Support Cherokee County Artisans
Lulu and GG's Grand Plan Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Cherokee County, Oklahoma’s local producers of healthful, consumable goods.
We collect donations and provide grants to help local agrarians and makers sustain and grow their small businesses. This includes farmers growing fresh produce, as well as artisans creating teas, tinctures, lotions, soaps, and other wellness-focused products.
In addition, we operate a rent-free marketplace at Artisan’s (located at 301 N. Muskogee Ave in Tahlequah) where vendors can sell their goods directly to the community without the burden of rent.
Our mission is to strengthen the local economy, promote healthy living, preserve traditional skills, and help Cherokee County’s small producers thrive. Every donation helps turn grand plans into reality for the people growing and making good things in our region.
01
Small Business Insights
High Poverty Rate Creates Urgent Need for Local Economic Solutions
Cherokee County, Oklahoma, has a poverty rate of approximately 18.2% (2020–2024), meaning about 8,400 residents live below the poverty line. This is significantly higher than the national average of approximately 12.5%.
Many families struggle with basic needs, and empowering local artisans and farmers can create supplemental income, preserve cultural traditions, and build resilience in a region where the median household income is around $53,000 (well below the state average).
02
Small Businesses Are the Backbone—But Need More Support
Cherokee County, Oklahoma, has around 3,305 nonemployer establishments (often sole proprietors, freelancers, and small artisans) and 767 employer establishments.
Nonemployer businesses—which are common among artisans and small-scale agrarian producers—represent a huge portion of local entrepreneurship. Our non-profit helps these micro-enterprises grow through marketing, training, and direct sales channels, turning them into sustainable income sources that strengthen the local economy.
03
Strong Agricultural Heritage with Room for Artisan Synergies
Cherokee County, Oklahoma, has around 1,200 farms covering over 217,000 acres, reflecting a deep-rooted agricultural tradition that remains vital to our rural area.
Because many local operations are small-scale, supporting agrarian artisans—through the creation of value-added products, crafts made from farm materials, and agritourism—can significantly increase farm incomes, create jobs, and celebrate our regional heritage. By investing in these sustainable practices, we can help retain young people and boost community pride.
