From ice makers to infectious diseases test developers, OKC-area companies recognized, awarded funding

A total of 178 Oklahoma companies are splitting $13.5 million in funding after being named 2023’s recipients of a statewide program designed to help diversify the state’s economy and encourage the development of new products from Oklahoma businesses.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce received 222 applications for the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program. The chosen companies will each receive between $25,000 and $150,000 that they pledge to use to create a combined 1,058 jobs with a total payroll of $63.7 million.

Forty-nine of the chosen companies are from the Oklahoma City area. Here’s a look at 10 of them, how much they were awarded, and details on the industry and work they’re involved with.

AeroCore X, Del City

AeroCore X received $25,000 in funding and “specializes in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, testing, and reverse-engineering of heat transfer products for military and commercial aircraft.”

Bakery Bling, OKC

This “home to all things glittery” was awarded $150,000 and states their mission is “to provide everything you need to create sweet, safe, everlasting memories with your family and friends.”

The company has a line of safe-to-eat Glittery Sugar and offers unique decorating kits, edible cake toppers and more.

BankOnIT, OKC

Founded in 2003, BankOnIT assists banks with establishing a strong foundation in IT so they can better serve their customers. The company was awarded $150,000.

Dow Aero, OKC

What began in 2002 as an aircraft battery repair station quickly grew into an organization that offers on-site manufacturing, avionics service and more across the aerospace landscape.

The woman-owned organization was awarded $96,500.

Immuno-Mycologics, Inc., Norman

Recognized more so as IMMY, the Norman-based diagnostic testing company was awarded $150,000. The company manufactures, markets and distributes tests for infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19.

Jetta Corporation, Edmond

Jetta was awarded $120,000 to help grow its 40-plus-year-old business of “helping people relax” via development and manufacturing of bathtubs.

Outback Customs, OKC

If you’ve ever thought of converting a horse trailer (or, really, any trailer) to a top-of-the-line living space, then Outback Customs is your Huckleberry. The company was awarded $150,000.

Aaron Weimer, owner and CEO, said the funding will go toward doubling the size of Outback Custom’s facility.

“It’ll allow us to double the workload,” Weimer said, “meaning we’ll be able to handle about 20 projects at any one time.”

Schwab Meat Co., OKC

You’ve likely seen their delivery trucks around the OKC metro, but did you know Schwab Meat’s story predates Oklahoma’s statehood? George Schwab came to the United States in 1890 with a pocket full of old-world sausage recipes. In 1900, he planted roots in OKC.

In 1912, Schwab Meat Co. opened their storefront at 1111 Linwood Blvd., which is still operating today. The company was awarded $100,000.

SeatbeltPlanet.com, Edmond

Whether it’s a custom seatbelt job to match the interior of your 1969 Ford Mustang or a much-needed replacement for your daughter’s 2022 Honda CR-V, SeatbeltPlanet.com has you covered.

The Edmond-based company was awarded $25,000.

Vault Ice, Norman

If you’re not using craft cocktail rocks in your drinks, are you really even craft cocktailing?

Norman’s Vault Ice, maker of craft cocktail cubes and spheres, might think so. They use “premium” ice that comes in the form of a 300-pound slow-frozen block, which causes the cubes and spheres to be more dense and slower to melt than regular ice.

The company was awarded $40,000.