Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation

SBA Loans - What to Expect and How to Prepare to Apply for a Business Loan
2025-05-15 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | ONLINE
This workshop will clarify the lending review process. Increase the likelihood of obtaining funding for your project by understanding what lenders look for when reviewing your application. Whether you have been in business for a long time, are just getting started, or are considering purchasing an existing business this workshop has something for you.
* What not to say to your lender
* How to find the right lender for your project
* Completing the application
* Know your rights as a borrower
* Learn key financial terms

Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners
2025-05-15 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
This workshop is to help small business owners design and set up the proper business retirement plans for themselves and their employees to achieve retirement saving goals. This can be part of your benefit packages you can offer to attract, retain your key employees and be compatible among your peers.
You will learn or check in the following areas:
1. General concepts for retirement planning
2. Type of IRAs business can set up
3. Type of defined contribution plans like 401k and 403b, profit sharing, safe harbor and solo 401k, etc.
4. Type of Defined benefit plan like: cash balance pension plan

Fund Your Business With Sponsors
2025-05-21 11:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
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.

SBA Loan Programs: Are they right for you?
2025-05-21 11:00 - 12:30 | ONLINE
This presentation is a collaboration between Oklahoma SBDC and our professional partners at Great Plains Bank. Whether you’re an existing small business owner or looking to start a business, knowing your financial options and resources can prove to be invaluable. One option to consider is an SBA loan, but with so many different loan programs available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is the best fit for your business. In this virtual training, we’ll dive into the different SBA loan programs available, including the 7(a) Loan Program, the CDC/504 Loan Program, and the Microloan Program. We’ll provide an overview of each program, as well as discussing the eligibility requirements, application process, and loan terms. This training will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about SBA loan programs. We will have a Q&A session at the end of the presentation, and attendees will receive a copy of the presentation.
Speaker(s): Hope Roberts, SBA Lending Officer – Vice President Great Plains Bank Ben Evans, OKSBDC Business Advisor
Co-Sponsor(s): Great Plains Bank
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
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
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.

Picture-Perfect Posts: Creating Social Media Images with AI
2025-05-22 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE
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.

Staying Ahead: Monthly Google and AI Developments
2025-05-22 11:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
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
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 Your Lenders Need to Know
2025-05-22 11:30 - 13:00 | ONLINE
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.

How To Create Marketing Graphics Like A Rockstar With Canva
2025-05-27 10:00 - 11:30 | ONLINE
No need to hire a graphic designer or invest in expensive software…Canva can help you create marketing graphics like a rockstar! This affordable program allows you to easily “drag and drop” images, text and other elements to create online and offline marketing materials. We will show you how to incorporate your own images and fonts, bring in animated elements and learn the latest cool effects include new AI tools, to bring your marketing graphics to the next level!

What Every Business Owner Should Know About SEO
2025-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
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.

Wix vs. Shopify - Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business
2025-05-28 11:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
Navigate the world of e-commerce with confidence! This interactive training dives into the key features, strengths, and differences between Wix and Shopify, helping you determine the best platform for your business needs. Whether you’re launching your first online store or looking to upgrade your current site, you’ll learn how to customize layouts, streamline operations, and create a seamless shopping experience. Perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners, this course will empower you to make informed decisions and confidently build an online store that captures attention and drives success!
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. WBC programs and 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.

Trademark Filing Considerations
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
Every business has intellectual property needs. Even if your business doesn’t have any unique/proprietary technology, or creative expressions worth protecting, or even valuable trade secret information, your business at least has a name. And even if you have no desire to strengthen your rights in your business name by seeking a state or federal trademark registration, you should still determine whether anyone else is already using the same or a confusingly similar name before you go to market. In other words, even if you don’t want to spend the time or money protecting your company’s intellectual property assets, you should at least take the time to better ensure that you have “freedom to operate,” so that you don’t get hit with any surprise “cease & desist” letters after you go to market.

Trademarks play a key role in building brand loyalty and a strong customer base. As such, prioritizing trademark protection is just as important for start-ups and solo entrepreneurs as it is for enterprise businesses. This presentation will cover topics including types of trademarks, strength of trademarks, how to perform a clearance search, how to create a description of goods/services, and how to file a federal trademark application.

If there is a trademark you’re considering for your business, product or service, please feel free to mention it in your sign-up, making sure to include both (1) the trademark and (2) the goods/services you plan to offer under that trademark. As time permits, Justin may provide real-time feedback and use your trademark as an example during the presentation to demonstrate how to perform a clearance search and/or create a description of goods/services.

Designing for Impact: The Science of Visual Storytelling in Business
2025-05-28 14:00 - 15:00 | ONLINE
Visual storytelling is more than aesthetics—it’s science. This talk dives into the principles of impactful design, from data visualization to brand consistency and emotional connections. Attendees will learn how to create slides that not only inform but inspire, using the latest design techniques rooted in psychology and brand strategy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Simplify complex data into clear, persuasive visuals.
2. Build trust through consistent branding in every slide.
3. Evoke emotion through design to leave lasting impressions and drive decisions.

AI and Canva - Creative Content for Social Media
2025-05-29 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE
Explore the potential of AI in enhancing your social media content. Join Roni Ramos as she delves into how artificial intelligence can automate and refine the creation of engaging text, captivating visuals, and personalized posts. Learn how to use AI tools to produce dynamic content that aims to connect with your audience. This webinar will introduce innovative techniques for crafting compelling narratives and visuals designed to catch the eye and encourage engagement. Suitable for marketers and content creators at any level of expertise, this session helps you leverage the latest AI technology to enrich your social media strategy.
This webinar is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Canva.

Preparing for Capital and Exploring Funding Options for Your Business
2025-05-29 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
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.

Oklahoma Commercialization Network - Networking Event
2025-05-30 08:00 - 09:30 | Lift Coffee Bar, 309 N Muskogee Ave,, Tahlequah, OK, 74464, United States
Join us for a networking event to learn more about Oklahoma Commercialization Network and the tools and resources available to transform great ideas into thriving businesses. Food Provided.
RSVP to Denise Cook
(580) 924-5094 or dcook@reiok.org

Optimizing Your Digital Marketing Strategy for 2025 Success
2025-05-30 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE
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.

2025-06-03 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE
In this session, discover essential strategies to effectively prepare for peak shopping periods like Prime Day and Holiday season. Learn the fundamentals of peak season success including how to optimize deals and discounts, manage inventory effectively, and when to ship inventory into Amazon’s fulfillment centers if enrolled in Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
We will also cover key topics such as Lightning Deals, Prime Exclusive Discounts, advertising, and inventory forecasting to help you meet increased customer demand. Finally, we will also share information on the resources and programs Amazon has to help enable small business success.

Visibility Boost With YouTube: Maximize Your Brand's Reach With Video Marketing
2025-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE
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.

How to Launch Your e-Commerce and Start Your Online Business
2025-06-03 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
Online attendees of this webinar will learn fundamental concepts about eCommerce and how to successfully launch and run your online store. This course will empower attendees to:
1. Understand the Fundamentals of eCommerce
2. Learn about Different eCommerce Platforms
3. Measure the Return On Investment (ROI) upon Implementing a Website with eCommerce Capabilities
4. Recognize if a Company Offering eCommerce Services can fully deliver all aspects of their SOW (Statement of Work)
5. Learn What Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
6. Why SEO is Critical for eCommerce Success

The Power of Networking
2025-06-04 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE
Join us for a dynamic workshop on mastering professional networking! Learn how to connect with key local influencers, foster meaningful relationships, and unlock opportunities for new clients, partners, and resources. Discover proven strategies to show up, participate, connect, follow up, and deliver value, helping you build a robust network that supports your business and professional growth.

Go Global with Google Market Finder
2025-06-04 11:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
This is a partnered event between OKSBDC and Google. With the right tools and international marketing strategy, businesses are expanding globally to meet new demands. This workshop introduces Google’s Market Finder, a free tool that can help you identify new international business opportunities and plan for success. In this workshop, we will: • Discuss the benefits of exporting • Introduce Google Market Finder • Show you how to use the tool to explore other markets Attendees will have the chance to get their questions answered by a certified Google Trainer and will receive a copy of the presentation.
Speaker(s): Maria Elena Duron Grow with Google Trainer & Digital Coach
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.”

Master Class: How to Pitch to Investors
2025-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
Great stories are contagious. When properly crafted, presentations are powerful, persuasive tools that inspire their audience to adopt new ideas and advocate them to others. For an idea to become unstoppable, it must first be articulable. This presentation will dive into the most industry-proven, data-supported components of a successful investor pitch. We will talk through common mistakes, best practices, and the underlying psychology of how to develop the most important asset a startup needs to succeed: a story that others care about. We look forward to answering your questions in the Q&A!

What is Reasonable Accommodation and the Interactive Process?
2025-06-05 11:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
Your employee hands you a doctor’s note that states they need modified work. What do you do now?

In this webinar, we will explore:

What triggers the process?
What is my responsibility?
How do I have a “good faith” dialogue?
Determining what is a reasonable accommodation and when it may be considered a hardship.

5. What are the legal repercussions if I don’t follow the process?

Instagram Marketing for Your Business: Strategies for Promoting and Growing Your Brand
2025-06-05 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
In this webinar, you will learn how to leverage Instagram’s powerful platform to market and grow your business. We will explore the four key content formats on Instagram and show you how each can be strategically used to reach different audience segments and achieve specific marketing goals.
Our social media marketing expert will guide you through proven strategies for creating engaging content, optimizing your profile, and actively connecting with potential customers to drive meaningful business results.
A well-executed Instagram marketing strategy will help you:

Master all four Instagram formats: Feed posts, Stories, Reels, and Instagram Live
Create engaging content that resonates with your target audience
How to convert followers into qualified leads using effective interaction techniques
Align your Instagram presence with your overall brand identity
Optimize your profile to maximize visibility and attract your ideal custome

Sharing Our Spaces: Indigenous Hosting On AirBnB
2025-06-05 16:00 - 17:30 | ONLINE
Want to elevate your hosting game and create an unforgettable guest experience? Join experienced Airbnb host Heather Gomez of Dulce Base Tipi as she shares her insights on transforming your home, whether it’s a house, cabin, tipi, or other unique stay, into a welcoming retreat that guests will love.
In this session, you’ll learn:

How to set up your space for comfort & functionality
Tips for décor that enhances the guest experience
Ways to include cultural touches that reflect your Indigenous identity
Must-have amenities that guests appreciate and expect

Whether you’re a new or experienced host, this workshop will inspire fresh ideas to keep guests coming back for more.
Here is the recording from session 1: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/kYUmWCKATwx8JXCDZEMA2BuQnK0-wWiHXqy-HtoxO6ai3rJgt3qGWQpc4DL9q_YU.6e5iMEMwUx6KOcRW
