Copano Oyster Company Awarded Rural Gone Urban Foundation’s Small Business Marketing Grant
Support for Sustainable Seafood Farming and Brand Growth in Texas Mariculture
Lauren Dunlapm Founder of Copano Oyster Company.
Copano Oyster Company, a Texas-based sustainable seafood business, is the 2024 recipient of a $5,000 Small Business Marketing Grant from the Rural Gone Urban Foundation.
Founded by Lauren Dunlap, the company is dedicated to providing high-quality, sustainably farmed oysters while contributing to the health of the local environment and economy. The grant will support the company’s next phase of growth, specifically in expanding brand recognition, enhancing their digital presence, and promoting consumer education on the importance of sustainable oyster farming.
Lauren Dunlap’s journey to founding Copano Oyster Company is as unconventional as it is inspiring. After years of working in the medical field during the pandemic, Dunlap decided to make a life-changing leap by returning to her roots and starting an oyster farm. "I thought I knew what passion was before, but then I met the oyster," says Dunlap, reflecting on the life-changing decision. "Now, I’m not just farming oysters; I’m building something meaningful and sustainable."
With the support of this grant, Dunlap aims to bring her vision for Copano Oyster Company to life. The funds will go toward the creation of professional marketing assets, including the development of a consumer-friendly website, engaging social media campaigns, and eye-catching branding materials to elevate Copano Cream oysters in the competitive seafood market.
"We’ve already sold our oysters to Michelin-starred restaurants in San Antonio and Austin, but now we need to take the next step in building brand recognition,” Dunlap explains. "This grant will allow us to share the story behind Copano Oyster Company, its impact on the environment, and its role in the growing Texas oyster farming industry."
The $5,000 grant, awarded by the Rural Gone Urban Foundation, will help Copano Oyster Company grow its reach, build its online presence, and connect with more consumers who value sustainably sourced seafood. The Rural Gone Urban Foundation, led by Board President Brooke Taylor, is dedicated to supporting strong women in rural communities, especially those seeking to expand their businesses.
"We couldn’t be more excited to support Lauren and the Copano Oyster Company. Her passion for sustainability, her tenacity in the face of obstacles, and her vision for Texas mariculture align perfectly with what we’re all about at the Rural Gone Urban Foundation,” says Brooke Taylor, Board President of the Rural Gone Urban Foundation. “We invest in gritty, hardworking women who are changing the game, and Lauren is a perfect example of someone who is not only thinking big but also doing the work to turn her dreams into reality."
As Copano Oyster Company continues to grow, Dunlap’s vision for the future is clear: increase consumer education on sustainable oyster farming, create an eco-tourism arm to connect people with the process of farming oysters, and eventually expand into additional products and services that highlight the beauty and impact of the Texas coastal ecosystem.
"We’re thrilled to be part of Copano Oyster Company’s journey. The work Lauren is doing is incredibly exciting, and we can’t wait to see how this grant helps take her business to the next level,” said Amber Wright, Small Business Program Committee Member and owner of small businesses Dreamcatcher Sports, Sunset Corner, Vian T-Shirt Company.
As part of the Small Business Marketing Grant, Lauren Dunlap will have the unique opportunity to meet monthly with members of the Rural Gone Urban Foundation’s small business program committee. This committee is comprised of seasoned marketers, each with years of experience not only in marketing but also as small business owners themselves. These committee members have navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table that Lauren can tap into as she works to grow Copano Oyster Company.
The committee members understand the intricacies of building a brand, developing a marketing strategy, and scaling a business from the ground up. This regular collaboration will give Lauren access to tailored guidance on key areas like digital marketing, branding, customer outreach, and social media strategy. Whether it’s crafting a compelling story about the sustainability of Copano Oyster Company, or optimizing its presence in the competitive seafood market, these monthly meetings will serve as a sounding board for Lauren to fine-tune her strategies and stay on track with her business goals.
"Lauren’s story of perseverance, from the corporate grind to becoming a sustainable seafood farmer, is exactly why we created this grant. It’s not just about funding businesses, it’s about supporting the women who are making an impact in their communities and industries,” said Hannah Miller Ferri, Small Business Program Committee who is also behind the brands Goin’ Coastal Outfitters and Hannah Mo Consulting in addition to her full-time corporate marketing position.
Beyond just practical advice, these sessions will offer Lauren a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of running a business and can offer insights from their own experiences. It’s an invaluable resource that will empower Lauren to make confident, informed decisions as she continues to scale her oyster farming business and increase brand awareness. With the support of the Rural Gone Urban Foundation and its expert committee, Lauren will have the tools and mentorship to bring her vision for Copano Oyster Company to life.
About Copano Oyster Company
Copano Oyster Company, located in Copano Bay, Texas, is dedicated to growing premium oysters with sustainability at the heart of its operations. The company’s flagship product, Copano Cream oysters, is sold to top restaurants in Texas and beyond, known for their flavor, quality, and ecological benefits to the coastal waters. With a vision to lead the way in Texas mariculture, Copano Oyster Company is poised for future growth and education in the field of sustainable seafood farming.
About the Rural Gone Urban Foundation
The Rural Gone Urban Foundation, founded by Brooke Taylor, is committed to empowering strong, brave women in rural communities. With a focus on small business grants, scholarships, and “love bombs” for those in the trenches of cancer treatment and survivorship, the foundation provides financial resources to women who are making a difference in their communities and is dedicated to creating meaningful change and building brighter futures for women who are working hard, pushing boundaries, and making their mark.
