Oasis Ponds & Patios - Elmira Satellite SBDC - New York SBDC Success Stories

SBDC Success Story

    Story 0 of 22   
David VanLoon of Oasis Ponds & Patios is a Corning SBDC Success Story

David VanLoon of Oasis Ponds & Patios

David VanLoon
Oasis Ponds & Patios
Elmira Satellite SBDC

David VanLoon, a 14-year military veteran who served tours in Irag and Afghanistan, began Oasis Ponds & Patios in April 2016. Oasis Ponds, a full-service landscape company, is a certified Aquascape contractor that provides waterscape designs and installation. The company installs fountains, waterfalls and ponds, maintains water features and also performs seasonal care for their installations. Oasis Ponds also installs firepits, retaining walls, patios and walkways, landscape lighting, plant and tree installation. They also provide weekly lawn services, as well as spring and fall clean up. David worked with SBDC Advisor Susan Buchanan to develop a business plan to accompany a funding request for his startup. David secured a $57,000 term loan from Community Bank, a $20,000 line of credit, and contributed $10,000 of his own equity. Oasis Ponds is a true family business. David serves as the General Manager and is responsible for all estimates, the generation of new business and landscape designs. His wife Jenna serves as Office Manager and is responsible for marketing and networking, scheduling and ordering inventory. Near the end of July 2016, David approached the SBDC for assistance in securing a small loan. With SBDC’s help, Oasis Ponds received a $30,000 loan from REDEC to purchase additional equipment and supplies in preparation for the upcoming winter months. With the money provided, they were able to purchase snow plows, a salt spreader and a snow blower, which will enable them to take care of customers’ needs throughout the winter months.

To find an SBDC near you, click here.


State University of New York City University of New YorkASBDC Accredited Member Pace University Columbia Business School

SBAPartnership Program with the SBA, administered by the State University of New York. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling the SBDC at least two weeks in advance.