Create Bridges in Oklahoma
About the CREATE BRIDGES Program
Celebrating Retail, Accommodations, Tourism and Entertainment by Building Rural Innovations
and Developing Growth Economies (CREATE BRIDGES)
CREATE BRIDGES is a community development program designed for multi-county regions
to raise awareness of the role retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment
businesses play in the local economy; determine challenges, barriers, and opportunities
related to those businesses; and develop and implement strategies to strengthen the
retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment sectors within a region. It was
created in response to job loss in rural communities and a lack of support for retail,
accommodations, tourism and entertainment sectors (CREATE businesses), which make
up a significant percent of the remaining jobs.
How We Support Rural CREATE Sectors
CREATE BRIDGES is a data-driven, locally-guided process to understand assets and challenges
related to CREATE sectors and design and implement strategies to support these businesses
and workers in practical ways. Building on lessons learned in pilot programs across
9 regions in 6 states, the CREATE BRIDGES curriculum is a valuable tool for community
and economic development practitioners seeking to strengthen rural economies and quality
of life.
Program Objectives
- Raise awareness of the role these important businesses play in the local economy
- Determine challenges and barriers negatively impacting those businesses
- Develop and implement strategies to strengthen the retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment sectors within a region
If you have questions about the program or are interested in hosting one in your community,
please reach out.