ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder Expands to New Permian Basin Cities

The program aims to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses grow through training, mentorship, and financial tools.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A highly stylized, isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a miniature small business storefront surrounded by other shops and offices, conveying a sense of community and entrepreneurial energy.A vibrant, miniature diorama illustrates the growth and community impact of small businesses supported by the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program across the Permian Basin.Midland Today

The University of Texas Permian Basin and ConocoPhillips are expanding their successful small business development program to new communities in the Permian Basin region this year. After piloting the program in Odessa and Carlsbad, New Mexico in 2026, the program will now run six-week sessions in Monahans starting April 28, followed by Midland and Hobbs, New Mexico later in 2027.

Why it matters

Small businesses are the lifeblood of many Permian Basin communities, but often lack access to the resources and support they need to grow and thrive. This program provides local entrepreneurs and small business owners with hands-on training, expert mentorship, and practical financial tools to build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

The details

The ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program is a partnership between the University of Texas Permian Basin and ConocoPhillips. The energy company provided a $150,000 grant to UTPB to host the program for a second year. The curriculum includes business idea development, customer discovery, and financial management training from nationally recognized models like CO.STARTERS and FINSYNC. The program is tailored to both early-stage entrepreneurs with new ideas as well as later-stage businesses looking to refine their operations for growth.

  • The program will begin in Monahans on April 28, 2027.
  • The Midland session will take place later in the summer of 2027.
  • The Hobbs, New Mexico session is scheduled for the fall of 2027.

The players

ConocoPhillips

An American multinational energy corporation that provided a $150,000 grant to fund the small business development program.

University of Texas Permian Basin

The university that is hosting and administering the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program in the Permian Basin region.

Aaron Hunter

The ConocoPhillips Permian President who said the company is proud to continue its partnership with UTPB to equip local small businesses with the tools they need to grow.

Brian Shedd

The executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at UTPB who oversees the program.

Stephanie Griffin

The program director at UTPB who works with early-stage entrepreneurs on business idea development and customer discovery.

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What they’re saying

“Small businesses breathe life into our community. 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.”

— Aaron Hunter, ConocoPhillips Permian President

“The coolest thing is the camaraderie. The participants become this cohort that leans on each other. Even when we've finished the prepared material, they're still there.”

— Stephanie Griffin, Program Director, UTPB

What’s next

In 2028, if the program is renewed, the plan is to return to Odessa and Carlsbad and revisit one of the three communities visited in 2027. ConocoPhillips is also considering expanding the Small Biz Builder program to other parts of the country where the company operates.

The takeaway

By providing hands-on training, expert mentorship, and practical financial tools, the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program is empowering local entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Permian Basin to build stronger, more sustainable businesses that can drive economic growth in their communities.