“Oklahoma is actually the number one state in America right now when it comes to infrastructure projects, roads and bridges,” Vavarka said.

That’s because the state has an eight-year highway plan. When it started receiving stimulus money, groundwork for these projects was complete. They were designed, right-of-way acquired, just awaiting funding.

Not everyone is capable of performing, or wants to perform, a big government contract. There are as many forms of assistance available as there are businesses and clients.

Businesses can obtain microloans for small amounts, from $1,500 to $30,000.

That’s plenty to accomplish some people’s goals.

Vavarka described one business owner who recently obtained a $6,000 loan. His invention: An anchor for soccer nets. It involves metal work and web belts to attach the nets to the ground.

The nets can be moved and the field mowed with no harm to the anchors.

The $6,000 loan may not be very much, but it’s enough to enable that man to obtain the necessary components, assemble the units, and sell them at a profit.

Ray said his office can help companies just getting started, and can refer them to agencies that will help them develop a business plan, such as the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center at Northeastern State University.

He and other RE staff members also can assist established businesses and help them grow. Since they work with a number of businesses, they can help put the pieces of a puzzle into place, allowing two or more businesses to work together to obtain a contract that will benefit all.

“One of the big things that’s not taken advantage of enough is the concept of teamwork, companies working together on a particular project,” he said.

The definition of small business is wider than some people might realize.

“Most of us, when we think of small businesses, we think of mom and pop type things, or businesses with maybe 15 to 20 employees,” Ray said. “According to the Small Business Administration, you can be a small business with 500 employees, or if you’re in manufacturing, you can be a small business with 1,500 employees.”

Ray and Vavarka said some companies that started out small, with one or two founding partners, may do well for a while but need additional assistance as they grow, add personnel and become more complicated. Ray said his office can help companies doing $500,000 worth of business annually, for example, expand, grow and become more profitable.

They said they’re always looking for new clients, and urged entrepreneurs to explore the Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma website.