April 5, 2024

4/5/2024

Friday | April 5, 2024

One Week Left to Apply

The Oklahoma Innovation and Expansion Program (OIEP) is open to applicants for one more week. If you are not sure your business could benefit from the15-minute application, please click on one of the businesses below and hear their story on how OIEP has assisted the growth of their companies. Not a manufacturing business? If you have a yearly payroll of over $650,000 and are considering an expansion project or new equipment purchase, this program may be for you.

Ponca City companies received $450,000 in funds from this program in 2023. Deadline for 2024 applications is April 12th. That is next Friday for anyone not near a calendar.

Congratulations to the eight companies who applied and were accepted into the program in 2023. Two of those companies are CME and K&C Manufacturing. Find more information on this program on the OIEP website. If you are ready to apply, here is the link to the application.

Erik Peitz, Custom Mechanical Equipment

Kirk Brown, K&C Manufacturing

Business on the Balcony

Business on the Balcony returns on Tuesday, April 9 to City Central, 7 to 9 am. This early morning networking opportunity is open to businesses, industry, Ponca City newcomers or anyone wanting to take advantage of a breakfast business meeting. Back for its fourth season, B on the B is the second Tuesday of each month April through September. This come-and-go event from 7 to 9 am is a chance to connect with business owners, managers and resource partners in the Ponca City area. City Central tenants are always welcome to drop by, grab a bite to eat, and chat.

Whether you have five minutes or have time to stay the full two hours, you are welcome to attend Business on the Balcony. April is the kick-off month and PCDA staff hopes everyone makes time to swing by. Tuesday, May 14th will be wellness and health-focused, featuring Integris Hospital staff, wellness practitioners and supporters. See all the dates on the flyer below. See you on the balcony.

1 Million Cups

Live this week at 1 Million Cups, Sacket Gallery Owner Theresa Sacket told her business story to our Ponca City community. If you couldn't make it, click here to see the Facebook live recording . This talented artist, who will be a muralist in the upcoming Sunny Dayz Mural Fest May 26 thru June 1st, has art in her soul.

Along with her husband Jeremy, Theresa opened the Sacket Gallery in 2023 at 719 E. Hartford Avenue. Find out all the art news from this engaging local talent and her family.

What is your business story? The community wants to hear it. Sign up to be a 1 Million Cups speaker at 1millioncups.com/ponca-city now.

Business Plan PItch-off

That's a wrap on the 2024 PCDA Business Plan Pitch-off competition. High score business this year was Kristan Lawson with Under My Wing Academy LLC. This new model of childcare for Ponca City wowed the judges and gave Under My Wing the scores needed for the business incentives.

Next up was Liz Threlkeld pitching her Farm Hub store Sunny Creek Trading Post coming in a close second. Third place was Lonnie Doyle with his merchandising subscription service MerchClaim. Business plans were scored, Pitches were heard and the judges made some tough choices. Congratulations to Under My Wing Academy for being this year's Pitch Off Champion. Under My Wing moves forward with their new location at Marland's Place. Sunny Creek Trading Post will have a weekly store located in City Central (day and hours to be announced) and MerchClaim continues its beta testing, getting closer to a launch date.

If you would like more information on any of these business, please do not hesitate to give the PCDA office a call at 580.765.7070.