Oklahoma SBDC Rising Innovators represent our diverse client portfolio. These clients recently presented their innovative products during the Rising Innovators Event facilitated by the Oklahoma SBDC Tech Launch Center.

Polish-born Julia Papinczak Balik had ties to the Pittsburgh community as her father worked tirelessly at Pressed Steel Car Co. from 1910 to 1922. Helen emigrated from Poland in 1974. Helen reconnected with the SBDC after many years. With the help of a current business consultant, she learned about the benefits of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and immediately applied. She received $121,633.00.

Rhode Island's seafood sector has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. But this crisis has also opened new innovations and opportunities. The Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island (CFCRI) has partnered with the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) to provide free consulting to fishermen and seafood businesses. Known as "Fish Forward", this new program has been established to help the community recover and then thrive in the long-term.

Business consultant Earl Gregorich helped American Hearing Loop (AHL) owner/founder James Stowell, a hearing-impaired Army Vet, acquire a total of $36,500 in EIDL/PPP loans. Stowell used much of the money to develop a new product that removes sound interference from COVID-compliant plastic barriers and masks. Although the pandemic demands physical distance between people, Stowell believes the "new normal" should not hinder the hearing impaired.

Our Sam Houston State University SBDC assisted a number of faith-based organizations, including the Alpha Omega Academy (pictured), regarding COVID-19 disaster relief. The SBDC also promoted the importance of participating in the US Census count with the local chamber of commerce and the local rep of the US Department of Commerce.