The Cherokee Nation has been awarded a $500,000 Rural Business Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support Cherokee citizen-owned businesses and create community-based jobs. The grant was accepted during the Oklahoma Tribal Opportunity Partnership Summit in Chickasha. Since 2022, the Cherokee Nation has been awarded $1.6 million from USDA Rural Development for programs such as the Women, Infants and Children program and the Farm and Food Workers Relief program. The Tulsa Idea Challenge returns in May, providing entrepreneurial opportunities for Tulsans and a chance to earn a share of $50,000. Nine top-performing teams and 18 Tulsans were awarded $50,000 for diverse ideas, with 85% of the participants being first-time entrepreneurs. Freshslice Pizza seeks US franchise opportunities, Salvation Army opens thrift store, Mastercard expands payment network with BOK Financials, aiming for innovative, inclusive, and sustainable banking.