Tulsa ranked in top 10 for new business startups

A website devoted to all things financial has released its list of the top 50 best cities in the US for a start-up business, and Tulsa cracked the top ten, coming in at number seven.

Wallethub.com published its 2014 list this week.

It bases its ranking on 14 metrics ranging from the cost of living to the average length of survival for new businesses in the city.

One Tulsa business which just opened its doors serves as an example of why Tulsa's friendly to new businesses.

For example, the affordability and availability of space.

Jill Kirk, co-owner of Coexistence Shop & Dance Studio at 605 S. Peoria in Tulsa, tells KRMG finding the right location was key.

"We found a space in a wonderful area. The Pearl District is a great area and it's really growing, so it's an ideal space," she said.

Her partner, Kayla Overton, said the Pearl District really went to bat for them, helping them deal with parking and other issues.

City Hall proved helpful as well, she said. "The City of Tulsa made it easy for us, they really helped us out."

She said starting the business took about a year from concept to opening, and there was a lot of work involved.

Still, "being that I'm doing what I love, it was worth every tear, and every time I smashed my hand with a hammer, and every time I would just consider it a losts cause," she added.

Overton added that making sure you do work hand-in-hand with the city will save a lot of heartache when starting a new business.

"Making sure that you're insured, and you're up to code with the city is the most important part. A lot of people ignore that part," she told KRMG.

Kirk added that working with a group of owners like the Pearl District is also a good idea.

"Everyone is just so excited that we're here, and that they want new businesses in the area," she said.