From personal trainer to gym owner, Candy Tipton’s journey of determination and community support culminated in the grand opening of her business, IC Fitness, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Candy, a personal trainer since 2017, harbored the ambition to open her own gym. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive business plan to secure a small business loan, she sought assistance. Her loan officer directed her to the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where she was paired with Business Advisor Joe Silk. Candy was provided with an array of resources and templates that proved invaluable in her loan application process. She expressed gratitude to the SBDC and Joe Silk for their instrumental role in this process and was also enlightened about the different types of loans available to her.
With the guidance of Joe Silk, Candy successfully secured the loan, which enabled her to acquire a facility and the necessary equipment to realize her dream of opening a gym. Her active involvement in the community paid dividends as she received substantial support from her clients and friends. This support significantly expedited the process of setting up her facility. Eventually, her gym, IC Fitness, celebrated its grand opening on April 3rd, 2023.
“I couldn’t do this on my own…” says Candy, who found immense value in her time with Business Advisor Joe Silk. “I enjoyed that Joe communicated with me through phone and through messenger and also through email…” Candy says, emphasizing how important communication is to her.
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