ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder Graduates Make Presentations

kmarksteiner0
2 hours ago
3 min read

By Misty Cryer

The ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program, an initiative to strengthen communities, is designed to accelerate the time to launch and scale businesses for both aspiring entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs in the early stages of business.

A graduation ceremony for the program was held on Wednesday, November 19, at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) for the 2025 class. Graduates were given the opportunity to deliver business pitches and network with other businesses and were introduced to resources that may be helpful to them in their entrepreneurial journey.

Tina Tiffany, Stakeholder Relations Advisor for ConocoPhillips, said they partnered with The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) to deliver the program.

“This program is more than theory. It’s practical, relevant, and deeply community-driven,” said Brian Shedd, Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) at UTPB.

“It’s about creating long-term impact by giving entrepreneurs the foundation and tools to lead successful businesses right here in the Permian Basin.”

According to the program page on the ConocoPhillips website, the six-week program has two tracks: the first is the CO.STARTERS Curriculum, designed to take aspiring entrepreneurs from the idea stage to launch; the second is the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Workshops for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business. Both tracks lead to a live pitch and graduation.

Graduates recognized at the ceremony included Kiely Donavan, Alana Brugman, Stevie Chancey, Jean Prominski, Sara Cage, Omar Visairo, Adela Visairo, Ricky Sepulbeda, and Dalila Sepulbeda for the CO.STARTERS Track, and Sergio Gomez, Tammy Knickerbocker, Heather Lewis, Richard Carrillo, Eddy Methola, and Jayce Rodriguez for the SBDC Track.

During the Carlsbad Information session, Stephanie Griffin with UTPB, who serves as Program Director of the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program, explained that Della Bedingfield, Center Director of Carlsbad’s SBDC at SENMC, provides input, insight, and education for early-stage entrepreneurs as part of the program.

“Both the SBDC and SENMC have been great local partners and resources for the program that have been instrumental to the success of the program,” said Shedd.

Shedd opened the ceremony by welcoming guests, providing an overview of the evening, and offering encouragement and advice to the program’s graduates. He then introduced program participants to make presentations.

As part of the event, program graduates presented their two-minute business pitches. They networked with local business partners who offered professional support, information about marketing and branding services, and financial and operational tools, with most providing incentives such as discounts, free consultations, complimentary services, or business-related gifts.

Business partners presenting at the ceremony included Niki Herring with Edward Jones, Jeff Campbell with the Department of Development, Gavin Peeler with Peeler Marketing and Production, Anna Goetz of Goetz 2 U Insurance and A&R Specialty Bakery, Ms. Osborne, a Career Ownership Coach, Kendra with Root and Rise Operations, Aaron Irving with Oakley and Irving Wealth Management, Laura Whaley with Whaley Great Image and Red Rocket, Della Bedingfield, with the Small Business Development Center of Carlsbad, and Dr. Kevin Beardmore, President of Southeast New Mexico College.

Before the ceremony began, graduates were offered the opportunity to have headshot photos taken in the gym. Dinner was provided along with beverages and desserts.

ConocoPhillips provided backpacks for the graduates, and photos were taken of the graduates with their certificates and backpacks alongside program representatives after presenting their pitches.

Tiffany and Griffin made comments during the ceremony. Shedd overviewed the resources available to program participants and presented a short video before graduates had the opportunity to network with the business partners in attendance.

For more information on the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder Program, visit the website: https://www.conocophillips.com/conocophillips-small-biz-builder/