Lease Literacy: Renter Beware
2025-06-25 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | ONLINE
Navigating the leasing process can be a daunting task for small business owners, especially when it comes to retail spaces. Join us for “Lease Literacy: Renter Beware,” a comprehensive virtual workshop designed to demystify the leasing process and arm you with the knowledge needed to protect your investment.
In this workshop, we will cover:
Understanding the Leasing Process: Step-by-step guidance on what to expect when leasing a retail space. Decoding Lease Document Terms: In-depth explanations of common terms and clauses found in lease agreements. Identifying Potential Pitfalls: Learn to recognize and avoid common traps that can jeopardize your business. Our goal is to empower small business owners with the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring their lease agreements support their business success. Don’t miss this opportunity to become lease literate and safeguard your investment!
Speaker(s): Wayne Stone Broker/Owner Milestone Realty LLC
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. “Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.”

Patent Filing Considerations
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:00
Intellectual property is becoming increasingly important when it comes to business valuation as well as success – especially for tech companies. A well-developed patent portfolio (along with an intellectual property portfolio, generally) conveys a high degree of technical and commercial sophistication to potential investors, customers, competitors, and licensees. It also proves that you value investment in research and development and are prepared to take appropriate steps to protect those investments. To keep all of your patent options open (particularly, outside of the U.S.), you must file a patent application before any public disclosure or commercialization of your invention takes place. The simplest first step is oftentimes filing a provisional application, which could potentially be done yourself – assuming it’s done right!
This presentation will focus on explaining patentability, what should be put into a provisional application, and what other information is needed to better ensure you properly protect your IP.

Visibility Boost with YouTube: Maximize Your Brand's Reach with Video Marketing
2025-06-26 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an engaging webinar that shares tips to create video content that engages your audience and boosts your brand’s visibility. Follow along step-by-step. We’ll cover the essentials of setting up and optimizing your YouTube channel and we’ll share practical examples and expert advice for a video marketing strategy that connects with your target audience and maximizes your brand’s reach. Whether you’re new to YouTube marketing or a seasoned pro, this session is packed with insights that will help you elevate your brand’s impact with video content.

Best Ways to Grow Your Business on a Budget
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00
With so many marketing options available for small businesses, where should you allocate your budget and resources in order to maximize results? You’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed in how to market your business and stretch the budget in order to generate the best R.O.I (return on investment). This informative webinar will cover top-producing, cost-effective marketing methods to build brand awareness, increase repeat business and generate quality leads. In addition, I’ll share some of my favorite free marketing resources. Leave with action items you can implement right away!

Building Business Credit Made Simple to Secure Business Funding
2025-06-26 17:00 - 18:00
Business credit is the simplest but most misunderstood aspect of a company’s success. However, in today’s competitive business landscape, it is more important than ever for entrepreneurs to establish and maintain a strong business credit profile. Doing so not only unlocks a world of financing opportunities but also provides the foundation for expansion and growth. Additionally, a solid business credit profile can help you qualify for loans, credit lines, and better financing terms without relying on personal credit. At the end of the day, building business credit is about setting your business up for long-term success. By taking the time to establish and nurture your business credit profile, you can position your business for growth, sustainability, and profitability for many years to come.
There is no time like now to start building a robust business credit profile and change the entire trajectory of your company! If you truly want to unlock funding products and opportunities that most entrepreneurs dream of doing don’t miss this webinar!

ChatGPT and Canva: The Perfect Team For Fast, Fabulous Content Creation
2025-07-01 10:00 - 11:00
Creating content doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. In this fun and practical session, you’ll learn how to combine the creative power of Canva with the time-saving magic of ChatGPT to create engaging social posts, polished flyers, blog drafts, and short videos—quickly and easily.
We’ll show you how to:

Use smart prompts in ChatGPT to generate copy and ideas
Design professional visuals using Canva templates
Script short videos—even if you’re not a video expert

Perfect for solopreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders who want to market with confidence, consistency, and creativity—without the overwhelm.
This webinar is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Canva or ChatGPT.

Small Business Insurance Needs Including Cybersecurity Threats
2025-07-01 11:00 - 12:00
Our speakers will discuss different types of insurance that should be considered for small businesses and how lenders and insurance carriers view the impact of Cybersecurity on Small Business. SBA will also provide program information and resources to assist your business.

Financial Health Checkup
2025-07-08 09:00 - 10:30
This workshop aims to help individuals assess their overall financial well-being, going beyond just their credit score. The workshop focuses on four key components of financial health: spending, saving, borrowing, and planning.
Presenter: Tina Herndon
This training series is presented in partnership with Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women’s Business Center (WBC) services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and language assistance services for clients with limited English proficiency will be provided if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact REI Oklahoma WBC at (800) 658-2823.
Initiated and powered by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), OCN aims to be the central hub where tech startups and scalable businesses can access the resources, expertise and connections they need to thrive, from concept to funding.

Visibility Boost With YouTube: Maximize Your Brand's Reach With Video Marketing
2025-07-08 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an engaging webinar that shares tips to create video content that engages your audience and boosts your brand’s visibility. Follow along step by step, we’ll cover the essentials of setting up and optimizing your YouTube channel and share practical examples and expert advice, for a video marketing strategy that connects with your target audience and maximizes your brand's reach. Whether you’re new to YouTube marketing or a seasoned pro, this session is packed with insights that will help you elevate your brand’s impact with video content.
This webinar is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, YouTube.

What Every Business Owner Should Know About SEO
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:00
Organic searches on Google yield the majority of traffic for websites, and is a critical component of the buyer funnel.
Ultimately, getting users to convert from web traffic into an engagement is the goal.
Considering the higher cost of White Hat SEO (using marketing techniques within Google’s terms of service), it is very crucial for business owners to understand if they are ready to implement a long-term marketing strategy.
Is your website ready for SEO? Are you a good candidate for search engine optimization?
With the always-changing search algorithm, and the limited time business owners have, it can be a challenge to stay on top of the changes that affect their online presence.
Knowing the principals of SEO will help you understand the tactics being used by your competitors, and how to measure the success of your SEO.
Learner outcomes include, but are not limited to:

Understanding how search engine ranking algorithms really work and to clear up any myths or confusion surrounding this process.
Learning the parts of a website that search engines evaluate when determining the ordering of search results.
Knowing the 5 most important factors Google uses to rank a website (there are over 200 factors)
Understanding the difference between “White” and “Black Hat” SEO techniques.
Avoiding the implementation of techniques that rank the site higher in short term, but penalize it in years to come.
Evaluating the Return on Investment (ROI)
Estimating the cost of White Hat SEO
Knowing practical techniques

SEO for Tik-Tok
2025-07-09 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-07-14 09:30 - 10:30
Are you looking to boost your business on the world’s largest search engine? Look no further than SEO for TikTok! Our expert webinar will teach you the ins and outs of getting found on TikTok, optimizing your content for maximum visibility, and growing your business. With our help, you’ll be able to get found faster and make a bigger impact on the platform. Don’t wait – join us today and start building your brand!

Get Your Business on Google Search and Maps
2025-07-09 11:00 - 12:00
If you’ve wanted to learn more about Google and how your business can be found online, take time to join us as Maria Elena Duron, Google Trainer/Digital Coach explains why showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish. Attendees will also learn how to:
* Create or claim your Google Business Profile
* Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps
* Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers
Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and get a copy of the presentation used by this Google Expert.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877.
All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. “Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.”

Secrets to Buying a Franchise
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:00
This workshop will provide you with all the information you need to decide if owning a franchise is right for you, and how to find the right one. Page Nicol is a seasoned franchise consultant and owner, with over 30 years as a UPS Store multi unit owner, developer, and experienced consultant with FranNet. In this presentation you will learn:
* What are the pros and cons of owning a franchise?
* What are the common myths about franchising?
* What franchise concepts are working in today’s economy?
* How can you safely find and research a franchise before making a decision?
* How can you get financing to start your own business.

OKC Women’s Business Breakfast
2025-07-10 08:00 - 10:00
REI Oklahoma invites you to join us for the OKC Women’s Business Breakfast – a monthly networking and business-building event. This opportunity enables you to interact with other women in business and potential customers, build your network and market your business!
Each month this exclusive networking meeting for women business owners, professionals and small business resource partners will cover a topic relevant to small business management and include a time of introductions so participants come away with new contacts and resources.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for these breakfasts or other REI Oklahoma training events, please contact Lakisha at lmeade@reiok.org.
The OKC Women’s Business Breakfast is offered in partnership with the Pioneer Library System and the REI Oklahoma Women’s Business Center. The OKC Women’s Business Breakfast meets the first Thursday morning of every month (with the exception of January and July 2025).
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women’s Business Center (WBC) services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and language assistance services for clients with limited English proficiency will be provided if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact REI Oklahoma WBC at (800) 658-2823.

Business Start Up
2025-07-10 10:30 - 12:00
It’s back to basics! If you want to start a business but aren’t sure where to begin, then this class is for you. In this workshop, our SBDC professionals will address many of the questions you should ask yourself before beginning the process of starting a new business. Attendees will learn about legal business structures, small business tax basics, best management practices, basic marketing strategies and market research. We will also talk about how to write a business plan and the importance of financial statements. After attending, you will have the opportunity to connect with one of our SBDC Business Advisors to get assistance in moving through the stages of your business venture. Attendees will receive a copy of the presentation along with helpful handouts, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877.

How to Avoid a Wage and Hours Claim
2025-07-10 11:00 - 12:00
QuickBooks Online -If you are a novice or a seasoned pro, learn some valuable time saving tips and tricks from the people that use it every day. After presentation, we have set aside time to answer your QuickBook questions.

Spend smart. Save strong. Secure your future. HAPPY FINANCIAL AWARENESS DAY
2025-07-11 15:00 - 16:00
How do you set your website up to win over customers? Your website has to attract and engage visitors, educate them about your products and services, and convert them into customers. Success begins with a plan!
This webinar will show you the key elements your website needs to succeed.
After the session, you’ll have a better understanding of:
· The critical role your website plays in your online marketing strategy
· The features and tools you’ll need to execute your plan
· How to get everything working together to achieve your goals
· How to set your website up to attract, engage, and convert your ideal customers
· Attendees will receive a free website planning workbook.

HR Business Basics for Small Business Owners
2025-07-14 11:00 - 12:00
This program will examine the requirements and complexities for small business owners to maintain when they have one or more employees. This program will provide an overview of setting up payroll including compliance rules, establishing policies & procedures, and the review and assessment of employer related insurance products including workers’ compensation insurance, EPLI insurance, and employee health & welfare benefits. This program will help small business owners understand the compliance issues, different choices available on the market, and risk mitigation of building a sound HR infrastructure for their businesses.

Essential Insurance for Small and Medium Businesses
2025-07-14 13:00 - 14:00
Discover essential insurance coverage for small and medium businesses, including property, liability, workers’ compensation, cyber, and more. Learn how to protect your business from various risks with the right policies. And navigate the current tough insurance market in California.

Virtual: Journey to Loan Approval
2025-07-15 09:00 - 10:00
This is an interactive workshop that helps participants understand the loan approval process. You will learn about credit reports, credit scores, and the factors that influence loan decisions. You will also gain insights into the requirements for various kinds of loans.
Presenter: Tina Herndon
This training series is presented in partnership with Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women’s Business Center (WBC) services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and language assistance services for clients with limited English proficiency will be provided if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact REI Oklahoma WBC at (800) 658-2823.
Initiated and powered by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), OCN aims to be the central hub where tech startups and scalable businesses can access the resources, expertise and connections they need to thrive, from concept to funding.

Email Marketing Essentials for Business
2025-07-15 10:00 - 11:30
Research says that for every $1 spent on E-Mail marketing there is an average $44 return on investment. To generate such positive outcomes, businesses have to reach the right customers with targeted campaigns. If you feel your E-Mail efforts don’t yet pay off, this workshop is for you! This class will teach basic and advanced techniques to propel your E-Mail efforts.
You Will Learn:
The 5 C’s of E-Mail Marketing Basics
How to create a content calendar with a complimentary digital version sent to all students
How to pick the E-Mail platform right for your business
Anatomy of E-Mail design
Subject Lines
Best times and days to send E-Mails
Why List Segmentation is important (case study provided)
Basic Automations
A/B Testing Tips

Fund Your Business With Sponsors
2025-07-16 10:00 - 11:00
Would You Like To Do What You Love and Have Someone Else Foot the Bill?
Have You Ever Thought Corporate Sponsors for Your Business, Show, Book, Charity, Speaking or Events?
America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you?
Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge.
Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business.
Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Wal Mart and IBM.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
* How to identify your potential sponsors
* How to attract your sponsors
* The biggest mistakes most people make
* Creating your sponsor proposal to get big bucks
* Spotlighting your assets
* Know how much money to ask for (Don’t sell yourself short)
* Getting your sponsors to renew again and again
Who Should Attend:
* Speakers
* Business Owners
* Authors
* Event Producers
* Social Influencers
* Non-Profit Charities
This presentation is only for people who want success now. Those afraid of rapid business growth need not apply.

Financial Projections for your Business Plan and Beyond
2025-07-16 11:00 - 12:30
Join us for an informative virtual workshop on the basics of financials and projections for small businesses. This session will cover essential topics such as understanding key financial statements, cash flow management, and how to create accurate financial projections that can guide your business planning and decision-making. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your financial literacy, this workshop will equip you with practical tools and insights to help you manage your business finances confidently and set realistic goals for future growth.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877.
All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. “Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.”

Fee: No Cost

Estate Planning & Exiting Your Business
2025-07-16 14:00 - 15:00
This workshop breaks down the essentials of estate and business planning—what every business owner needs to know. You’ll learn how to protect your family, plan for the future of your business, and use tools like wills, trusts, and life insurance to reduce taxes and ensure a smooth transition. We’ll cover real-life examples and simple strategies to help you make informed decisions today that will benefit your business and loved ones tomorrow.

Using Equity to Fund Your Dreams
2025-07-17 09:00 - 10:30
This training series is presented in partnership with Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Women’s Business Center (WBC) services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and language assistance services for clients with limited English proficiency will be provided if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact REI Oklahoma WBC at (800) 658-2823.

How to Properly Structure Your Business to Secure Funding
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:00
Structuring your business properly is essential to securing Business Funding, as lenders and investors look for credibility, stability, and legal protection. As the Founder & CEO of EXPANDEMONIUM, I’ve noticed that far too many business owners have structured their business to be noticeable BUT not Fundable. For instance, choosing the proper entity structure (C-Corp, S-Corp, LLC), securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, picking the right business address, using the right business phone number, congruency within all documentation, business bank account setup, professional website and email address, DUN#, choosing the correct NAICS Code, and posting your business on the right platforms are all data points business owners do not consider that banks hold in high esteem when applying for Business Funding. Unfortunately, a lender can deny your application for one of the areas I mentioned above so it is incumbent upon you to know what is necessary for funding success!
There is no time like NOW to make the necessary adjustments to your business structure and change the entire trajectory of your company! If you truly want to unlock funding products and opportunities that most entrepreneurs dream of doing don’t miss this webinar!

Business Smart
2025-07-17 11:00 - 12:00
If you’re looking to start a business and have questions on where to begin, this workshop covers those first steps. Maybe you have a business idea and need to answer a few questions to give the idea more structure. Have you thought of a clever name, registered your business, or opened a bank account? Now what? In this workshop, we will be covering the following topics:
Market Feasibility
Key sections of a business plan
Factors to consider when determining legal structure
Where to find funding Key resources for your business

The goal of this workshop is to provide direction to new entrepreneurs and introduce you to the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center. Attendees will have a better understanding of initial steps to starting their business.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877.
All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. “Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.”
