Angelene Ripley Wright, owner of Ida Red General Stores in Tulsa, has been named Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Ida Red is a retail shop in Tulsa offering unique gifts, nostalgic treats, and Oklahoma goods, catering to a diverse range of customers.

Ripley Wright was in Washington, D.C., to accept the award presented by SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman, showcasing her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.

She has been recognized for her resilience during challenging times, highlighted by Fernanda Pedraza-Schmitt, Oklahoma SBA district director, emphasizing the importance of small businesses in the community.

Ripley Wright’s vision for Ida Red, which she helped shape in 2008 and eventually purchased in 2016, has flourished with the business now spanning three locations and employing 16 individuals in the Tulsa area.

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She utilized an SBA loan for the business acquisition, alongside PPP loans and a COVID-19 EIDL to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, resulting in significant growth in the business and employee count.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ripley Wright’s philanthropic efforts through Ida Red have positively impacted numerous local charities, showcasing a commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.

Her recognition as the Tulsa Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year in 2023 further solidifies her reputation as a dynamic and influential entrepreneur.