🌱 YWCA Launches Startup Loan Program + Mercury Lounge Music Showcase

Hey, Tulsa! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny, breezy, and nice. High: 73 Low: 55.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Tulsa:

1. YWCA Tulsa has launched a new program offering small business start-up loans to women. The Carmela Hill Legacy Fund aims to supply $5,000 micro-loans to entrepreneurs facing economic barriers such as a lack of credit history or startup equity. The program kicks off this Saturday during the Women Mean Business Event at the Patti Johnson Wilson Center. (KTUL)
2. Preschoolers at The Learning Experience in nearby Jenks are making art to help support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The students' art will be on sale through the end of the week, and the school hopes to raise a total of $30,000 to help grant wishes to children in Green County. The fundraiser also includes other ways to give, including a QR code that enters parents for a chance to win a free month of tuition if they contribute. (KTUL)
3. A new monthly musical talent showcase series launches tomorrow night at the Mercury Lounge. The event series supports local nonprofit organization Tulsa Creative Engine and aims to help locals become more acquainted with the Tulsa music scene. Tomorrow's event will include performances by rock band Manta Rays, indie-pop singer Lex, two Fire in Little Africa artists, R&B singer Ausha LaCole, and DJ Doc Free. (Tulsa World)

Today in Tulsa:

• Morning Bootcamp With Robyn At Guthrie Green (5:30 AM)
• Preschool Storytime At Catoosa Public Library (10:00 AM)
• SHENEQUA: Wove At 108 Contemporary (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Philbrook Museum of Art is collaborating with the Tulsa Zoo for two exciting events this week! Stop by the Zoo today from 10:00-11:00 a.m. for an art project and storytime, then visit the museum this Friday between 10:00-11:30 a.m. to check out the visiting animal ambassador. (Instagram)
• The Tulsa Botanic Garden has plenty of fun programming planned for May, including a horticulture tour, Aria Yoga, and more. Plan your visit now! (Facebook)
• The Tulsa Opera shared a behind-the-scenes look with "Salome" director and designer Thaddeus Strassberger. Reserve your tickets for this weekend's performances now to secure the best seats. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.