Choctaw Nation Small Business Development Manager Gary Johnson, Choctaw Nation Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr., Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton and Choctaw Nation Small Business Development Director Billy Hamilton present Kyle Fincher of Southeastern Recycling with the Chahtapreneur of the Year Award.

Kyle Fincher of Southeastern Recycling named Chahtapreneur of the Year

DURANT, Okla. (June 26, 2024)- The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recognized 12 small businesses at its annual Chahtapreneur Award Ceremony inside Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant on Tuesday night.

Each year, Choctaw Nation gives Chahtapreneur Awards to a Choctaw business in each of the reservation’s 12 districts, as well as crowning one business Chahtapreneur of the Year. This year, the highest honor went to Southeastern Recycling in Atoka.

Southeastern Recycling is owned and operated by Kyle Fincher, who’s worked closely with Choctaw Nation Small Business Development to grow his business.

“We love our annual awards ceremony because it’s a chance to highlight the effort and dedication of our Chahtapreneurs,” said Billy Hamilton, director of Choctaw Nation Small Business Development. “These business owners utilize our programs and resources to better their businesses, and in turn give back to their communities. We’re proud to partner with so many incredible tribal members, and we look forward to working with even more in the coming year.”

Award nominations are based on business owners’ participation in the Choctaw Nation Small Business Development program, community involvement and community impact.

Below is a complete list of Chahtapreneur Award winners by district:

District 1: My Doctor Pediatrics & Urgent Care (Idabel)

District 2: DK Firewood (Broken Bow)

District 3: Pine Mountain Lures, LLC (Heavener)

District 4: Baby Bear’s Home Cooking (Wister)

District 5: Rusty Wire Consulting (Stigler)

District 6: The Sparkle Shop (Talihina)

District 7: Highway 2 RV Park (Clayton)

District 8: Holy Roller Small Engine Service & Repair (Boswell)

District 9: Zolo Creations LLC (Durant)

District 10: Southeastern Recycling (Atoka)

District 11: HeavenScent Fragrances & More (McAlester)

District 12: Choctaw Websites (Arpelar)

Choctaw Nation Small Business Development’s focus is delivering technical assistance, training programs and access to capital for entrepreneurs in an effort to build successful, job-creating, Choctaw-owned companies within the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. For more information on Choctaw Nation Small Business Development, click here.

About The Choctaw Nation  
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 225,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 14,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.