative is spearheaded by Right to Start, a nonprofit organization that advocates for entrepreneurship as a civic priority, and More Perfect, a bipartisan coalition that includes 43 presidential centers and over a hundred institutions. Mayor Holt’s participation is particularly significant, as he also serves as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. His involvement lays the groundwork for other mayors to follow suit and passionately advocate for entrepreneurship in their localities.

According to Victor W. Hwang, the founder and CEO of Right to Start, Mayor Holt’s leadership shines a spotlight on the essential role of entrepreneurship in driving local and national economic vitality. In his remarks, Hwang noted, "His unwavering support, demonstrated at both the local and national levels, provides a robust asset for fostering entrepreneurship and making it a primary civic concern."

The significance of this initiative lies not only in its timing but also in its objectives. In recent years, Oklahoma has emerged as a leader in prioritizing entrepreneurship, implementing measures to eliminate barriers and expand avenues for new businesses. Recognizing the influx of startup ventures, Holt stated, "Oklahoma City is home to thousands of startups, some of which have become Fortune 500 companies. We advocate for all Americans to tap into that entrepreneurial potential in their hometowns."

As part of the initiative, Holt recently issued a proclamation highlighting entrepreneurship’s pivotal role in Oklahoma City’s economic landscape. This proclamation makes it clear that the city is committing to the 'America the Entrepreneurial' effort, thereby encouraging entrepreneurial activity within its community. Among his notable contributions, he is championing a significant $16 million project to establish the Henrietta B. Foster Center for Northeast Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship. This center, situated in Oklahoma City's Innovation District, is specifically designed to benefit local entrepreneurs, particularly in areas that have historically faced economic challenges.

Echoing Holt's sentiments, John Bridgeland, founder and CEO of More Perfect, emphasized how civic leadership can unlock the entrepreneurial potential that underpins local and national prosperity. Bridgeland remarked, "In times when many feel that opportunities are dwindling, fostering entrepreneurship can create jobs, enhance economic mobility, and unite communities in innovative spirit."

As part of the 'America the Entrepreneurial' campaign, three playbooks have been introduced to mobilize citizens across the nation to rekindle this entrepreneurial spirit. These playbooks serve as practical guides that outline actionable steps for varied audiences, including individuals, organizations, businesses, and government leaders — encompassing a broad spectrum from local mayors to state executives.

Statistics from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab underline the positivity of entrepreneurship in local communities, evidencing that a 1% increase in entrepreneurial activity correlates with a 2% decline in poverty. Furthermore, the rise in entrepreneurs is directly linked to gains in household incomes, showcasing the tangible impact of fostering an entrepreneurial culture.

Looking forward, the inauguration of the Henrietta B. Foster Center and the 'America the Entrepreneurial' initiative represent a crucial reset in how entrepreneurship is viewed and supported at all government levels. As steps are taken to overcome the barriers entrepreneurs often face, Holt's vision to unlock opportunities for all reflects a spirit of innovation synonymous with the nation's founding values. With Right to Start and More Perfect leading the charge, the future of entrepreneurship in America is not just promising; it is poised to thrive.

For further details on the initiative, visit Right to Start and America the Entrepreneurial.