The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) received a $150,000 grant to host the
ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program in the Permian Basin for the second year. This program
is designed to help local entrepreneurs and small business owners build stronger, more sustainable
businesses through hands-on training, expert mentorship, and practical financial tools.
Led by Brian Shedd, Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic
Development (CEED) at UTPB and Stephanie Griffin, Program Director, the final cohort begins
October 14 at New Mexico Junior College. Registration is now open. Previous cohorts were held
in Midland and Monahans, Texas earlier this year.
“At UT Permian Basin we are committed to supporting the economic growth of our region,” said
Dr. 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. We are thankful for this partnership and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will
have on business owners and communities across the Permian Basin.”
“ConocoPhillips has shown a deep, ongoing commitment to the Permian Basin,” said Griffin. “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.”
The program uses curriculum from CO.STARTERS, a nationally recognized model that walks
entrepreneurs through business idea development, customer discovery, and business modeling. 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. Later-stage entrepreneurs will also work with the UTPB Small Business Development Center to refine their businesses for additional growth and success.
“This program is more than theory. It’s practical, relevant, and deeply community-driven,” said
Shedd. “It’s about creating long-term impact by giving entrepreneurs the foundation and tools to
lead successful businesses right here in the Permian Basin.”
“Small businesses breathe life into our community,” said ConocoPhillips Permian President Aaron
Hunter. “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.”
The previous 2026 sessions held in Midland and Monahans, Texas were a success, with 38
participants graduating from the program.
To register for the next session and learn more about the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder
program, visit: https://www.conocophillips.com/smallbizbuilder.
Program Overview in Hobbs:
- Start Date: Wednesday, Oct. 14
- Location: New Mexico Junior College
- Length: 6 weeks
- Information and Application: Hobbs, New Mexico | ConocoPhillips
- Eligibility: Open to local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Ward, Winkler, Ector
and Midland counties in Texas, and Eddy and Lea counties in New Mexico
