Jessica King is the owner of Sunset Ranch, an equine facility located in Norman, Oklahoma.
Woman-Owned Equine Facility Opens in Oklahoma With CDFI Support
Client: Jessica King, owner of Sunset Ranch
Client Location: Norman, OK
CDFI: Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corp.
CDFI Service Area: OK
Financing, with support from OFN’s Finance Justice Fund
Life has a way of changing perspectives, and for Jessica King, that change was profound and unexpected when she lost her mother, an avid horsewoman, at the age of 55.
This loss brought into sharp focus the idea of pursuing one’s dreams without waiting to retire. Jessica began to contemplate the possibility of owning horses herself, a lifelong aspiration that she thought could only be realized much later in life. Her search for a more immediate solution led her to Travis Ranch, an impressive 240-acre equine boarding facility located just five minutes from her home in Norman, Oklahoma.
While considering boarding her horses at the ranch, she discovered that the property was also available for sale. However, she didn’t have the capital required for a down payment and traditional lenders were reluctant to address her financial needs.
CDFIs Help Capital Flow in Tribal Communities
Drawing on her experience and network, Jessica reached out to OFN member Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation (CPCDC), a lifeline that would make her dream attainable. Indeed, CPCDC was created to help improve the financial literacy and economic opportunities of Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal members and other underserved Native populations.
This community development financial institution (CDFI) remained a steadfast pillar of support throughout the financing process, participating in countless meetings and offering guidance to keep things on track.
In 2023, Jessica, alongside Mary Westman, an equine attorney, and her husband David Westman, celebrated the opening of their new business, Sunset Ranch LLC, an equine boarding facility. The ranch aims to provide an exceptional space for owners and their horses.
Jessica’s story is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of seeking unconventional solutions, and the role of unwavering support from organizations like the CPCDC in making dreams come true. It proved that dreams could be grander than imagined and that a “no” is not always a dead end but sometimes a redirection toward the right path.
To those considering a similar path, Jessica’s advice is simple, “Do it!!! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to get something wrong. CPCDC is your partner and will help you through the challenges,” said Jessica. “CPCDC made my dream possible.”
Photo: Sunset Ranch’s owner Jessica King (right) pictured with her daughter (left)
Tribal Nations Face Persistent Barriers to Accessing Financial Services
A state with one of the largest Native American populations, about half of Oklahoma is considered tribal land, following a 2020 Supreme Court decision.
Yet, across the country, Native communities continue to be disproportionally affected by economic hardship: from limited access to education and quality jobs to access to affordable credit. This is where CDFIs like CPCDC play a vital role in making equitable capital available in these communities.
“Because Native CDFIs are led by tribal members, they combine a deep knowledge of tribal history with a determination to create opportunity in Indian Country,” said OFN President and CEO Harold Pettigrew during OFN’s 2023 Native CDFI Awards.
In July, OFN will hold its final regional meeting of the year in Oklahoma in partnership with the Native CDFI Network. Stay tuned for registration!
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