Entrepreneur's resource guide for Oklahoma

              Z 900.5 E61r 2003 c.l
The Entrepreneur's
Resource Guide
for Oklahoma
The Center for Entrepreneurship .
at
The Entrepreneur's
Resource Guide
for Oklahoma
Compiled & Edited Bv:
Monika lackev
The Center for Entrepreneurship
at Ell
A special thank you to Dr. Grady Pennington and the
Oldahoma Small Business Development Center for
providing funding for this publication.
Acknowtedqements.
Also, thanks to Dr. Bill Mayfield, Dean of the ECU
School of Business and Director or the Center for
Entrepreneurship, for his input and oversight of this
project.
The Project
The purpose of this project is to make the entrepreneur's search for information
and resources easy, less confusing, and less time consuming. This project was
conceived from its very beginning as an evolving and dynamic process. The
research methods employed were of normal Internet search using several
publications as the anchor or beginning point for our search. We used several
configurations of the term "entrepreneur" in our keyword search process.
Needless to say there was an enormous quantity of information to sift through.
Further, each organization appearing in this edition was e-mailed or otherwise
notified and requested permission to use your web information. Many of you
responded favorably and many of you never responded. We hope all of you will
be pleased at the format in which we presented your information. If you wish to
make changes please notify us at the address below as we wish to include the
proper information that represents what you do.
We acknowledge that this first edition is not complete as we recognize the
dynamic environment in which entrepreneurship occurs. Therefore, please
accept our apology if there is an organization, a service, or an institution that we
have not included in this first edition.
We encourage you to notify us at:
Dr. William M. Mayfield
The Center for Entrepreneurship
School of Business
East Central University
1100 East 14th Street
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
wmayfield@mailclerk.ecok.edu.
If anyone knows of an organization that we have omitted please notify us and we
will include them in next year's edition. Likewise if there is any organization,
service, or institution that is included and the information is incorrect we request
that you notify us ant the addresses above so that we may provide the correct
information to the entrepreneurs of Oklahoma.
"This Cooperative Agreement is partially funded by
the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA's
funding is not an endorsement of any products,
opinions, or services. All SBA funded programs are
extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis."
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To all of the entrepreneurs in Oklahoma whose visions will change the face of
Oklahoma, let it be known that this book is the first attempt to identify all of the
resources available in Oklahoma to assist you in accomplishing your dreams.
This edition could not have been possible if it weren't for the following people and
institutions. First and foremost Ms. Monika Lackey, who voluntarily spent hours
on the Internet, reading, compiling and reviewing the information in this first
edition. Second, Dr. Duane Anderson, without whose guidance this edition would
never have been published. Dr. Bill S. Cole, President of East Central University
whose vision in creating the Center for Entrepreneurship brought the people
together to create this volume. Finally, Dr. Grady Pennington, State Director of
the Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers, his kind words of
encouragement and especially his funding without which this first edition would
never have been published and distributed.
Table of Contents
AdaJobsFoundation 1
Bankof Oklahoma 2
Business ResourceEconomic Center 3
CareerTech 5
Centerfor Entrepreneurshipat ECU 7
ChisholmPrivateCapital 9
Davis, TuttleVenturePartners 10
DeepForkAdvisors 13
Entrepreneursof Tulsa 15
EnterpriseOKVentureFund 16
First Capital Corporation 18
First United Bank 19
ForemanInvestmentCapital 20
Metafund 22
Micro BusinessResourceOffice 25
OklahomaAlliancefor ManufacturingExcellence 26
OAME- LeanEnterpriseProgram 27
Oklahomacapital Network 29
OklahomaCenterfor the Advancementof Science& Technology 31
OCAST-OklahomaAppliedResearchProgram 33
OCAST-SmaBllusinessResearchAssistanceProgram 35
OCAST-TechnologByusinessFinanceProgram 37
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Oklahoma Department of Tourism & Recreation
Oklahoma Developmental Finance Authority
Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority
Oklahoma Inventor's Assistance Services
Oklahoma Investment Forum
Oklahoma Jobs Creation
Oklahoma ute Sciences Fund
Oklahoma Native American Business Development Council
Oklahoma Small Business Development Center
Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Council
OTCC-Angel Accredited Investor Network
OTCC-Business Accelerator Program
Oklahoma Venture Forum
Open Mind Ventures
Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs
Quality Jobs Program
RBCVentures
Rural Enterprises Inc
REI- Equipment Program
REI- Financial Services
REI- Rural Women's Business Center
SpiritBank
40
42
46
48
50
52
53
54
56
58
61
63
65
72
73
74
76
77
79
81
82
83
84
Appendix
Oklahoma Department of Commerce Locations
Oklahoma Certified Business Incubators
OSBDCState Office Locations
Career Tech Locations
A 1-1
A2-1
A3-1
A4-1
1
Ada Jobs Foundation
Organization: Ada Jobs Foundation
Address: 300W. Main
Ada, OJ( 74820
Phone: (580) 332-2506
Fax: (580) 580} 332-2578
Contact Name: Evan Zorn, CEO
Web Site: www.adaworks.org
Email: NjA
Services: BusinessTechnical Assistance
General Information: The mission of the Ada Jobs Foundation is to create and
retain quality jobs for the Ada area. We serve as a "one-stop-shop"
by coordinating with the city and other entities for your
benefit. Pleasecontact us and let us show you how your
company can be very successful doing business here in Ada.
Preferred Industry: NjA
Assistance: Ada Jobs Foundation can help you locate your business
in Ada, Oklahoma by connecting the right location,
equipment, and facilities for your business. They can also help
you take part in the local business incentives offered.
Eligibility: NjA
NjA
NjA
NjA
Evaluation Criteria:
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
Bank of Oklahoma
Organization: Bank of Oklahoma
Address: 7701 S. Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Phone: (405) 616-7501
Fax: (405) 616-7546
Contact Name: Kevin Guarnera, Senior Vice-President
WebSite: www.bok.com
Email: kguarnera@bokf.com
Services: Financing
General Information: Bank of Oklahoma, N.A. is certified and preferred lender in
the U.S. Small Business Administration Joan programs.
Preferred Industry. N/A
Assistance: Commercial and Small Business loans, Treasury Management,
International Services, Personal Trust and Wealth
Management, Employee Benefit Plans.
Eligibility: N/A
Evaluation Criteria: N/A
Special Conditions: NjA
Additional Information: N/A
2
3
Business Resource Economic Center-
Carl Albert State College
Organization: Business Resource Economic Center-
Carl Albert State College
Address: Carl Albert State College
1507 South McKenna
Poteau, OK74953
Phone: (918) 647-1219
Fax: (918) 647-1218
Contact Name Un Bohanan, Dean of Economic & Global Development
WebSite: www.carlalbert.ed4..brec/lndex.htm.
Email: joycethomas@carlalbert.edu
Services: Business Technical Assistance
General Information: BREC'sMission:
Toprovide quality consulting services that contribute to the
economic growth of businesses, industries and communities
in southeast Oklahoma.
Assistance: BREC'sServices:
To provide information on developing, expanding, or
reorganizing a business or industry,
To assist in defining global markets, production strategies,
and modern technologies aimed at growing businesses,
And to offer instruction in cutting-edge theories related to
management systems, operations, public and private sector
contract procurement, financing, engineering, and
international trade practices
Eligibility:
Evaluation Criteria:
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
BRECconsultants offer services to any existing or developing
business or industry requesting assistance. These professional
services are free and confidential. However, certain materials
or third-party consultants may impose an expense when
agreed to in advance by the client. Call or write for an
appointment with a BRECconsultant tOday.
N/A
Sponsored by The OkJahoma State Regents for Higher
Education in association with the program partners listed
below.
The OkJahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence
The OkJahoma Small Business Development Center
The OkJahoma Department of Commerce
CASe's faculty and academic programs
4
Career Tech
Organization: Oklahoma Dept. of career and Technology Education
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Contact Name
Web Site:
Email:
Services:
General Information:
Assistance:
900 N. Stiles
P.O. Box 26980
Oklahoma City,OK73126
(405) 815-5110
NjA
VikJdDearing, Economic Development Uaison
www.okcareertech.orglmain/busind.htm
vikJd_dearling@odoc.state.ok.us
Business Technical Assistance & Employee Training
When it comes to serving business and industry, Oklahoma's
career and technology education system knows how to do it
right. They understand that productivity and profit matter.
Whether you are a company considering locating in
Oklahoma, an existing Oklahoma company, a small business
person wishing to grow your business, or an entrepreneur just
getting started - they have programs and services in place to
help you achieve your goals.
Their system of 54 technology center campuses covers the
state so, no matter where you are located or thinking of
locating they are there to serve you.
New and expanding qualifying companies can count on
having a productive workforce at start up - at no cost to the
company - by taking advantage of our Training for Industry
(TIP)program.
Oklahoma companies can make sure existing employees are
up-to-date with the latest skills and knowledge by taking
advantage of programs like Customized Business and IndUstry
Training, Existing Industry Training, Management and
Organization Development, career Development for Adults
and our award-winning Safety Training.
5
Small businesses and entrepreneurs can expand and
grow stronger by taking advantage of programs like
Small Business Management and Self-Employment
Training. In addition, several technology centers sponsor
or have connections to business incubators.
Companies of all types and sizes may find that they can
benefit from the Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network
and the Oklahoma Electronic Commerce Connection
Eligibility: IWA
Evaluation Criteria: IWA
Additional Information: Seeappendix for Career-Tech locations.
6
Organization: The Center for Entrepreneurship at ECU
Center for Entrepreneurship
At East Central University
Address: 1100 E. 14th
Ada, OK 74820
Phone: (580) 310-5274
Fax: (580) 421-9801
Contact Name: Dr. Bill Mayfield Dean of the ECUSchool of Business and
Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship
WebSite: NjA
Services: Entrepreneurship Training
Emai/: wmayfield@mailclerk.ecok.edu
General Information: Mission: The Center for Entrepreneurship at ECUgrows
entrepreneurs. We do this by facilitating opportunities,
curriculum, internship, business plan competition, and
community outreach.
Preferred Industry: NjA
Assistance: The Center for Entrepreneurship at ECU offers a Ouick
Advantage Entrepreneurship program. The University
Also offers Oklahoma's only undergraduate degree in
Entrepreneurship.
The ECUOuick-Advantage Entrepreneurship program creates
entrepreneurs. It is a non-degree certificate program created
to work with any person wishing to create or expand a
business.
1. Course work
2. Business Plan Development
3. "Aftercare"
The program comprises of three interrelated segments:
7
The program consists of four courses delivered on the
ECUcampus. The certificate of completion is awarded
only to those individuals completing the four courses
within the twelve-month time frame.
Each course in the curriculum is specifically designed to
deliver a portion of the total set of tools you will need to
successfully start and grow a new business or expand an
existing business. The courses will be offered on
Saturdays. The courses offered consist of:
opportunity Recognition
Entrepreneurial Finance
Marketing for the Entrepreneur
Venture Creation and Growth
Eligibility: NfA
Evaluation Criteria: NfA
SPecial Conditions: NfA
Additional Information: NfA
8
Chisholm Private Capital, Inc.
Organization: Chisholm Private capital. Inc.
Address: 211 N. Robinson, Suite 1900
Oldahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 605-1111
Fax: (405) 605-1115
Contact Name John Frick. General Partner
Web Site: www.chisolmvc.com
Email: jfrick@chisolmvc.com
Services: Financing
General Information: Their General Partners work with founders and entrepreneurs to
create and realize significant shareholder wealth. Each
investment receives a unique approach of non-financial and
financial support from Chisholm. This support evolves over the
life of the investment. Chisholm is entrepreneur friendly, and
frequentfy invests with management teams without prior IPO
experience.
They actively participate as Board members and frequentJy recruit
qualifIed, Independent directors as well as key managers. Their
extensive contacts provide critical access to ideas, opportunities and
information.
Assistance: Chisholm typically invests $ 1 to 5 million in a company, normally
In stages as goals or milestones are met. They seek to ensure that
each company has enough capital available at each stage to take
advantage of unexpected opportunities or overcome
unanticipated difficulties.
Eligibility: Chisholm does not Invest in life-style businesses, those that lack
full-time management, businesses with significant regulatory
risk. or non-U.S. based companies.
Evaluation Criteria: N/A
NjA
NjA
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
9
Davis. Tuttle Venture Partners
Organization: Davis, Tuttle Venture Partners
Address: 320 S. Boston, Suite 1000
Tulsa, OK74103
Phone: (918) 584-7272
Fax: (918) 584-3404
Contact Name Barry Davis
WebSite: www.davistuttJe.com
Email: bdavis@davistuttJe.com
Services: Financing
General Information: Davis, Tuttle Venture Partners (OTVP)is a private
investment partnership formed to provide emerging
growth companies with the necessary long-term
development capital, as well as vital management
counsel and support.
Assistance: OTVP invests in traditional venture capital
situations, as well as acquisitions and other special
opportunities. Its goals are to invest in companies
distinguished by exceptional management and
extraordinary growth opportunities - and then to
maximize investment returns by supporting
management in strategic matters and by providing
Objectivity and discipline to company policy
decisions.
Eligibility: People, not capital, turn dreams into realities.
Accordingly, in evaluating an investment opportunity,
the caliber, depth, and dimension of a company's
management team are all-important. The key
managers should:
• Be a well-balanced group in terms of technical
competence and proven managerial skiffs
10
• Have strategic philosophies, policies, and goals
compatible with DTVP
• Have a material commitment to the venture's
success
• Be honest and reliable - exemplars of the
highest standards of conduct
• Demonstrate the ability to make money
The prospective portfolio company should embody:
• Extraordinary potential for growth and capital
appreciation
• Distinctive competitive advantages and
products or services with clear-cut market
differentials
• Investment needs in the $500,000 to
$5,000,000 range - up to $20,000,000 in certain
situations
• Application of proven state-of-the-art
technologies to their products and services
• A coherent growth strategy presented in a clear
and concise business plan
• A high probability of generating investment
returns proportional to the risks
Requirements: When DTVPbecomes aware of an investment
possibility, the following process begins:
Preliminary Screening - DTVPwill review the business
plan prepared by the company. This plan describes the
management, history and background, marketing,
competition, financial information, product or service
differentiation, and upside potential and downside
risk.
Personal Meeting - DTVPwill meet with the
management team.
11
Investment Structure - DlVP will examine each
opportunity according to its discreet risks, liquidity,
upside potential and financing needs.
Detailed Review and Due Diligence - DlVP will
undertake a thorough review and survey to validate
the company's strategies, the uniqueness of its
products or services, its financial and managerial
strength, and other vital factors.
Final Approva'- DTVPwill prepare a comprehensive
internal investment memorandum. This document
reviews DTVP'sfindings as well as the investment
terms and conditions that will lead to a final decision
and closing of the transaction.
After an investment has been closed, DTVP'sprincipals
begin monitoring progress and providing active
company support. Again, this is where some of DlVP's
most significant enhancements to the company's
vitality and future value are made.
DTVPencourages prospective companies to submit
their business plans. They will be treated in strictest
confidence and responded to in a timely manner.
Special Conditions: NjA
Additional Information: NjA
12
Fax: (918) 298-1711
Deep Pork Advisors
Organization: Deep ForI<Advisors
Address: 8801 S.Yale, Suite 405
Tulsa, 01< 74137
Phone: (918) 298-0488
Contact Name Jon Weise, CEO
Web Site: www.deepforl<advisor.com
Email: jon@deepforl<advisor.com
Services: Financing and Consulting
General Information: Deep Fork Advisors is dedicated to guiding their
clients to deliver sustained, superior performance
by providing strategy consulting, investment
capital and leadership coaching. They worl< with
entrepreneurs and corporate managers to develop
comprehensive strategies that will accelerate,
reposition or turn around their businesses.
Assistance: They offer experience, perspective, proven results
and unique contacts gained during the past two
decades of leading firms through periods of rapid
change.
Using their proprietary Business DNA process,
Deep ForI<Advisor's provide measurable
improvements in strategic positioning, revenue
growth, operating margins, employee and
customer satisfaction.
All of their Advisors have proven success at
starting, accelerating and transforming
businessess of all sizes.
l3
Eligibility: N/A
Evaluation Criteria: Valuation: lessthan $4MM
Stage: growth (product development complete,
beta clientsJor managed growth (revenue,
accelerating marketingJ
Industry: web services, wireless, communications
hardware/software
Management Team: proven relevant experience,
personally invested, passionate, work well
together
Market Size:$1B market opportunity
Business Model: scaleable to $25MM+ revenue in
year five; simple revenue model
Defensible Barriers: strong control points or
"speed bumps" that create some barrier to entry
Value Proposition: demonstrable, economic value
proposition @ 5-1OX best alternative
Location: Oklahoma, North Texas
Miscellaneous: real customers, repeat clients even
better, draft business plan, low capex, reasonable
valuation, new product in an old market
Special Conditions: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
14
Entrepreneurs of Tulsa
Organization: Entrepreneurs of Tulsa
Address: 401 S.Boston, Suite 1810
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103-40 18
Phone: (918) 582-6131
Fax: (918) 584-4213
Contact Name: Jon McLearan
Web Site: www.etulsa.org
Email: johnm@wordspinners.com
Services: Networking
General Information: Entrepreneurs of Tulsa (ET)is a 13-year-old organization that is
dedicated to serving entrepreneurs. Our mission is:
Toprovide leadership and assistance for entrepreneurs to be successful
by providing education, information and group mentoring.
All of us who are entrepreneurs know how critical it is to develop a
network of business contacts. There is no better place to network and
collaborate with fellow Entrepreneurs than Entrepreneurs of Tulsa.
Come share show of the most pressing issuesfacing businesspeople
today, And, hopefully, you will take some solutions back to your
businesses.
Assistance: NjA
Eligibility: To be a part of this exciting organization, all you have to do is complete
the membership information form. Dues are $60 a year for individuals.
There are company and corporate memberships as well. We guarantee
you there is no better value for an Entrepreneur in Tulsa.
Evaluation Criteria: NjA
Special Conditions: NjA
Additional Information: NjA
15
Enterprise OK Venture Fund
Organization: Oklahoma Capital Network
Address: 840 Research Parkway, Suite 250
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Phone: (405) 235-2305/ (800) 337-0TCC
Fax: (405) 235- 2252
Contact Name Tom Francis
Web Site: www.otcc.org
Email: Tom_Francis@otcc.org
Services:
General Information: The Enterprise Oklahoma Venture Fund is an
Oklahoma company formed to make venture
capital investments in Oklahoma-based
companies.
Eligibility: To qualify as an Oklahoma-based company, 50%
of the company's assets or employees must be
located in Oklahoma after the venture investment.
Companies must also meet the federal Small
BusinessAdministration (SBA)requirements for
small businesses, usually less than 500 employees,
or $5.0 to $25.0 million in revenue, depending on
SBAStandard Industry Classification size
definitions.
16
• Oil and Gas Exploration
• Real Estate Development, Salesor leasing
• Wholesale Sales
• Retail Sales
• Farming and Ranching
• Banking, lending, Investing and Insurance
Evaluation Criteria: NjA
Special Conditions: The following industries are NOT qualified for
investment from the Enterprise Oklahoma Venture
Fund:
All other industries in any stage of development
will be considered for investment.
Additional Information: Other investment criteria that must be met to
qualify for investment from the fund have been
developed by the fund's Investment Committee.
17
First Capital Corporation
Organization: First Capital Corporation
Address: 3520 N.W. 58th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Phone: (405) 917-1117
Fax: (40S) 917-9660
Contact Name Mr. Ross Norwood, Regional Director
WebSite: rnorwood@frstcapital.com·
Email: www.frstcapital.com
Services: Leveraged Financing
General Information: Our Mission: First Capital's mission is to deliver unique
solutions to the financial challenges facing our nation's
developing and growing enterprises. Driven by our
dedication to deliver true value with uncompromising
integrity, we will respond with timeliness and vision to
our customers' needs. Building and nurturing trusting
relationships will serve as the cornerstone to our
success.
Assistance: First Capital Corporation provides a unique solution to
business funding- asset-based financing.
Eligibility: To find out if you are eligible to receive a loan
fill out the online application form or call
(405) 917-1117.
NjA
NjA
NjA
Evaluation Criteria:
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
18
Organization: First United Bank - SBIC
First United Bank - SBle
Address: P.O. Box 130
Durant, OK 74702
Phone: (580) 924-2211
Fax: (580) 924-0916
Contact Name: Brian Mantzey
WebSite: www.firstunitedbank.com/servicesSBIC.cfm
Emall: brianm@firstunitedbank.com
Services: Leveraged Financing
General Information: First United Venture Capital Isa licensed Small Business
Investment Company (SBIe) operating as a wholly owned
bank subsidiary. Headquartered In Durant, OkJahoma,
First United provides capital to growing companies for
acquisition & expansion. The preferred investment range
would be from $100,000 to $500,000 with flexibility In
structuring debVeqully instruments appropriate to a
defined intermediate term exit strategy.
First United places emphasis on Investment In non-metropolitan
operating companies, which comptements
the bank's commitment to support economic
development In small communities in Oklahoma and
Texas. First United VenbJre Capital has the unique ability
to draw upon bank resources and traditional bank
products while strengthening target company capital
structure through direct investment.
Assistance: N/A
Eligibility: NjA
Evaluation Criteria: ~A
Special Conditions: ~A
Additional Information: N/A
19
Foreman Investment Capita.
Organization: Foreman Investment Capital
Address: Mid<ontinent Tower
401 S. Boston, Suite 900
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: (918) 295-8054
Fax: (918) 295-8048
Contact Name Scott Zarrow, President
Web Site: www.foremancap.com
Email: sfz@zarrow.com
Services: Financing: Working Capital, Financing Venture Capital
General Information: We are a Tulsa-based investment firm.
Investing for our own account, Foreman's approach is that of
a long-term, buy and hold investor. We are especially sensitive
to the unique concerns of family owned businesses
considering a sale.
Assistance: Foreman's focus is on buyouts of established manufacturers of
branded industrial low to medium technology products,
Eligibility: NjA
Evaluation Criteria: Buyouts
Our focus is on established manufacturers of branded
industrial low to medium technology products.
Location: Prefer but do not require businesses located within
500 miles of Tulsa.
Revenues: $5 - 20 million.
Pretax cash flow: Above $500,000, steady or growing,
Management: Strong team interested in continuity.
20
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
Venture Investments
We also make minority investments in profitable, growing
companies anywhere in the U.S.seeking to expand their
production, technical or marketing capabilities.
We are not interested in real estate, oil & gas, or retail
opportunities.
NjA
21
MetaFund
Organization: MetaFund
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Contact Name
Web Site:
Email:
Services:
General Information:
2225 N. May
Oklahoma City, Of{ 73107
(405) 949-0001
(405) 949-9005
Michael W. Harlan
www.MetaFund.org
Mharlan@MetaFund.org
Financing
MetaFund's Vision
The vision of METAFUNDCORPORATION("MetaFund")
is to create a collaborative Ol<lahoma environment of
financial and social capital, citizenship, and civil society,
in which virtually any viable community, economic,
and/or workforce development initiative can be realized.
MetaFund's Mission
MetaFund's mission is to help bring about that vision by
convening collaborative, non-competitive partnerships
among banks, non-profit and for-profit entities,
government agencies, and individuals to provide credit
(loans) and investment (venture capital) for community,
economic, and workforce development; to aid and
promote job creation and self-employment
opportunities, housing and property
development/rehabilitation and maintenance; to serve
underserved populations and investment areas
throughout Oklahoma
22
Eligibility:
Evaluation Criteria:
Spe~(a' Conditions:
Additional Information:
Housing development & construction
Down payment assistance
Development Services & Technical Assistance
Small business training
Homebuyer training
Personal financial management training
Other life-skillstraining
America's Promise
Targeted low-to-moderate income census tracts
Enterprise, Empowerment, & HUBzones, etc.
Other distressed geographic areas, neighborhoods, or specific
properties
MetaFund's Mission Qualification Requirement
For any funding proposal to be considered by
MetaFund, it must satisfy MetaFund's mission. That
can only be accomplished if the proposed project's
purpose is one of the following:
to provide or improve affordable housing
(including multifamily rental housing) for target
demographics (as listed below).
to provide job creation or retention, or other
direct benefits for target demographiCS.
to promote housing, job creation or retention,
or other direct benefits for persons who are
residents of target geographies (as listed
above).
to revitalize or stabilize target geographies.
Low-moderate income persons
Underserved minorities
Other underserved populations
MetaFund's Structure
23
Meta Fund is a certified Community Development Financial
Institution (CDFIJand an Oklahoma non-profit 501 (cJ(3J
corporation. Since opening for business on January 3, 2000,
Meta Fund has raised more than S 10 million in capital from
Oklahoma banks. Its staff includes five employees, one
ArneriCorps* VISTAmember, and more than a dozen loaned
executives.
MetaFund's Partners
Banks
Non-profit organizations
For-profit corporations
Government entities
Foundations
Schools
Religious and faith organizations
Leadership & civic groups
Community volunteers & interested citizens
24
Micro Business Resource Office
Organization: Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service
Micro Business Resource Office (MBRO)
Address: 135 HES
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-6111
Phone: (405) 744-5776
Fax: (405) 744-5506
Contact Name Glenn Muske
Web Site: fcs.okstate.edujmicrobizj
Services: Business Technical Assistance
Email: muske@okstate.edu
General Information: MBRO's goal is to help you open a successful business
throughout education research and outreach.
Assistance: answer individual questions, assist in developing marketing
plans, provide education seminars and materials, and report
on future small business trends
Eligibility: NjA
Evaluation Criteria: NjA
NjA
NjA
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
25
Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence
Organization: Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence
Address: 525 S.Main, Suite 210
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103-0722
Phone: (918) 592-0736
Fax: (918) 592-1417
Contact Name Joe Epperly, Director of Communications
WebSite: www.okalliance.com
Email: joe_epperley.alliance@okalliance.com
Services: Business Technical Assistance
General Information: Our Mission:
Provide leadership and assistance to Oklahoma manufacturers to
help them become progressively more successful in their
marketplace.
The Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence was
created in 1991 by Oklahoma manufacturers and public-private
stakeholders. The Alliance assistssmall and medium-sized
Oklahoma manufacturers. Irs an economic development effort,
helping manufacturers in national and international markets by
securing the assistance they need to compete.
Assistance: NjA
Eligibility: NjA
Evaluation Criteria: NjA
Speci~~Conditions: NjA
Additional Information: NjA
26
Services: Business Technical Assistance
Lean Enterprise Program - OAME
Organization: Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence
Address: 525 S. Main, Suite 210
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103-0722
Phone: (918) 592-0736/ (800) 637-4634
Fax: (918) 592-1417
Contact Name Joe Epperley, Director of Communications
WebSite: www.okalliance.com
Email: joe_epperley.alliance@okalliance.com
General Information: A Lean Enterprise produces more wIth existing resources by
eliminating non-value added activities. Manufacturers are
facing increased competition and the stakes are high. The
winners in this competition work to eliminate overproduction
caused by traditional scheduling systems and only make what
customers want when they want it. Lean establishes a
systematic approach to eliminating waste and creating flow
throughout the whole company. It also helps develop and
implement a long-term plan to streamline operations for
success.
Assistance: How can Lean optimize your operations? The Alliance will
assess how your plant gets things done, work with you to
identify a baseline, then identify where Lean can have an
impact. This provides a solid list of objectives.
Design the solution:
This is where the blueprint is created that leads to a new and
improved operation. Employees are trained to "think Lean," so
everyone is focused on the same goals. A set of "maps" are
developed to provide the most direct route to where you
want to be.
Impfement the solution:
First, a pilot project is chosen and deployed to showcase the
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success of Lean principles. From there, a phased rollout
progresses. Lean is a multi-step process that involves
mentoring, facilitation, knowledge transfer, and joint
implementation with your company's team.
Stay involved:
Lean isn't something you do, then forget about. It's an
ongoingjoumey where the rewards get greater and greater.
As you meet your business objectives and improve your
performance, it's important to keep the momentum going.
Sure, you don't want to slip back, but even better, you want to
realize even more benefits. It's an area where The Alliance
excels. We can help you continually enhance your competitive
edge, measure performance, and constantly improve.
Eligibility: NjA
Evaluation Criteria: NjA
Special Conditions: NjA
Additional Information: NjA
28
Contact Name NjA
Oklahoma Capital Network
Organization: Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center
Address: 840 Research Parkway, Suite 250
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Phone: {405J23>2305/{800J337~TCC
Fax: {405J 23> 2252
WebSite: www.otcc.org
Email: info@otcc.org
Services: Funding
General Information: The Oklahoma Capital Network {OCNJis the investor
services division of the Oklahoma Technology
Commercialization Center (Tech Center). The programs
and services offered under the OCN are designed to
enhance capital formation efforts for technology
investment opportunities, and to foster the continued
development of an educated, organized and qualified
angel investment network within the state of
Oklahoma.
The OCN includes the OCASTTechnology Business
Finance Program (TBFP),an Accredited Angel Investor
Network, Venture Capitalists, the Enterprise Oklahoma
Venture Fund, and ACE-Net
Assistance: The OCASTTechnology Business Finance Program
(TBFP)makes state appropriations available for "pre-seed
investment" opportunities with qualifying,
advanced technology Oklahoma companies. TBFP
funds can be used for proof of concept, market
validation, business planning and other business
development needs. TBFPawards require a one to one
new cash equity and 2 to 1 in kind match.
29
Eligibility:
Evaluation Criteria:
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
Accredited Angel Investor Network is the backbone of
the OCN, providing the early stage seed capital that is
so critical to the success of start up companies. The
Tech Center maintains a database of angel investors
and investor groups over 300 strong, and maintains an
investment opportunities portfolio available to
network members who have provided the Tech Center
with an Investor's Profile. The Tech Center also makes
presentations to interested investors and organizations
and provides organizational and administrative
support for investor groups as requested
Venture Capital Firms provide valuable insight into
early stage client companies and receive an early
introduction to future investment opportunities. The
Tech Center's capital formation strategy involves
identifying, contacting, and interacting with venture
capital firms, nation wide.
The Enterprise Venture Capital Fund is a private
venture capital fund formed by Enterprise Venture
Management Company, a subsidiary of the Oklahoma
Technology Development Corporation, to make
venture capital investments in Oklahoma companies
that qualify for Oklahoma tax credits.
The Access to Capital Electronic Network (ACE-Net)is a
national electronic network developed by the U.S.
Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. It is
designed to increase small, growing companies' access
to the entrepreneurial capital marketplace. The Tech
Center, in partnership with OCASTand Rural
Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. is the ACE-Net local
network operator for Oklahoma.
NjA
NjA
NjA
Each program has it's own evaluation criteria and
Conditions, please see the program's page for more
information.
30
Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science &
Technology
Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and
Technology
Organization:
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Contact Name:
Web Site:
Email:
Services:
General Information:
Assistance:
4545 N. Uncoln Blvd., Ste. 116
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3413
(405) 524-1357 / (866) 265-2215
(405) 521-6501
N/A
www.ocast.state.ok.us
info@ocast.state.ok.us
Technology Transfer and Financing
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and
Technology is the state's only agency focusing solely on
technology - its development, transfer, commercialization and
impact on our state's economy
In 1987 the Oklahoma legislature created the
Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and
Technology (OCAST)to:
Build the infrastructure of expertise and equipment needed to
conduct nationally competitive research and development in
Oklahoma and Stimulate Oklahoma firms applying and
producing technology.
Since inception, OCASThas administered $118 million in
state-appropriated money and leveraged $5.68 for every
dollar spent. That leverage represents more than one half
billion dollars invested in Oklahoma research.
Seed funds for human health research
Matching funds for research with commercial potential
Assistance with the cost of preparing SBIRproposals
31
Eligibility:
Evaluation Criteria:
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
Modernization assistance for small and medium-sized
Oklahoma manufacturers
Instruction in preparing applications for OCASTpeer reviewed
funding competitions
Written expert commentary on all proposals submitted to
OCASTfunding competitions
Development of state proposals and management of grants to
the state of federal funds
Supporting manufacturing extension, technology transfer,
and commercialization.
Information on federal research and technology transfer
opportunities for businesses
Assistance for small Oklahoma firms with accessing and using
federal and state technology resources
N/A
NfA
N/A
OCAST'sscope includes these different programs:
The Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center
The Oklahoma Applied Research Program
The Small Business Applied Research Assistance Program
The Oklahoma Health Research Program
The Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence
The Oklahoma Inventors Service
The OCASTTechnology Business Financing Program
32
Oklahoma Applied Research Support-
OCAST
.Organization: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of
Science and Technology
Address: 4545 N. Uncoln Blvd., Ste. 116
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3413
Phone: (405) 524-1357 or (866) 265-2215
Fax: (405) 521-6501
Email: mmcfarland@ocast.state.ok.us
Contact Name: Michelle McFarland, Program Officer
WebSite: www.ocast.state.ok.usjoars.htm
Services: Research and Development Assistance
General Information: The Oklahoma Applied Research Support (OARS)program
was initiated to accelerate the development of technology
with potential for producing a commercially successful
product, process or service, which will benefit Oklahoma's
economy. OCAST,through the OARSprogram, provides
incentive funding to applied research projects under terms
which increase industrial R&Dinvestment and reward
collaborative efforts when combining the resources of two or
more organizations is advantageous to the commercial
outcome of a project. State incentive funding helps recipients
leverage the capital required to develop and market a
technology.
Preferred Industry: High Technology
Assistance: Reimbursement contracts are competitively awarded to
Oklahoma businesses, universities and non-profit research
organizations for one- to three-year R&Dprojects. A minimum
of one dollar matching support is required for each State
dollar awarded; no indirect costs are allowed. Continued
funding is contingent on satisfactory annual performance
evaluations and availability of funds.
Eligibility: NjA
33
Evaluation Criteria:
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
Reviewers with technical and market expertise, a majority of
whom reside outside Oklahoma, evaluate the proposals for
technical merit, potential economic impact and commitment
of the participating organization(s). Written reviewer input
assists applicants in revision of proposals for resubmission to
OCASTor other funding organizations. Reviewers also
conduct annual performance evaluations of funded projects.
The OARSCommittee selects all reviewers.
N/A
N/A
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Small Business Research Assistance Programs- OCAST
Organization:
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Contact Name
Web Site:
Email:
Services:
General Information:
Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of
Scienceand Technology
545 N. Lincoln Blvd., Ste. 116
Oldahoma City, Oldahoma 73105-3413
(405J 524-1357 ext. 232
N/A
Dan Luton
www.ocast.state.ok.us/sbra
dluton@ocast.state.ok.us
ResearchAssistance
OCAST'sSmall Business Research Assistance (SBRA)
programs address the statutory goals of supporting
applied research and facilitating technology transfer by
leveraging federal and private resources and catalyzing
action.
SBRAprograms motivate and assist qualifying Ol<lahoma
firms to compete for research funding under the federal
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIRJand Small
Business Technology Transfer (STTR)Programs to develop
commercializable products.
The OCASTprograms defray a portion of a qualifying
firm's federal SBIRor STTRPhase I proposal preparation
costs and provide bridge funding between Phase I and
Phase II federal SBIRgrants. The programs provide
information and assistance to improve the quality of
proposals.
Through the SBIRprogram, 11 federal agencies provide
seed support for product feasibility studies and prototype
development generally found lacking in the private
investment community. The federal STTRprogram
accomplishes this same purpose, while forging research
collaborations between small firms and university or
other non-profit research institutions.
35
Assistance:
Eligibility:
Evaluation Criteria:
Special Conditions:
Additional Information:
SBIRPHASE I Incentive
The SBIR Phase I Incentive Funding Program encourages
small, innovative Oklahoma businesses to apply for
federal Small Business Innovation Research Phase I
grants. The three-phase federal SBIR Program allows small
firms to meet the research & development needs of
federal agencies while taking steps toward possible
commercialization of new technologies. SBIR funds the
critical start-up stages and encourages the
commercialization of the technology, product, or service.
SBIRMATCHING FUNDS
The OCAST SBIR Matching Funds Program encourages
Oklahoma firms which have won SBIR Phase I awards to
pursue the more substantial federal SBIR Phase II awards.
The program sustains small businesses through the
funding gap which occurs between completion of the
Phase I grant and the initiation of a Phase II award.
OCAST matches, at $.50 on the dollar, a federal Phase I
SBIRaward when the firm submits a qualified Phase II
proposal (up to the annual limit set by the OCAST board).
STTRINCENTIVE FUNDING
OCAST operates an Small Business Technology Transfer
(STTR)Incentive Funding program to complement the
federal Small Business Technology Transfer program. The
federal STTRProgram makes awards to small firms for
research and development conducted jointly with a
research institution.
N,lA
N/A
N,lA
Additional Information for each phase can be found at
www.ocast.state.ok.us
36
Technology Business Finance Program -OCAST
Organization:
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Contact Name:
Web Site:
Email:
Services:
General Information:
Preferred Industry:
Assistance:
Eligibility:
OCAST
840 Research Parkway, Suite 250
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Atlas Ute Buifding
415 South Boston, Suite 800
Tulsa, OK 74103
OKC: (405) 232-2305
Toll Free: (800) 337-OTCC
Tulsa: (918) 582-5592
OKC: (405) 232-3353
NjA
Tulsa: (918) 582-3392
www.ocast.state.ok.us
info@ocast.state.ok.us
Financing
The Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center is the
Program Manager for the OCAST Technology Business
Finance Program (TBFP) designed to provide Oklahoma-based,
high-tech, start-up companies with pre-seed financing
and early stage risk capital to stimulate additional investments
from private sources.
high technology
Matching funds programs.
Eligible firms must be technology-based, sufficiently
innovative to provide a competitive advantage in the
marketplace and have the potential for Significant, high
performance growth. They must also exhibit significant
potential for high sales per employee, substantial value added
per employee, wage levels 35-40% higher than average, and
other indicators related to the generation of wealth for
Oklahoma's economy.
37
Evaluation Criteria:
Special Conditions:
Eligible applicants must be in the process of commerciali2ing
advanced technology, defined as a state of the art. proprietary
product, process, material, design, and/or know-how.
Industries assisted by the Program include, but are not limited
to:
• Ufe sciences
• Information technologies
• Communications technologies
• Aerospace
• Electronics and related fields
• Materials
• Robotics
• Medical devices and instruments
• Telecommunications
• Agra-sciences
• Energy
Service and related firms developing a proprietary product or
technology for these industries are also eligible to compete
for Program funds.
Firms applying for assistance under this Program must be
located in, or must have relocated to, and be primarily
domiciled in Oklahoma prior to the receipt of Program funds.
Eligible firms must be classified as small businesses in
accordance with the U.S.Small Business Administration.
Eligible firms should primarily be in a development stage prior
to full production. This is further defined as any stage from
idea conceptualization up to, and prior to, established and
steady market sales. This, for the most part. suggests firms in
the development, proof of concept, and prototype stages of
their life cycle. Firms needing "pre-seed" capital are also
eligible, with funding allowed for prototype development,
completion of business plans, executive recruiting, and
detailed market analysis needs. (usually no more than 500
employees)
A completed application, and required document attachments
including four (4) copies of a complete business plan, must be
filed with the Program Manager. The Tech Center staff will
review all applications and business plans for completeness
and compliance with eligibility requirements. Those
applications/business plans that meet the standard criteria
will be forwarded to an expert, independent review
committee for analysis and scoring. Applicants whose plans
38
Additional Information:
exceed the minimum required score will be offered an award
contract at the recommended funding level until Program
funds are exhausted.
Guidelines for writing business plans and a description of the
qualification and scoring criteria are available from the Tech
Center. The Tech Center can also help applicants identify
service providers to assist them. Applicants are encouraged to
use these resources to help them prepare successful
application materials.
Firms not eligible for funding under this Program include:
• Retail services
• Oil and gas exploration and production franchisees
• Real estate development, management, and investment
companies
• Any technology or non-technology firms that do not have
a proprietary product or service.
(Firms will not be disqualified because their customers are in
such industries)
39
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Organization:
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Contact Name:
Web Site:
Email:
Services:
General Information:
Preferred Industry:
Assistance:
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
900 N. Stiles
Oklahoma City, OK
(800) 879-6552 or (405) 815- 6552
(405) 815-5109
NjA
www.odoc.state.ok.us
info@odoc.state.ok.us
Business Technical Assistance, Export Assistance,
Minority Business Assistance, Business Incubators, and
Export Assistance
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce provides
resources, information and services to all sizes and types
of businesses in Oklahoma to assist in expanding,
finding new markets nationally and overseas, and
resolving technical and regulatory issues.
NjA
ODOC has a variety of available service that tailor to
Oklahoma businesses, they include:
Start-up Referral
Labor Surveys
Business Financing
Training for Industry Program
Women Owned Business Certification Program
Minority-Owned Business Services
Building and Site Location Assistance
Business Incubator Certification
Business Ucensing Program
Export Assistance
Export Financing
40
Business Incentive Analysis
Business Incentive Tax Training
Industrial Park Certification
Needs Assessment/Problem Resolution
Census, Economic, and Demographic Data
Business Visitation and Surveys
Business Expansion and Retention
Eligibility: NjA
Evaluation Criteria: Program Specific
Special Conditions: NjA
Additional Information: The list of Oklahoma Department of Commerce agencies
is located in the appendix.
41