ConocoPhillips Puts Another $150,000 Behind Permian Basin Small Business Training

ConocoPhillips has handed the University of Texas Permian Basin a $150,000 grant for the second consecutive year to keep running its Small Biz Builder program for entrepreneurs across the Permian Basin.

The final cohort of the program begins Oct. 14 at New Mexico Junior College. Registration is already open. Previous cohorts ran in Midland and Monahans earlier this year, graduating 38 participants in total, according to UTPB.

The program targets entrepreneurs and small business owners in Ward, Winkler, Ector and Midland counties in Texas, plus Eddy and Lea counties in New Mexico. Brian Shedd, executive director of UTPB's Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, leads the initiative, with Stephanie Griffin serving as program director.

University officials describe the program as a vehicle for building stronger, more sustainable businesses through hands-on training, expert mentorship and practical financial tools.

"At UT Permian Basin we are committed to supporting the economic growth of our region," said Sandra Woodley, UTPB president. "Thanks to the generous support of ConocoPhillips, the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program will empower local entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to build strong, sustainable businesses that contribute to a thriving local economy."

Built on CO.STARTERS and FINSYNC

The curriculum comes from CO.STARTERS, a nationally recognized model that walks entrepreneurs through business idea development, customer discovery and business modeling. UTPB pairs it with tools and training from FINSYNC, a small business financial platform.

"It is paired with tools and training from FINSYNC, a leading small business financial platform that helps participants manage cash flow, streamline operations, and make confident decisions," UTPB officials said.

Later in the program, participants work with the UTPB Small Business Development Center to refine their businesses for continued growth.

Shedd framed the program as something more immediate than classroom theory. "This program is more than theory," he said. "It's practical, relevant, and deeply community driven. It's about creating long-term impact by giving entrepreneurs the foundation and tools to lead successful businesses right here in the Permian Basin."

An Anchor Tenant Invests in Its Supply Chain

For ConocoPhillips, one of the Permian Basin's largest operators, the grant extends a community investment strategy tied directly to the region where it drills. Aaron Hunter, ConocoPhillips Permian president, said small businesses breathe life into a community.

"We're proud to continue our partnership with UTPB to equip these small businesses in the Permian with the tools they need to grow sustainably," Hunter said.

Griffin credited the oil major with sustained regional commitment rather than one-off sponsorship. "ConocoPhillips has shown a deep, ongoing commitment to the Permian Basin," she said. "The ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program is a reflection of that commitment, providing aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the resources, training, and connections they need to grow their businesses—and grow them well."

She added that the program is thankful for the partnership and looks forward to its impact on business owners and communities throughout the Permian Basin.

The Oct. 14 start at New Mexico Junior College marks the program's expansion beyond its earlier Texas venues. Entrepreneurs can register at conocophillips.com/smallbizbuilder. If the Midland and Monahans cohorts are any guide, demand exists: 38 graduates in a single year from just two host cities, with the grant now renewed for a second run.