Coworking in Tulsa: How a $10K Relocation Incentive Is Transforming the City

As reported in Tulsa World’s June 16, 2025 article by Michael Dekker

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According to a recent study by the W.E. Upjohn Institute, the Tulsa Remote program — funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation — is producing a $4.31 return for every $1 invested. That’s not just good for Tulsa’s economy, it’s a game-changer for how cities think about talent, work, and community.

From Remote Work to Rooted Growth

Since its launch in 2019, Tulsa Remote has welcomed over 3,600 participants. Many have stayed far beyond their required one-year commitment — a testament to what Tulsa offers: livability, connection, and access to real community.

Participants often begin their journey inside a shared workspace, where flexibility meets functionality. Places like Gradient provide more than just a desk — they offer programming, partnerships, and proximity to Tulsa’s most exciting startups.

Dockware: Tulsa’s Innovation Economy in Action

Tulsa World’s story spotlights Dockware, a logistics startup co-founded by Tulsa Remote alumni who previously worked at SpaceX. Within six months of arriving, the team secured $2 million in investor funding. Now they’re preparing to move into a 4,000-square-foot space adjacent to Gradient, placing them at the epicenter of Tulsa’s innovation corridor.

Their growth reflects the demand not just for space, but for environments purpose-built for entrepreneurs and engineers. As Dockware scales, they’re hiring locally and investing long-term — a win for Tulsa’s economy and workforce.

Why Coworking Matters

For many remote workers, the shift from isolation to integration starts with space. An office at a shared workspace offers the right blend of autonomy and access — quiet when you need it, community when you want it. It’s a model that works especially well in Tulsa, where affordability meets ambition.

This demand is shaping the future of Tulsa’s innovation district, where Gradient serves as a backbone for collaboration, programming, and community for a broad cross-section of creatives, founders, and tech professionals.

What Comes Next

If you're exploring coworking spaces in Tulsa, or want to understand how shared office space is becoming a lever for economic transformation, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more spotlights on Tulsa’s tech, talent, and trusted spaces.

Based on “Paying $10,000 to move to Tulsa is worth four times the investment, study shows,”

Tulsa World, June 16, 2025, by Michael Dekker.