Sand Springs Chamber launches new Small Business Initiative

The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce introduced a new Small Business Initiative at their Monday afternoon luncheon. The three-year program aims to present new businesses with resources for opening, growing, and becoming profitable quickly.

"The Chamber recognizes and appreciates the vital role that small businesses play in our community," said Chamber President Kristin Valentine. "These businesses are the engine of job creation and economic growth for Sand Springs."

"The Chamber wants to ensure that all businesses are equipped with the resources they need to grow and prosper, by providing the right climate for entrepreneurial and small business owners to succeed."

Businesses that have been open for five years or less and that have ten or fewer employers are eligible for the program, which includes reduced membership rates and sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, the program has created a Small Business Advisory Council that will provide direction for acquiring loans, filing corporate taxes, applying for permits, etc.

Lisa Miller, Jo Wells, John Fothergill, Danielle Myers, and Valentine comprise the council. Miller is the owner of Yellow House Market and Boutique, Wells owns Coble Flowers, Myers owns Myers Marketing and We Are Sand Springs, and Fothergill represents the office of Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, who is sponsoring the initiative. Fothergill is also a former Sand Springs City Councilman and Vice-Mayor.

"We are very excited about it," said Valentine. "It's already brought in several new Chamber members. The response has just been phenomenal from the small businesses here in town."