POTEAU, Okla. – Last month, four small businesses in Poteau , Okla.; H & S Express, Poteau Craft Barn, Southern Drift Lake Rentals and SOS Fire Equipment were each awarded a $5,000 Small Business Forgivable loan from Choctaw Nation Small Business Development and the Choctaw Development Fund.
"Le Flore County is steadily growing and I couldn't be prouder of each of these Chatapreneuer's for their continued hard work and dedication to supporting our local economy," states Jess Henry, Choctaw Nation Tribal Councilmember District 4.
The Choctaw Development Fund supports economic viability and sustainability by partnering with Choctaw small business owners, cities and municipalities to create long-term growth and job creation within the territories of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
H & S Express is a trucking company that transports rock, fly ash, gravel and feed throughout southeast Oklahoma and north Texas. Owned by Makaela Hicks, H & S Express offers transportation services that focuses heavily on hauling big loads from one truck yard to the next.
H & S Express will be using the funds received from the Choctaw Nation to assist in the purchase of a second truck and a wet kit that will help further diversify the loads that they are able to take to and from future locations.
Poteau Craft Barn is a craft supply store that offers customers a wide range of customizable gifts in Poteau, Okla. and the surrounding areas.
Owned by Alicia and John Griffin. Poteau Craft Barn provides custom gifts including engraved license plates, apparel, plaques, vinyl work and car decals. In addition, they offer crafting classes, a child playroom with kiddie bumper cars, indoor bounce house and much more. They are open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Poteau Craft Barn will be using the funds received from the Choctaw Nation to purchase additional equipment for their business. Future plans include to expand their operations and have a fully mobile party rental operation.
Southern Drift Lake Rentals is family-owned and operated by Katie and Ronnie Wooten that provides kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, peddle boats and a few small fishing boats for rent in the Wister Lake area in Oklahoma.
Southern Drift Lake Rentals offers a stress-free and inexpensive way for families to have an amazing day on the lake by offering services to clients that will make their camping trip or lake day more memorable.
Southern Drift Lake Rentals will be using the funds received from the Choctaw Nation to assist in the purchase of two fishing boats and other equipment. Future plans include the purchase of three to five campers to begin camper rentals.
SOS Fire Equipment provides fire and safety equipment to emergency services entities with emphasis on fire departments in Poteau, Okla., and the surrounding areas. Owned by firefighter, Keith Gammel, SOS Fire Equipment offers new and used bunker gear, safety gear, fire trucks and accessories, tanks and hoses.
Emergency services is a fast-paced, evolving industry and SOS Fire Equipment specializes in locating quality used and new equipment for departments that work within limited or grant based budgets. SOS Fire Equipment provides quality products to customers at an affordable price to meet the needs of departments to prosper and grow.
SOS Fire Equipment will be using the funds received from the Choctaw Nation to expand their new equipment offerings.
For more information on these businesses, visit or contact:
- H & S Express: (918) 721-2268 or [email protected]
- Poteau Craft Barn: (918) 564-2400
- Southern Drift Lake Rentals
- SOS Fire Equipment
Photos
Photo by Choctaw Nation
From left to right: Kreg Haney, Choctaw Nation Economic Development Manager; Jess Henry, Choctaw Nation Tribal Councilmember District 4; Makaela Hicks, Owner of H & S Express and Brittany Rice, Choctaw Nation Small Business Advisor.
Photo by Choctaw Nation
From left to right: Kreg Haney, Choctaw Nation Economic Development Manager; Jess Henry, Choctaw Nation Tribal Councilmember District 4; Alicia Griffin, Owner of Poteau Craft Barn and Brittany Rice, Choctaw Nation Small Business Advisor.
Photo by Choctaw Nation
From left to right: Jess Henry, Choctaw Nation Tribal Councilmember District 4; Lake, Addie and Kattie Wooden, Southern Drift Lake Rentals; Brittany Rice, Choctaw Nation Small Business Advisor and Kreg Haney, Choctaw Nation Economic Development Manager.
Photo by Choctaw Nation
From left to right: Kreg Haney, Choctaw Nation Economic Development Manager; Jess Henry, Choctaw Nation Tribal Councilmember District 4; Brittany Rice, Choctaw Nation Small Business Advisor and Keith Gammel, Owner of SOS Fire Equipment.
About The Choctaw Development Fund
The Choctaw Development Fund supports economic viability and sustainability by partnering with Choctaw small business owners, cities and municipalities to create long-term growth and job creation within the territories of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
The Choctaw Development Fund partners with the Choctaw Nation Small Business Development (CSBD). The CSBD is a single source contact for member advisory in the business start-up and existing business enhancement processes that increase the opportunity for success through partnerships with state, federal, and tribal resources. Our focus is delivering technical assistance, training programs, and access to capital for individuals and entrepreneurs in an effort to build successful, job-creating, Choctaw-owned companies within the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
About the Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with nearly 200,000 tribal members and more than 10,000 employees. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, the historic boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. The Choctaw Nation's vision, "Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture," is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.
