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Cox Communications and �鶹��Ƶ announced today they have partnered to host the Cox Small Business Leadership Academy to provide continuing education and leadership development for the benefit of diverse small businesses in Oklahoma.

Cox will underwrite the full cost for those selected to participate in the Small Business Leadership Academy, set to launch in September.

“We are excited to partner with �鶹��Ƶ to launch the first Cox Small Business Leadership Academy,” said Roger Ramseyer, Tulsa Market Vice President for Cox Communications. “Program participants will learn core skills related to business management and sustainability topics including accounting, marketing, supply chain, organizational performance, and project management.”

The Cox Small Business Leadership Academy is a 10-week program that will meet on Tuesday evenings and is designed for all small business owners and leaders, but with a special emphasis to empower businesses owned or led by minorities, veterans, women, Native Americans, and individuals with disabilities. The curriculum will guide participants through multiple modules including cash management, digital marketing and database connections, managing for innovation and growth, and negotiation skills. Other topics include strategies for competitive advantage as well as mapping and metrics.

“�鶹��Ƶ’s vision is an educated, employed and thriving community. This begins by listening to the needs of the local business community and then responding with collaboration to develop the workforce that is needed, or in this case, to help develop small businesses,” said Pete Selden, VP of Workforce Development.

Through the Cox Supplier Diversity Program, the primary goal of the program is to increase the pool of diverse suppliers in the Tulsa metro area by empowering, developing, and growing those businesses.

“Cox is committed to inclusion, diversity and equity. It’s who we are as a company,” said Ramseyer. “The Small Business Leadership Academy and our partnership with �鶹��Ƶ is just one of many ways we work to strengthen our own supply chain, accelerate the growth of diverse suppliers, and demonstrate our commitment to supplier diversity.”

Following the application deadline on August 15, Cox will select finalists from the pool of applicants who complete the very brief online nomination form. Upon completing the program, participants receive a certificate and three continuing education units. Enrollment for the Fall 2022 Cox Small Business Leadership Academy is open now and limited to 20.

The program will meet in-person, Tuesday evenings from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the �鶹��Ƶ Metro Campus in downtown Tulsa. Classes run from Sept. 13 through Nov. 15. All small business leaders are encouraged to apply, but selected participants will be expected to attend a majority of the Tuesday evening sessions in order to benefit from the classroom instruction and earn the continuing education credits.

Apply or nominate someone at tulsacc.edu/coxacademy. Applications should be in by 5 p.m., August 15. The Cox Small Business Leadership Academy is delivered through �鶹��Ƶ Continuing Education and underwritten for participants by Cox.