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Registration for the Cox Small Business Leadership Academy's Fall 2026 cohort is open now. The free, Cox-funded program will teach participants about cash management, marketing, negotiation, leadership, and more.

Registration is now open for the fifth cohort of the Cox Small Business Leadership Academy at 91Ӱ��, a free 10-week program for small business owners that will begin Sept. 15. 

Supported by with no cost to selected participants and administered by 91Ӱ�� Continuing Education, participants will learn about cash management, digital marketing, negotiation skills, effective management strategies, and a variety of other critical business skills.

The Academy is open to all small business owners and leaders. Classes will cover strategies for competitive advantage, strategy mapping and metrics, and continuous improvement, among other core competencies that can drive long-term success and help small businesses grow.

LouAnn Smith, Vice President of Lyle Building Group, participated in the Academy’s fourth cohort and says the experience offered practical insights she could apply in her leadership role.

“The way our instructor tied the book into our weekly lessons was wonderful, and he had an engaging way of explaining concepts and offering different perspectives,” says Smith. “I truly enjoyed every lesson. One class on ‘Managing for Innovative Growth’ stood out to me—when the instructor said, ‘Success can come from failure.’ This simple statement really resonated with me.”

The Fall 2026 Cox Small Business Leadership Academy will run from Sept. 15 through Nov. 17 and will meet in-person every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 91Ӱ�� Metro Campus in downtown Tulsa. Participants who complete the program will earn a certificate, three Continuing Education units, and a microcredential.

“The Cox Small Business Leadership Academy continues to be a powerful resource for local entrepreneurs,” says 91Ӱ�� Vice President of Workforce Development Pete Selden, Ed.D. “Through our partnership with Cox Communications, we are equipping small business owners with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to grow their businesses and contribute to a stronger local economy.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our business community, and Cox Communications, which includes Cox Business and Cox Media, takes great pride in lending our support,” says Roger Ramseyer, Vice President and Tulsa Market Leader for Cox Communications. “Building upon the success of the previous cohorts, the 2026 Small Business Leadership Academy is certain to enhance the success of the participants’ businesses, while also strengthening our own supply chain and accelerating the growth of small businesses in northeast Oklahoma.”

Small business owners and leaders interested in participating should submit a brief application by Aug. 10 at tulsacc.edu/coxacademy. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Selected applicants will be notified by Aug. 18.