OKLAHOMA CITY — A 49-year-old pro-business group continues to assist entrepreneurs, struggling businesses and booming companies as part of their plan to enhance Oklahoma’s economic future.
The organization, known as the Oklahoma Business Development Center in Durant, does it all when it comes to pushing the state’s economy forward. OBDC’s work is funded by a federal grant that finances the salaries and benefits of business partners throughout Oklahoma.
The partners, who have expertise in various professions, help small and medium-sized businesses take the next step forward or assist entrepreneurs in deciding if their idea is something more than an “expensive hobby,” said Stephen Smith, OBDC’s executive director.
OBDC, which is located at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, provides free advice and consultation for business owners of all types.
“Of course, we talk with people who are thinking about starting a business, struggling business owners or booming businesses that don’t know how to grow their business,” he said. “We assist entrepreneurs with their business plan, we teach them how to approach a bank about loans and in some situations make them aware of tribal loan programs if that fits their situation,” Smith said.
Smith recently spoke at the Chickasha Rotary Club in an effort to promote OBDC in Grady County and offer the group’s services to area businesses.
OBDC experts and partners help people determine if their business idea is viable or “is it an expensive hobby or an idea that might grow into something?” The experts also help business owners determine if their product is something that will be consumed by the general public or if it is a specialty product that will have limited appeal.
“We give advice about the way they can proceed with their business such as using the internet or it’s something that can go international,” Smith said. “We might give them advice about going a different direction with their business. We’re the most comprehensive business consultants in the state. We have content experts in every aspect in Oklahoma that serving the fabric of small business.
OBDC partners with several Oklahoma colleges, including Oklahoma State University, and career tech centers around the state, Smith said. The business group started in 1984 so its experience with helping others is immense, the executive director said. OBDC has 28 advisors across Oklahoma with a “ton of success stories” that pile up year after year. The pro-business group works with 2,000 to 4,000 businesses each year.
Some of the successful ventures are listed on OBDC’s website with businesses ranging from plumbing to operating a railroad, a hotel, a bioinformatics company, home décor and café, mattress manufacturer and a storage facility.
For more details about OBDC, call (580) 745-2877 or visit www.oksbdc.org.