For a limited time, special financial awards are available for qualifying start-up businesses in 21 southeastern Oklahoma counties with a high unemployment rate. The funds are available through Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. (REI) through a grant from the Office of Community Services, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Financial assistance is available for start-up businesses in the sectors of child care, cosmetology, landscaping and lawn care.
Eligibility is based on family income. Participants will be required to attend REI’s workshop, Entrepreneurship 101, which includes business taxes, business plan development and marketing. An itemized list of inventory or supplies and projected costs will also need to be submitted. The free workshops are scheduled as follows: August 17, McAlester, August 19, Sapulpa; August 26, Durant and August 31 in Pauls Valley.
Justin Scott, a student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, was provided start-up capital to launch his landscaping and lawn care business which will help him generate revenue to pay for his education. Justin was referred to REI by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma because they thought he would be a good candidate for this special financing. They were right. Justin’s business, Legacy Landscaping, was a perfect match. Persons in need of Justin’s services may call Legacy Landscaping at 903.819.9743.
“This is a great opportunity for eligible and ambitious entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Barbara Rackley, coordinator of REI’s Women’s Business Center. “We will help participants through the process and continue to assist them along the way.”
For program specifics, call Dr. Rackley at 580.924.5094 or 800.658.2823. Also check out REI’s website at www.ruralenterprises.com for information about other business financing and enterprise development services available through the non-profit economic development organization.