DURANT, OK – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s (CNO) newest Chahtapreneur Business Center is now open inside the McAlester Public Library, providing shared workspace, business resources and expanded educational opportunities for the community.
The Choctaw Nation and City of McAlester celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated library and business center, with Chief Gary Batton, Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. and tribal, city and library representatives in attendance.
“This is not just about the Choctaw Nation,” said Batton. “It’s about unity and forging partnerships that improve McAlester, Pittsburg County, and the Choctaw Nation. I think this partnership is a shining example of what we can do when we work together and a model for future community projects.”
CNO announced a contribution through the Choctaw Development Fund in February to support renovations to the McAlester Public Library, including creation of the dedicated Chahtapreneur Business Center. The center joins locations in Durant and Idabel, expanding access to workspaces and entrepreneurial resources across southeastern Oklahoma.
Choctaw Small Business Development helps Choctaw entrepreneurs start and grow businesses through one-on-one advising, business planning, training, marketing assistance and connections to lenders and other resources. The centers also provide shared workspace and opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with other business owners.
“Our small business development team has done a wonderful job building the Chahtapreneur program over the past 11 years, and this center is a testament to that,” said Batton. “This will benefit both tribal members and non-tribal citizens by giving them not only a place to work on their ideas, but professional advisers who can help those ideas come to fruition.”
As part of the partnership, the Choctaw Nation received naming rights for the 3,500 sq. ft. business center, which will be managed by Choctaw Small Business Development. The facility includes a dedicated entrance, secure access and outdoor green space.
The partnership also expands library resources for Choctaw Nation members. The library has created a space dedicated to Native American heritage, while the Southeast Oklahoma Library System (SEOLS) will provide free library cards and access to all 17 SEOLS outlets to Choctaw Nation members regardless of residency. SEOLS will also prioritize Choctaw Nation communities for bookmobile programs, and tribal members will have access to electronic resources including e-books, audiobooks, career and technical learning tools, language resources and research databases.
The Choctaw Nation’s contribution is part of a $9 million renovation effort supported by the City of McAlester, the Puterbaugh Foundation, SEOLS and the Fuggitt Foundation.
