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Oklahoma entrepreneurs – assistance is available
STILLWATER, Okla. –During this time of economic stress, many individuals are considering starting a business. They often need answers to questions. Those questions range from where to start, how to start and what business to start.
Not only are start-ups looking for help but existing small business owners are looking for answers to questions about retaining and finding new customers. They are eager to discuss ways to find new markets as well as new products and services to add to their existing lines.
“Oklahoma offers many resources for business owners beginning right at home with your local Cooperative Extension office,” said Glenn Muske, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension interim associate dean, assistant director, family and consumer sciences. “They can provide programs and educational materials specific to business development or can help a community further develop its support of entrepreneurs and small business owners through the various rural development programming efforts.”
Throughout the state, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service application engineers are available to help the owner of a manufacturing business.
Muske said we cannot forget the multi-faceted support the Food and Ag products center can provide –from education on start-up to packaging to marketing to test batches and a food-sensory testing lab.
Beyond OCES, but still at OSU, we have the Patent and Trademark library, an Inventors Assistance program, and the Center for Innovation and Economic Development.
In addition, many other business support programs can be found throughout the state. SBA has several programs including the Small Business Development Center and the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) as well as their efforts, through your local banker, to provide loan guarantees. Online (sba.gov) they also have educational materials and training videos.
Another resource is REI. They have financing and incubator sites available and also operate two women-business centers that offer education and support. Other resources offering business development assistance include the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and all of the CareerTech Centers.
“If you have an idea and the passion for business, there are many sources to help get you started,” Muske said. “If you are already in business, these same resources have help for you also.”
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu
