unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Kristan, the owner of Under My Wing Academy, LLC, faced significant challenges in her journey from running a small at-home daycare to establishing a full-scale childcare center. Initially, she aimed to build or purchase a facility independently but encountered financial planning and business structuring difficulties. Additionally, the high costs of various building options posed a substantial barrier.
"SBDC was not only helpful, but essential in helping me start my business. Ben offered encouragement and we worked through other options when our first didn't come through. Now, we have an amazing working relationship with our bank and we are thriving. The business plan was also essential in helping me pitch to the city and leaders. I felt like an actual business owner when I worked with Ben. Before that, I felt like an underpaid babysitter. Now I believe in my mission and I believe my small business is going to make a real change in our city and beyond as we grow and expand."
Business Advisor Ben Evans from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provided strategic support to Kristan. He assisted her in refining her financial projections, advised on business structuring, and identified potential funding sources. When Marland's Place offered a leasing opportunity, Ben helped Kristan adjust her business plan to align with the new location and leasing model. He also guided her through the LLC registration process. He prepared her for a financing meeting with Equity Bank, which initially recommended an SBA loan, but decided to do an in-house line of credit instead.
With the support of the Oklahoma SBDC and community resources, Kristan successfully transitioned Under My Wing Academy, LLC, into a full-scale childcare center. The academy is now poised to serve Ponca City, offering accessible, around-the-clock childcare. Kristan's vision has come to life, enhancing local childcare options and supporting families across the community.
Jonathan Prieto, an experienced HVAC professional, and his wife Kate, a U.S. Air Force veteran, aimed to establish their own HVAC business. Despite Jonathan's industry expertise and Kate's business acumen, they recognized the need for additional support during the planning phase of their business venture.
"Attending the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center's SMART Workshop series was a game-changer for launching my business. Their comprehensive training provided me with the tools and knowledge to lay a solid foundation for my HVAC company. Thanks to their expert guidance, we were able to navigate the tricky waters of business planning, financial forecasting, and market analysis with a sense of humor and optimism.
By the time we launched, we felt not just prepared but empowered. This preparation was evident as we turned a significant profit in our first year, a testament to the practical and impactful strategies learned from the SMART Workshop. Their support was instrumental in our early success, and I credit a large part of our positive startup experience to their insightful and targeted advice."
The couple discovered the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) while seeking business advise. After attending an online workshop, Kate registered for advising and connected with Business Advisor Larry Siebert. Larry provided crucial assistance in developing a comprehensive business plan, navigating legal requirements, and identifying valuable resources.
By August 2022, Jonathan and Kate successfully launched their business, Familia Mechanical, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Kate managed business administration while Jonathan led the field operations. Familia Mechanical now actively supports its community, veterans, and veteran programs, offering services in both English and Spanish.
Kayla Palmer, owner of Palmer Construction and Marine Company, faced multiple challenges in her business. She needed assistance obtaining her Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification, enhancing her SAM.gov profile, identifying funding opportunities, understanding the Tribal Employment Rights Office certification, and establishing connections with Department of Defense contracting officers.
"They have made the world of difference for my business and helped me establish my 2-year business goals in just a matter of months. They have introduced me to more resources than what I could have imagined. They're the best, and I highly recommend using them."
Upon seeking help, Kayla registered for advising and collaborated with Business Advisor Dana Brashear at the Oklahoma SBDC. She received comprehensive guidance on procurement, funding, certification, and resources to scale her projects. The SBDC also helped increase her company's visibility among Department of Defense contracting officers.
As a result of the collaboration, Kayla successfully obtained her HUBZone certification, secured an SBA loan through REI, won bid procurement for federal projects under the Tribal Employment Rights Office, and expanded her network of contracting officers within the Department of Defense.
