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The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May have worked with client Kimberly St. Clair to grow OTEKA SOLUTIONS, a launching pad for innovative solutions that solve global problems.

After working in corporate America for more than 30 years, St. Clair decided it was time to apply her skills and knowledge and start her own business. With her experience in strategic marketing, planning and problem-solving, OTEKA SOLUTIONS is the culmination of that experience – hands on know-how, fueled by passion.  

“Due to the pandemic, this year was either sink or swim. I told myself that I could continue to sit here and not act, or I could take that risk and get it done,” St. Clair said. “The overwhelming fear of rejection and insecurities in my abilities had paralyzed me for too long. Though the task of launching OTEKA SOLUTIONS seemed daunting, I decided it was time to take a deep breath and jump!”

Through the advice of close friends, St. Clair sought the guidance of the SBDC’s DiMaggio May. She assisted St. Clair with a business plan and marketing efforts, guided her through the registration process for Illinois operation, and provided various referrals.

“Working with St. Clair has been a true pleasure”, said DiMaggio May. “Her hard work and dedication is truly inspiring. I am honored to be able guide and assist her along the way.”

Additionally, DiMaggio May connected St. Clair with SBDC Media Specialist Megan Grove to craft a perfect logo design, as well as with Julian Smith of Tech Fusion to create a website

St. Clair believes her experience working with the SBDC has changed her life.

 “From the moment I was connected with the SBDC, I asked myself, ‘What took me so long?’ They have supported me every step of the way and provided the direction and mentorship needed to get me to where I am today,” St. Clair said. “I feel as though the stars aligned. DiMaggio May believed in OTEKA from the start, matching my passion and energy.

“With each Zoom call, she was prepared and equipped with resources to share. She and her team have been a wealth of information and an absolute joy to work with. The experience of working with the SBDC has shifted my perspective as a business owner, helping to better align myself with my target audience.”

St. Clair is excited for the future. “My experience working with DiMaggio May and her team has exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I have no doubt that the future of OTEKA SOLUTIONS will be successful. I am so incredibly grateful for the mentorship and support of the SBDC for helping bring my vision to life. I am extremely thankful for the team and all of their hard work.”

Looking to the future, St. Clair is eager for the OTEKA SOLUTIONS platform to officially launch. She plans to continue expanding OTEKA SOLUTIONS and become a global competitor like Amazon, eBay and the like. 

Visit OTEKA SOLUTIONS at otekasolutions.com. 

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures, as well as existing businesses like Oteka Solutions, headquartered in the nine-county region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE as a service to Illinois small businesses.

By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining new jobs and encouraging new investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.

To learn about the SBDC, visit IL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE or call 618-650-2929.

Photo: OTEKA SOLUTIONS owner Kimberly St. Clair.