"We help everyone who comes to us."
An Edmond-area small business incubator celebrated the success of its clients and graduates during its annual outreach event at the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.
Small business owners gathered on Wednesday night to network and learn more about what AXIS Powered by Francis Tuttle can offer to growing ventures. Director Cara Evans said any business owner or self-employed individual can find something through the services AXIS provides.
“We help everyone who comes to us,” Evans said.
Launched in 2013, AXIS is a state-certified small business incubator that provides a range of services to promote business growth. Evans said AXIS has helped create $50 million in gross revenue for the local economy.
AXIS has helped 41 companies grow their business while creating 200 local jobs. It has expanded services to help self-employed individuals and connect small business owners with the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
My Marketing Assistant was recognized as a graduate of the AXIS incubator during Wednesday’s event. Founder Lindsey Miller launched the company out of a previous startup to assist companies in turning their marketing vision and ideas into reality.
The startup assists companies with social media strategy, search engine optimization on websites, and creating promotional content to support their clients’ missions.
In addition to My Marketing Assistant, more AXIS companies showed some of the work they have been doing as their ventures grow. Yoni.Fit has been working with AXIS for several years to develop a unique product to prevent female urinary incontinence.
The company developed a patented insert that is now FDA-approved and on the market. The Yoni Fit Bladder Support is available through a doctor’s prescription, and the company is working to secure patents to take its product outside the United States.
Electrospun Nonofiber (ENF) Solutions is another AXIS client making progress in its quest for growth. Founded by Morshed Khandaker, a professor in the University of Central Oklahoma School of Engineering, ENF has created several products through the production of nanofiber rolls.
These rolls have applications across multiple industries, such as food storage, air filtration systems, and medical uses. Khandaker said ENF’s current focus is on an electrospun nanofiber machine that companies can purchase and create the product on-site instead of having to order something similar in bulk.
AXIS is open to new clients. Business owners can fill out an intake survey online at axisft.org to be reviewed and voted on by the AXIS Advisory Committee. The committee would then also decide on the best fit for the venture within AXIS.
Evans said no matter what, business owners and self-employed individuals can always find their way through AXIS.
“If they don’t make it into the incubator, they can participate in a grassroots entrepreneurship program we connect them with, or maybe there’s a better spot for them at an incubator in a rural part of the state,” Evans said. "We all work together. No one is told no; they’re just maybe told you can’t pay rent here.”