Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation (CPCDC) client, Shawnee Cleaners and Laundry, Inc., located at 704 East Independence, Shawnee, OK has doubled in size since moving into their new location in May of 2009.  The owners, Dwight and, CPN Tribal Member, Darcee Yancey, have grown their company from 6 to 11 employees and their new location has increased their size from 2200 to 5500 sq. ft.  Recently the final building code was satisfied for the City of Shawnee to approve the last of the two retail spaces to be rented.

The Yancey’s began completing their retail space as soon as they moved into their current site.  The Yancey’s rented the first retail space to Rick Landes and his mother, Nancy Landes, to open the B&S Boutique and Salon.  Shortly after renting the first retail space, The Yancey’s were informed by the City of Shawnee they needed to build a sidewalk before the other space could be rented. Since the sidewalk was an unexpected expense, their next call was to the CPCDC to request assistance and expertise on the matter.  The CPCDC immediately went into action to ensure the sidewalk was properly funded and built to make certain Shawnee Cleaner’s would be able to finish what they had started.

Mr. Yancey said, “The Shawnee Cleaners would not be what it is today without the help of the CPCDC.”  He credited the CPCDC with believing in their dreams of expanding their business enough to make it a reality.  Currently the Cleaners have a lease signed on the new second space and the current shop located in the first space has renewed their lease for another year.

Since The Cleaners sits on 4 acres of land, the Yancey’s future plans include further expansion of their business.  The Yancey’s stated their vision is to continue to partner with the CPCDC and create new job opportunities for the City who supports their business.

The CPCDC is one of the largest Native American Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) in the country. The CPCDC lends money to Native American owned business in Oklahoma regardless of tribe affiliation. “Our vision is to create economic prosperity in Oklahoma through commercial lending in Indian country,” says CPCDC Executive Director, Shane Jett.

If you are a Native American, married to a Native American, or have a Native American partner and would like to start or expand your business, visit the CPCDC website at www.cpcdc.org or call 405-878-4697 for an information packet!