Join a free CFPB webinar on tax time resources for consumers
2025-01-08 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | ONLINE
Millions of consumers can keep more of their money at tax time by using free tax preparation services provided by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers. This webinar is designed for frontline service providers and program managers who want to know more about free filing options for the people they serve.
As a result of this webinar, you will be able to:

Connect consumers with lower incomes to free tax preparation options
Help consumers make decisions about how to receive their refunds
Direct consumers with problems at tax time to sources of help
Use Your Money, Your Goals tools and handouts to help people increase their financial well-being at tax time

Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with knowledge and resources to better serve your community during tax season!

Picture-Perfect Posts: Creating Social Images With AI by Roni Ramos
2025-01-09 10:00 - 11:00
Explore the creative potential of AI tools like Firefly by Adobe and Canva Dream Lab to design stunning images for social media! In this webinar, you’ll learn how to leverage these platforms to effortlessly create visuals that resonate with your audience and boost engagement. Whether you’re a design novice or looking to streamline your creative process, join us to unlock AI’s power in crafting standout content that aligns perfectly with your brand.
This webinar is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Canva or Adobe Firefly.

Optimizing Your Digital Marketing Strategy for 2025 Success
2025-01-10 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an insightful webinar designed for small business owners looking to elevate their digital marketing in 2025. We’ll dive into the latest trends and show you practical ways to incorporate them into your marketing strategy. Discover how an omnichannel approach can create a seamless customer journey across all platforms. You’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to grow your business, enhance user experience, and maximize R.O.I.

Business Start Up
2025-01-10 10:30 - 12:00
Topic: Start-up Assistance

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
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. 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.”

Essential Insurance for Small and Medium Businesses
2025-01-13 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: Psychology of Money
2025-01-14 09:00 - 10:00
Each person has a money personality that influences their spending and saving decisions. Learn how to recognize negative financial habits and attitudes, and change them into productive ones.
This workshop is provided by Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 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 WBC at 800-658-2823.

How To Write A Business Plan
2025-01-14 10:00 - 11:00
We 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 our goal to provide attendees with a ‘blueprint’ on how to write a winning business plan.

Presented by Zoey Charif.
Zoey has mastered the art of entrepreneurship with over 15+ years of experience in various industries. Now, she runs her own business plan writing agency and acts as a consultant to help small business owners write business plans.

What Every Business Owner Should Know About SEO
2025-01-14 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

8. Knowing practical techniques for your marketing that business owner can use to boost rankings without hiring SEO agencies.

Grow Your Business With Google Ads
2025-01-14 14:00 - 15:00
Are you ready to capture more leads for your service-based business through Google Advertising? In this webinar, Michelle will share how you can use Google Ads to grow your business. We’ll show you what type of ad messaging and offers work well, what your ideal budget should be, and what type of results you can expect by running a Google Pay-Per-Click campaign. We’ll give you the tools necessary to get started with basic keyword research so you know what to prioritize when you launch your campaign. This workshop will be interactive with plenty of opportunities for attendees to ask questions. Hope to see you there!

Virtual: Unlocking Visibility: Know Your Customer, Grow Your Brand
2025-01-15 11:00 - 12:00
Unlocking Visibility: Know Your Customer, Grow Your Brand is a training that 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
This workshop is presented by Maria Elena Duron, Grow With Google.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 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 WBC at 800-658-2823.

Let's Discuss BOI: Beneficial Ownership Information
2025-01-15 11:30 - 12:30
Join us for an insightful event where we’ll shed light on the upcoming requirements for U.S. companies regarding beneficial ownership reporting. Starting January 1, 2024, many companies will have to report information about their beneficial owners, i.e., the individuals who ultimately own or control the company. They will have to report the information to Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a branch of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. We’ll provide a overview and guide attendees on where to access essential resources for compliance.
Speaker(s): Dana Hugle, OKSBDC Assistant State Director of Performance and Operations
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.”

Visibility Boost with YouTube: Maximize Your Brand's Reach with Video Marketing by Roni Ramos
2025-01-16 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.

Business Smart
2025-01-16 11:00 - 12:00
Topic: Start-up Assistance

Hosted by: Oklahoma SBDC 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 Speir OKSBDC Advisor Greg Jones
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.”

Entrepreneurial & Leadership: Start-Up Basics
2025-01-16 15:00 - 17:00
Clarify why you want to start a business. Conduct a self-assessment of skills, experience, and personal readiness. Assess personal financial situation. Assess their support systems. Set personal goals for your business based on their desired lifestyle, income, and level of work-life balance. Define the myths and realities of entrepreneurship Understand the critical success factors Understand your options Define the components of business ownership and make it legal Discuss funding and cash management Understanding business plan basics

Entrepreneurial & Leadership Series: Start-up Basics
2025-01-16 15:00 - 17:00

Mastering Email Marketing for Small Business Growth by Victoria Byrne
2025-01-17 10:00 - 11:00
Discover the power of email marketing in this insightful webinar tailored for small businesses. With an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent, email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective tools to drive business growth. In this session, we’ll cover:
· The latest techniques, including how to leverage AI to supercharge your campaigns.
· Proven strategies to make your emails stand out in crowded inboxes.
· Actionable steps to gain your next 100+ subscribers.
· Crafting irresistible subject lines that boost open rates.
· Personalizing your emails for deeper engagement and better results.
· Automating your sales funnel to streamline marketing efforts.
By the end of this webinar, you’ll walk away with practical tips and strategies to implement immediately, helping you maximize your email marketing efforts and accelerate your business growth.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock the full potential of email marketing for your business!
Presented by Victoria Byrne.

Virtual: Building Business Credit
2025-01-21 09:00 - 10:00
Maintaining and reporting good personal credit is at the heart of building credit for your small business—and it can affect how lenders and other businesses view your business. Learn how to better leverage your business credit by using credit reporting services.
This workshop is provided by Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 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 WBC at 800-658-2823.

Virtual: Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs
2025-01-22 11:00 - 12:00
Discover how to create a collaborative environment where everyone is responsible for design. You will go through design challenges and sprints that can be incorporated into any workplace or startup, to unlock creativity and innovative thinking. In this session we’ll introduce: The principles of the design thinking process Applying the design thinking process to solve problems The basics of prototyping your ideas In this workshop, you will learn how to: Create a compelling brand Define your audience Convert customers Build loyalty and advocacy
In this session we’ll show you how to:
Highlight products on your Google Business Profile
Use Pointy to promote in-store inventory with your point of sale system
Use Google Merchant Center to showcase in-store and online product inventory
This workshop is presented by Maria Elena Duron, Grow With Google.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 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 WBC at 800-658-2823.

Virtual: Microsoft PowerPoint
2025-01-23 10:00 - 11:00
Microsoft PowerPoint is a business essential. It allows you to create, edit, present, and share presentations. We will show you how to make attractive and effective presentations using Master Slides, customized themes and complex animations to engage and inform your audience. There will also be plenty of time for Q&A.
Topics to be discussed:

Using themes
Slide creation
Embedding and linking to video
Transitions
Master Slides

Presenter: Chris Hennes, Pioneer Library System
This workshop is provided by Pioneer Library System.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 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 Lori Smith at 800-658-2823.

Human Resources: Preparing for 2025! by Audryanne Adams Lee
2025-01-23 11:00 - 12:30
This year, California and Federal legislators have been busy! We will review new employment legislation for 2025, how it impacts employers and what you need to do to stay compliant. We will also review HR trends and best practices, and how to prepare your Company with where the workforce is headed.
Audrianne Adams Lee, President and Founder of HR NETwork, Inc. brings to the workshop twenty-five years of human resources expertise from Fortune 500 high-technology and service companies. Audrianne has an extensive background and “hands-on” experience in the design and implementation of HR programs for small businesses that keep employers in compliance, while motivating employees towards increased business performance.

What Your Lenders Need to Know
2025-01-23 11:30 - 13:00
Topic: Financing
HOSTED BY: Oklahoma SBDC
If you want to learn more about financing your start-up or existing business through standard lending and SBA products, please take time to join OKSBDC as we welcome Whitney Randall, Commercial Lending Officer with Citizens Bank as she walks us through a detailed presentation about the lending process and what your lenders need to know about you as a client. There will be time allowed for a Q&A session after the presentation.
Speaker(s): Whitney Randall – Commercial Lending Officer, Citizens Bank of Edmond
Ben Evans – Oklahoma SBDC Business Advisor
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.

Plan Your Website for Online Success
2025-01-23 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.

Joshua Toenyes, CEO and the creative force behind Cardsetter, brings over a decade of web software development experience to the table. A University of California, San Diego grad and a Navy veteran, Josh’s blend of technical expertise and disciplined leadership has been instrumental in growing Cardsetter into a go-to platform for small businesses seeking to establish their online presence. His focus on creating stable, secure, and intuitive software reflects his commitment to delivering exceptional value to his customers.

Under Josh’s direction, Cardsetter has evolved to serve hundreds of small business owners, simplifying the website creation process with its innovative, question-based approach. His deep understanding of online web technologies, combined with a keen eye for detail, ensures that Cardsetter offers a seamless experience for entrepreneurs eager to launch and grow their digital footprint. Josh’s journey from the Navy to tech entrepreneurship underscores his dedication to service and excellence in every venture he undertakes.

Entrepreneurial & Leadership Series: Business Concepts
2025-01-23 19:00 - 20:00
The second workshop focuses on their business concept and step-by-step guidance in researching their idea, their market, and their competition. At the end of the Business Concept workshop, the client will be able to identify their target markets, describe their products and services, and collect key competitive information to support their feasibility plan. Capture Your Dream Complete a Feasibility Plan Draft Develop Industry Profile Data Collect and Utilize Customer Data Research Competitive Data Resources for Collecting Data

Virtual: Reviewing Credit Reports
2025-01-28 09:00 - 10:00
What can I learn from my credit report? Learn how to review your credit report yearly and how to make adjustments to your money management habits based on your report.
This workshop is provided by Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 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 Lori Smith, WBC Assistant at PO Box 1335, Durant, OK 74702 or call 800-658-2823.

Fund Your Business With Sponsors by Linda Hollander
2025-01-28 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

Staying Ahead: Monthly Google and AI Developments
2025-01-29 08:00 - 17:00
Topic: Marketing and Sales

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.”

Virtual: Increase Your Sales With Google Tools
2025-01-29 11:00 - 12:00
Learn how to promote your products online using Google tools. We’ll show how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile. We’ll also cover Google Merchant Center, a no-cost tool that allows both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar businesses to create free Product Listings on Google.
In this session we’ll show you how to:
Highlight products on your Google Business Profile
Use Pointy to promote in-store inventory with your point of sale system
Use Google Merchant Center to showcase in-store and online product inventory
This workshop is presented by Maria Elena Duron, Grow With Google.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 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 WBC at 800-658-2823.

Grassroots Innovation Accelerators: Ask Me Anything
2025-02-04 09:00 - 10:30
Topic: Technology

The Oklahoma SBDC and Oklahoma Farm Bureau invite you to join us for this virtual event where we’ll discuss The Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Accelerator program and answer all your questions about how it can help innovative rural businesses in Oklahoma. The Activate Oklahoma track is designed for any rural-based business with an innovation or product that will bring economic opportunities to Oklahoma’s rural communities. The Agcelerate Oklahoma pipeline focuses on innovations and technologies that have an on-farm or production agriculture application in an effort to diversify opportunities for farmers with a farmer-focused and farmer-led development program. Together with our program and investment partners, the Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerators program is giving Oklahoma’s best and brightest the support they need to change the world, starting right here in rural Oklahoma.
Speaker(s): Amarie Bartel, Rural Economic Development Coordinator Oklahoma Farm Bureau Jessica Ervin, Technology Innovation Director Oklahoma SBDC Ethan Biller, Rose State SBDC Center Director Stephen Knight, OKBDC Advisor
Co-Sponsor(s):

Spotlight on Success: Crafting High-Impact Videos for Your Brand by Roni Ramos
2025-02-04 10:00 - 11:00
Step into the spotlight with video content that elevates your brand. This webinar will guide you through the essentials of creating compelling, high-impact videos that capture attention and engage audiences. Discover the key elements of video production, from storyboarding and scripting to filming and editing. Learn practical tips for enhancing visual appeal and narrative power, and find out how to optimize videos for different social media platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this session will provide valuable insights into making videos that make a mark. Perfect for marketers, content creators, and business owners striving to leverage video for brand success.

Secrets to Buying a Franchise
2025-02-05 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.
