Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) is celebrating Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month by highlighting the impact of its business and industry successes. One recent story is Kristan Lawson, owner of Under My Wing Academy, LLC, who transformed her small at-home daycare into a full-scale childcare center with help from Pioneer Tech’s Business and Industry Services (BIS) team.
Lawson faced many challenges while trying to expand her business. She originally planned to build or buy a facility but struggled with financial planning, business structuring, and the high costs of construction and property. Despite these setbacks, she was determined to grow her business and provide quality, accessible childcare for families in Ponca City.
Pioneer Tech Entrepreneurial Services Coordinator and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Advisor, Ben Evans, worked closely with Lawson to improve her financial plan, identify funding sources, and organize her business structure. When Marland’s Place offered her a leasing opportunity, he helped adjust her business plan to fit the new location and leasing model. He also guided her through the process of registering her business as an LLC.
Reflecting on her experience, Lawson shared, “Pioneer Tech was not only helpful but essential in helping me start my business. Ben offered encouragement, and we worked through other options when our first didn’t come through. Now, we have an amazing working relationship with my bank and we are thriving. The business plan was also essential in helping me pitch to the city and leaders. I felt like an actual business owner when I worked with Ben at PTC. Before that, I felt like an underpaid babysitter. Now, I believe in my mission and that my small business is going to make a real change in our city and beyond as we grow and expand.”
With support from Pioneer Tech and local community partners, Lawson successfully expanded Under My Wing Academy, LLC into a full-scale childcare center offering flexible, around-the-clock childcare to families in Ponca City. Her vision has become a reality, helping working parents and strengthening the local economy.
Lawson’s success is just one example of how Pioneer Tech’s BIS team supports local businesses. In the past year, Pioneer Tech has helped 253 businesses grow and succeed. Across the state, CareerTech programs supported nearly 9,300 businesses in Fiscal Year 2024, providing resources, training, and business development support.
By offering training, business planning, and financial guidance, Pioneer Tech continues to help small business owners like Lawson build strong businesses that make a difference in their communities.
To learn more about Pioneer Tech’s entrepreneurship training, business programs, and CareerTech opportunities, call 580-762-8336 or click here.