Business Smart
2025-07-17 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | ONLINE
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.”

Content Batching: How to Create a Month of Marketing In A Day
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:00
Tired of scrambling to post on social media or send out marketing content? In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to plan and create a full month of marketing content—all in one focused session. Discover how to organize your ideas, write captions quickly, and use tools like Canva and ChatGPT to design visuals and streamline your process. You’ll walk away with a repeatable system that saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your business visible online. Perfect for busy small business owners, solopreneurs, and nonprofit leaders who want to stay consistent without being overwhelmed.

Doing Business with Oklahoma County 101
2025-07-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-12 11:00 - 12:00
OKSBDC and Oklahoma County are partnering together to present “Doing Business with Oklahoma County 101.” Participants will be informed of Oklahoma County personnel, processes and practical resources available to vendors interested in doing business with Oklahoma County. This session will dive into not only the commonalities of doing business with local government, but also the many different ways that Oklahoma County is unique in striving to build fair yet competitive opportunities with vendors in the community.
Speaker(s): Chantel Boso, Director of Purchasing Oklahoma County Oklahoma SBDC
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.

Financial Toolkit for Entrepreneurs
2025-07-22 09:00 - 10:30
This workshop covers the financial aspects of starting and running a small business and delves into topics like entity structures, writing business plans, bookkeeping, and taxes.
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.

Navigating Business Success Through Financial Strategy
2025-07-22 13:00 - 14:00
In this dynamic session, we’ll provide a brief recap of the 4 Points of Focus® framework, followed by practical strategies for using your financial statements to enhance decision-making and drive business success. You’ll explore key insights into income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, gaining a clear understanding of how these tools can help you track performance and guide your next steps. We’ll also demystify the differences between gross and net profit and offer tips to help you manage growth while maintaining financial stability.
What You Will Learn:
· How to read and interpret key financial statements for better decision-making
· Tips for tracking cash flow and improving financial visibility
· Key insights into managing expenses and maintaining a healthy profit margin
· Strategies to support growth and ensure financial stability
Join us for this focused one-hour session to gain practical financial insights that can help you steer your business towards sustained success.

Leveraging AI and ChatGPT In Digital Marketing
2025-07-22 15:00 - 16:00
This comprehensive webinar, “Leveraging AI and ChatGPT in Digital Marketing: Unleashing the Power of Conversational AI,” is designed to elucidate how state-of-the-art AI tools like GPT-4 can revolutionize your digital marketing strategies. The webinar offers in-depth insight into the integration, utilization, and benefits of AI and ChatGPT in improving customer experience, personalizing content, and enhancing marketing effectiveness. Throughout this webinar, participants will learn:
1. The fundamentals of AI and the GPT-4 model
2. The role of AI and ChatGPT in digital marketing
3. Practical applications of AI and ChatGPT
4. Implementation Strategies
Whether you’re a digital marketer looking to optimize your strategies, a business owner seeking to enhance customer interactions, or an AI enthusiast wanting to understand the practical implications of GPT-4 in marketing, this webinar provides a platform to equip you with the knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of the digital marketing revolution.
Join us to navigate the AI-powered digital landscape and unleash the full potential of your marketing strategies. Discover the transformative power of AI and ChatGPT in digital marketing, and start reaping the rewards of this technological revolution today!

How to Write a Business Plan
2025-07-23 10:00 - 11:00
I will explain the purpose, structure, and requirements of a business plan. Each crucial section of the business plan will be reviewed and key elements will be discussed. It will be my goal to provide attendees with a ‘blueprint’ on how to write a winning business plan.

Reach Customers Online with Google
2025-07-23 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 how Google Search works and how you can improve your small business website’s visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This session also introduces products like Google My Business, Google Trends, Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Ads, and more. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and obtain a copy of the presentation used by this amazing 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.

Preparing for Capital and Exploring Funding Options for Your Business
2025-07-23 12:00 - 13:00
Whether you’re a startup founder, a growing business owner, or simply exploring how to better position your company financially, this session is designed to give you actionable insight into securing the right kind of funding to support your goals.
We’ll begin by covering the fundamentals of understanding and preparing for capital, followed by strategies for managing and approaching business debt effectively. We’ll also explore the current state of business lending—what’s changing, what lenders are looking for, and how to stay competitive in today’s market.

Doing Business with The City of Oklahoma City
2025-07-24 11:00 - 12:00
OKSBDC and The City of Oklahoma City’s Senior Buyer, Monica Hardesty, presents “How to Do Business With the City”. Attendees will learn the basics of the City’s contracting process, including the wide variety of contracts the City has available. The session provides insight into the formal bid process, including where to find solicitations, how to receive bid notifications and maintain your account so you never miss an opportunity, insurance requirements, available resources during the bid, the award process, what to do after you are awarded a contract, and much more. Monica will also discuss the vendor registration program & how easy it is for small, locally owned businesses to become registered vendors with the city. Lastly, she will answer questions and discuss some exciting improvements that have taken place recently.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and will receive a copy of the presentation.
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.

Small Business Insurance Basics
2025-07-28 11:00 - 12:00
We all know there are many important decisions to be made when opening a business. Making sure you select the right type of small business insurance coverage is one of those. Unfortunately, many small business owners find out way too late that they’ve not had the right type of coverage causing unrecoverable losses. Please take time to join OKSBDC and Andy Paden, INSURICA Ins. Group as we discuss small business insurance and try to help you navigate your way through these important decisions. Individuals attending this workshop will walk away with a better understanding of the following: * One Size Doesn’t Fit All – Make the right choice for your business structure. * Do you have the enough coverage? * Understanding Business Insurance Basics. * When is it time revisit my insurance policy and coverage? * How do I know what types of insurance policies I need? * What affects my insurance costs?
Speaker(s): Andy Paden – Insurica Ben Evans – OKSBDC
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.”

Building Social Media Strategies-Grow Your Brand Online
2025-07-30 11:00 - 12:00
Take your social media presence to the next level with this interactive training! Learn how to create a winning strategy that aligns with your brand and engages your audience. From choosing the right platforms to planning content, setting goals, and analyzing performance, this course covers everything you need to succeed in the fast-paced world of social media. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketers, you’ll leave with a clear plan and the confidence to grow your brand, connect with your audience, and achieve your business goals!
Presenter: Lauren Denny, KTC Digital Media Instructor
This training series is presented in partnership with the Oklahoma Commercialization Network, powered by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).
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.

Unlocking Visibility: Know Your Customer, Grow Your Brand
2025-07-30 11:00 - 12:00
This is a collaborated event between OKSBDC and our professional partners at Google. This training focuses on helping businesses differentiate themselves from their competitors by becoming an expert on their customers. By adopting a customer-centric approach, businesses can gain valuable visibility in their industry and become a trusted authority. The training covers topics such as market research, customer profiling, and communication strategies to ensure businesses understand their customers’ needs and effectively communicate their message. In this session, you’ll learn:
* The most effective and accurate ways to compile your target persona
* What market research you need to conduct and know the answers to
* Effective communication to increase customer loyalty and reviews
Attendees will receive a copy of the presentation and have the opportunity to get their questions answered by a Google professional.
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.”

Business Start Up
2025-08-08 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-12 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.
Speaker(s): OKSBDC Business Advisor
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.

Venture Forward: How to Pitch
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00
We’re excited to partner in bringing you the “In the Weeds” Masterclass Series – A program being offered by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Rural Economic Development Department. Part One – This virtual training is designed for rural entrepreneurs who want to sharpen their business strategies, refine their innovation pitches, and tap into valuable Oklahoma-based business resources. In this interactive session, you’ll build the skills and confidence to present yourself and your business to investors and key stakeholders. By the end of the masterclass, you’ll walk away with a polished and persuasive 5-minute pitch and improved presentation skills to help you stand out in any professional setting.
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.”

Business Smart
2025-08-21 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.
Speaker(s): OKSBDC Advisor Shannon Spier ; OKSBDC Advisor Greg Jones
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.”

Intellectual Property Basics with USPTO
2025-08-27 13:00 - 14:30
Are you interested in learning about intellectual property (IP) fundamentals? In this webinar, you will get an overview of four different types of IP while learning the importance of understanding each type.
In addition, learn about USPTO resources and initiatives for the small business community. USPTO experts will cover:

Patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
Why innovators and entrepreneurs should consider protecting their IP
Local resources and assistance available through the USPTO and other agencies
Presented by the Texas Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Attendees will receive a copy of the presentation and will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Speaker(s): Presented by the Texas Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Co-Sponsor(s): Oklahoma SBDC
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.

Staying Ahead: Monthly Google and AI Developments
2025-08-28 11:00 - 12:00
This is a professional collaboration between OKSBDC and Market in Moments with Maria Elena Duron.
Join us for a monthly deep dive into the latest Google updates and AI trends shaping the digital landscape. Each session will provide actionable insights to help you: Stay Ahead of the Curve: Learn about the newest Google algorithm changes, feature releases, and best practices. Harness the Power of AI: Discover how AI tools can supercharge your marketing efforts and drive better results. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this webinar is your go-to source for staying informed and competitive in the digital age.
Speaker(s): Maria Elena Duron Market in Moments
Co-Sponsor(s):
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.”

What Every Business Owner Should Know About SEO
2025-09-02 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:
1. Understanding how search engine ranking algorithms really work and to clear up any myths or confusion surrounding this process.
2. Learning the parts of a website that search engines evaluate when determining the ordering of search results.
3. Knowing the 5 most important factors Google uses to rank a website (there are over 200 factors)
4. Understanding the difference between “White” and “Black Hat” SEO techniques.
5. Avoiding the implementation of techniques that rank the site higher in short term, but penalize it in years to come.
6. Evaluating the Return on Investment (ROI)
7. Estimating the cost of White Hat SEO
8. Knowing practical techniques for your marketing that business owner can use to boost rankings without hiring SEO agencies.

Secrets to Buying a Franchise
2025-09-03 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.

Visibility Boost With YouTube: Maximize Your Brand's Reach With Video Marketing
2025-09-04 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.

Pre-Bid Strategy: What to Do Before the RFP Drops
2025-09-05 11:00 - 12:00
Most government contracts are influenced long before they are officially advertised. Successful contractors understand that positioning begins during the pre-solicitation phase—well before the Request for Proposal (RFP) is released. This webinar will provide attendees with actionable strategies to navigate the early stages of the government procurement lifecycle and engage decision-makers when it matters most.
Participants will learn how to identify upcoming opportunities, build relationships with agency contacts, and shape procurements through informed outreach and targeted preparation. This session is designed for small businesses, certified firms, and government contractors who want to become more proactive, competitive, and responsive.
What You Will Learn:
· The stages of the procurement lifecycle and where pre-bid strategy fits in
· How to use federal, state, and local procurement forecasts
· Where to find early market intelligence and budget data
· Best practices for outreach to contracting officers, program managers, and small business specialists
· Techniques for identifying teaming partners and aligning with potential primes
· A discussion on proposal readiness before the solicitation is released

Entrepreneurship - How to Run a Successful Business and Still Have a Life!
2025-09-08 10:00 - 11:00
Do you often find yourself pulled in various directions, uncertain about how to prioritize your time effectively? Do you feel exhausted or sluggish? Many of us end up putting our health on the back burner and end up feeling stressed and running in circles. The reality is the better your health, the more successful you will be and the more energy you can invest in both your business and your relationships. It’s time to try something new!
In this free LIVE Workshop, you will learn how to prioritize your health and break free from the constant pulls in various directions!
You will discover:
· Techniques for preventing burnout, ensuring you have ample energy for your business and achieving success.
· How to save time and be more productive!
· The importance of giving your best effort, having laser beam focus and how it leads to greater accomplishment.
· The reciprocal nature of building relationships and how it yields more business, referrals, and community connections and benefits your success.
· Strategies to schedule and protect personal time.
· The number one form of exercise you should do so you can maximize its benefits in less time.

LinkedIn From Profile to Pro-Fabulous
2025-09-09 10:00 - 11:00
Join us to discover strategic approaches to amplify your LinkedIn presence. This session, led by Roni, will provide practical insights into leveraging LinkedIn’s platform to enhance your business’s visibility and expand your professional network. Learn how to optimize your profile, utilize LinkedIn’s advanced features for content sharing, and engage effectively with your connections. This webinar is perfect for business owners, marketers, and professionals at any level of expertise who are looking to maximize their impact on LinkedIn and forge meaningful connections.
This webinar is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with LinkedIn.

Content Marketing To Grow Your Business—Emails, Blogs & Posts!
2025-09-10 13:00 - 14:00
Is Your Content Marketing Growing Your Business? With AI integrated with search and cookie control changes, your content can make a big difference for your marketing results. Content marketing is ruled by keywords, SEO and your ability to provide content that your audience values and shares. Learn how to identify and find content that encourages engagement and delivers your target market to your website, landing page or physical location. See how to encourage your target audience to share and refer your strategic content with their friends and family. Let’s identify the best content for your business or non-profit and reveal how to save time and accomplish your marketing goals while improving your search engine optimization and bringing more targeted contacts to your business or website and engage more with your business.
This Webinar Will Teach You:
· How to find, create, curate & develop content to achieve your goals.
· Time-saving tips, techniques & apps to help your content get noticed.
· How to increase your keyword results & SEO.
· How to attract & expand your list, subscribers, followers & referrals with content they value.
· How to move audiences from viewing your content to taking an action.
· How links create engagement by turning questions into content.
· How to use & repurpose content, pictures, & videos on multiple platforms.
· The structure & tools to make creating content fast, easy, & effective.
· How to get search engines moving on your content and where it does the most good.

Cyber 101 for Small Business
2025-09-11 11:00 - 12:00
If you’re like many small business owners, you know that cybersecurity is important but may be unsure where to start. The good news is that you don’t have to be a tech guru to begin improving! In fact, renowned cybersecurity author Roger Grimes says that over 90% of all cyberattacks happen as a result of human error. This means that with some basic cybersecurity knowledge and practice you can drastically improve your business/personal cyber posture. Our practical course will cover social engineering, phishing, passwords, and some basic software/hardware policies you can follow to get started today! Attendees will have a chance to ask questions and will receive a copy of the presentation materials.
Speaker(s): Jessee Paxton Business Advisor
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.”

Plan Your Website for Online Success
2025-09-11 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.

Essential Insurance for Small and Medium Businesses
2025-09-15 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.
