Your Guiding Light

Kenny Wheeler Insurance Farmers Insurance Agent in Ponca City, OK

Dr. Emily McLaurin, a board-certified family physician, had witnessed first-hand how individuals with little to no insurance had limited access to thorough, high-quality health care. She was determined to change that environment. Dr. McLaurin reached out to the SBDC and with the assistance of business advisors Claudia Pannell and Susan Urbach, she developed a plan to help meet the health care needs of her community. With the support of her lender, she acquired the funds to open her own practice and in August 2021 she opened her doors to the public. She said, “My mentors provided resources, accountability, research, creativity, and encouragement to a process that would have been so much more frustrating if I had tried to go about it alone.”

Oklahoma Sports Network (ONS) is a client in the certified business incubator located in the Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CETES) at Cameron University. They weathered the pandemic with grace, receiving an EIDL loan. Embracing new ways to meet customer needs through the pandemic, Oklahoma Sports Network was able to grow their reach and expand their business by adding live-streaming funerals and remote events. Their viewership for live-stream sports increased by 50%. Finally, they branched to grow into a new network, OK Life TV, showcasing a roadshow-type series. Founder Eric Sharum said, “We grew as a certified incubator client with the help and insight of our SBDC advisor Dr. Samantha Lankford.”

Co-FounderMozzie Style

After experiencing the ups and downs of the oilfield industry, Moates was determined to start his own business using his skills in shop and construction. His vision was to start a construction company in the home renovation industry as well as working with property managers in multi-family dwellings. The SBDC provided mentorship and guidance to Moates as he worked through the issues of running a business and setting goals. “Early on when we discussed pricing, my advisor told me I was much too low,” said Moates. “If I was doing quality work, quality pricing follows. I took that advice and it has helped me not only have good margins, but I’m attracting the kind of clients who are good to work with and appreciate what we can do for them."

Working with the SBDC, Tom Yoakum received Air Force SBIR Phase II funding. ISeeYou360 is a series of situational awareness products designed to keep the warfighter safe in a tactical environment. Additional applications with different use cases for law enforcement and civilian markets are currently in development. McNally Industries will be manufacturing the products.

Oklahoma is home of bowhunting clubs, activities, competitions, and hunting seasons dedicated to bowhunters. With experience working in a bowhunter specialty pro shop, Amber and Bryn Chapman were determined to open their own shop. The COVID time helped spur their determination. Many people found enjoying outside sports and activities were helpful coping mechanisms, and the sport has continued to grow. The Chapmans worked with SBDC advisor Susan Urbach while seeking funding for their business.

In February of 2021 Coil Chem was having trouble processing their second Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan. The first PPP loan had processed almost immediately but the second round did not go as well. The company waited several weeks for the loan to process before being informed there was a problem. They immediately contacted SBDC business advisor Larry Seibert as he had helped them previously. Larry reached out to his internal contacts and within a few days the company was informed that the error on their account had been corrected and the loan processed and funded the same day. Executive Vice President Sheri Vickery said, “This would not have been possible without Larry's help. He helped a small business survive a very hard time.”

Trae Caldwell, retired United States Army officer, sought SBDC assistance to open the franchise, Metal Supermarkets in Tulsa. Caldwell was joined in his venture by Colby Piersall, a 20-year veteran of the United States Army with experience in supply chain management. Metal Supermarkets is focused on providing a variety of metal to manufacturing facilities with added services such as production cutting, shearing, and punching. Caldwell worked with advisor Ed Dyer to secure an SBA Patriot Express Guaranteed loan to start the business. Caldwell said, "The support provided by Ed at the SBDC was an instrumental piece of the SBA Patriot Express loan process. Ed’s guidance and mentorship helped make my dream of owning a business turn to reality."

Rameissa Thompson creates custom designed wedding, birthday, novelty, and specialty cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. Rameissa was licensed under the Homestead Act and was operating a home-based bakery when she exceeded the revenue limit of the act and needed to move to a commercial location. She worked with advisor Stephen Knight to acquire funding through the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation to open a store front location.

Melinda Foshee opened Macarena’s Street Café food truck in 2015. She created a loyal following and enjoyed steady growth until COVID-19 hit. Almost without warning, sales dried up and her planned events were canceled. She managed to keep the business going despite the incredibly difficult circumstances but financially, she was losing the battle. Foshee worked with SBDC Advisor Claudia Pannell who told her about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Foshee said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the SBDC.” In May 2021, Foshee received her funds from the RRF and it allowed her to put a cushion between her and the losses from the pandemic. Today she continues to promote and grow her food truck business, Macarena’s Street Café.