Johnathan Burgess, a distinguished Aerospace Engineer, is the visionary behind HerdsEyeView—a pioneering product that utilizes unmanned drones and AI-driven analytics to transform livestock management. With an extensive background in unpiloted aviation technologies, Johnathan has led numerous projects at Oklahoma State University and Project Boom Inc., demonstrating his expertise in designing and developing unpiloted aircraft and hybrid-propulsion systems. 

An esteemed graduate of Oklahoma State University, Johnathan sought the expertise of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to navigate the complexities of business structuring and secure funding opportunities. Through his collaboration with the Oklahoma SBDC’s Tech Launch Center, he received invaluable support from business advisors Stephen Knight, Ethan Biller, and Jessica Ervin. 

Johnathan’s journey with the Oklahoma SBDC has been characterized by continuous engagement and the pursuit of technological opportunities such as Encountering Innovation and the Joint Interagency Field Experimentation. His unwavering dedication and innovative spirit are the driving forces behind HerdsEyeView. 

“My company’s success and recognition today are largely due to the guidance and expertise provided by our OKSBDC advisors. Looking back, my only question is, why didn’t I reach out to them sooner?” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

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Nora Sosa envisioned opening a women’s clothing boutique that offers quality upscale dresses at affordable prices. To bring her vision to life, she enlisted the expertise of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With their guidance, Nora meticulously prepared all necessary documentation and refined her business plan. She also participated in the Mexicana Emprende and Hispanic Chamber Women Business Center Program (HCWBC), both assisted with by SBDC. 

With a solid business strategy and strong support system, Nora launched The Real Boutique. The store quickly became a local favorite, known for its stylish and affordable dresses. Nora’s journey exemplifies the impact of perseverance and community support. 

“Thanks to my SBDC advisor, I’ve been able to learn information beyond just opening the doors. The importance of business planning has made an important difference.” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

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Grace Owa, a dedicated nurse, was driven by a desire to create safe and effective self-care products for herself and her colleagues. She began by creating natural deodorants and eventually expanded her self-care products to include body butters. Encouraged by her colleagues to share her creations, Grace decided to begin her entrepreneurial journey to start her own business, Miss Nile Beauty Products. Recognizing the potential of her small business, Grace sought guidance from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where she began working with Business Advisor Jessee Paxton. 

With Jessee’s expertise, Grace meticulously crafted a comprehensive business strategy. Jessee’s assistance was invaluable, providing step-by-step guidance through the business plan and helping Grace review contracts for selling her products in local stores. This collaboration enabled Grace to successfully sell her merchandise in stores and online, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey. Thanks to Jessee’s support, Grace’s vision of providing safe, natural self-care products became a thriving reality. 

 
“The OKSBDC has provided me with invaluable guidance and resources, helping me refine my business plan and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

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As a business owner, finding the best opportunities at the right time is critical. Staying profitable, growth, and building a sustainable business are a few of the important elements of owning a business. Exporting complements all those activities and if you aren’t already exporting, here are a few findings that might encourage you consider it. Follow along as we demystify global trade!

Graphic by: OSU CITD-SBDC
  1. Small businesses that export outperform those that do not: New data from a 2023 SBA business survey found that the number of exporting small businesses was 1.3 million—5x greater than previous Federal Government estimates.

    In Oklahoma, SME’s account for 84% of exporters!

  2. Businesses that export create more jobs, pay higher wages, and have faster sales growth: According to the International Trade Administration, thousands of U.S. companies boost their bottom lines and competitiveness by meeting global demand for innovative, quality, made-in-USA products and services.

  3. 95% of the world’s consumers are located outside of the U.S.: There is a world of opportunity (literally) if you sell your product or service overseas! You have the opportunity to increase your demand and expand your customer base.


  4. Diversify and mitigate your risk through exports: We’ve all heard the phrase, “Never put all of your eggs in one basket!” Well, this is true for business too. Everyone remembers COVID. Some countries’ economies bounced back quicker than others. Companies with a portion of their sales as exports were helped by those revenues when the home market was sluggish. 

      
  5. SBA Export Financing programs and EXIM  Export Credit Insurance can help secure  your cashflow and ensure you get paid. The U.S. government wants more businesses to export. They created the SBA export financing programs and the Export-Import Bank to help businesses finance exports, improve their cash flow, and ensure against nonpayment!


If you’re looking to expand your business, exporting may be a good option. There are a few factors to consider, such as whether your product or service will sell in another country. However, the key takeaway is that exporting can have many positive effects on a business’s performance. If you’re not sure how to get started or want to grow your existing exports, contact us today or register for advising below!

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/SBA%20Total%20Addressable%20Market%20Study%20FINAL-508%20%281%29.pdf
  2. https://www.trade.gov/why-export



Register for Advising: https://business.oksbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=counsel&center=64090&subloc=0

 

103 Wes Watkins Center Stillwater, OK 74074
Center for International Trade Development- Small Business Development Center

Call us: 405-744-7122

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As part of OSU’s land grant mission, the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development (CITD) in Stillwater, OK serves as the extension function for OSU Global. At the CITD we focus on two areas: research and business advising. We conduct international trade business advising under the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) model, providing high-quality, confidential advising, typically at no cost to businesses in Oklahoma. We serve businesses across all industries, at all stages in their export journey, from those who are considering, new, or experienced exporters.


Need help with international trade?

Click the button below to take advantage of the ITC services.  ITC advisors will schedule an appointment to discuss how your small business can start the export process or expand to new global markets.

Request International Trade Advising

Caitlyn Baker, the owner of the Brave Ember, successfully took her newfound hobby and transformed it into her own business. 
 
In 2021, Caitlyn found a creative outlet in candle-making. She discovered her passion after first crafting candles for a work gift exchange. From there, Caitlyn continued candle making as a hobby. Eventually, as she continued to hone her craft, Caitlyn had the idea of turning her newfound interest into her own business. 

Recognizing the need for cost-efficient assistance to navigate the complexities of starting a business, Caitlyn turned to the internet. From there, she discovered the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center and, after attending one of their workshops, registered for advising. The SBDC proved instrumental in Caitlyn’s entrepreneurial journey, providing guidance on legal business operations, assisting in the initial stages of website design, and offering valuable market research on similar businesses in her area. Today, Caitlyn’s business has launched, her handcrafted candles being sold at local events and through her online store.  

“I realized I can actually have help; I can actually have my own advisor that I did not have to pay for… I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to work with [Business Advisor Sandra Pierre] because without her, this business probably wouldn’t be here. This business wouldn’t be where it is today… The SBDC helped me start my business… “

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

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Jonathan Prieto, a seasoned HVAC industry professional with over a decade of experience, partnered with his wife Kate, a U.S. Air Force veteran with five years of service and two years as a military contractor, to embark on an entrepreneurial journey to establish their own HVAC business. With Jonathan’s industry knowledge and Kate’s business acumen, the couple worked to lay the starting foundation for their business. However, during the planning phase of their business plan, they both knew they needed assistance. They began searching for business advising, where they would find the Oklahoma SBDC.  

After attending an online workshop from the Oklahoma SBDC, Kate sought advice on starting a business and registered for advising. There, she was contacted by Business Advisor Larry Siebert and her first session was scheduled. Larry provided invaluable assistance, helping them craft a robust business plan, navigate legal guidelines, and identify beneficial resources. By August 2022, their dream became reality in their new business Familia Mechanical, located in Edmond, Oklahoma. Kate took the helm of business administration while Jonathan led his team in the field. Committed to giving back, Familia Mechanical supports their community, veterans and veteran programs, and offer their services in English and Spanish. 
 
“Thanks to [Business Advisor Larry Siebert’s] expert guidance, we were able to navigate the tricky waters of business planning, financial forecasting, and market analysis with a sense of humor and optimism,” says Kate Prieto. “By the time we launched, we felt not just prepared but empowered… Their support was instrumental in our early success, and I credit a large part of our positive startup experience to their insightful and targeted advice.” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

Request Advising

Kelly Burton, the proprietor of Boards by Kelly, sought guidance from the OKSBDC three months after launching her business. She aimed to ensure her business was set up correctly and to increase its visibility within the Canadian County communities. With the help of Advisor Emily Beesley, Kelly established action steps for business insurance, customer reach expansion, and website improvements. Emily’s marketing advice enhanced Kelly’s online and physical presence as a local business offering exquisite charcuterie boards for personal parties and corporate events. Kelly joined two local Chambers of Commerce, spoke at the Yukon Chamber of Commerce, and catered for the Piedmont Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. She expanded her customer reach to churches, educational institutions, and banks, leading to more leads and increased business. 

Kelly revamped her website based on Emily’s review, improving her online visibility with SEO. Emily provided Kelly with resources to secure necessary permits/licenses, enabling her to obtain her food handlers license as a private chef. This ensured she had everything needed for a legitimate business. Over the past six months, Boards by Kelly has seen substantial growth, due to networking opportunities in the local Canadian County communities. The business was recently featured in City Lifestyle magazine, where Kelly shared how to assemble a charcuterie work of art. Kelly expressed her gratitude for the OKSBDC’s assistance, from business start-up to client interaction and license help. As Kelly continues to grow her business, the OKSBDC plans to provide ongoing support.  

“It has been incredibly resourceful,” says Kelly. “From business start up, to interacting with clients, to license help… It has been a huge blessing to have someone to sit down with your one-on-one to help your dream of owning a business come to fruition.” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

Request Advising

Bryan Pirtle, a driven entrepreneur, decided that he wanted to establish a vacation RV rental site in Ardmore. Wanting to turn his vision into reality, he registered with the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where he was paired with Business Advisor Ed Dyer. Bryan had four acres of land at his disposal, but he faced challenges in providing adequate services to accommodate a few RV rental spots and some mobile homes. 

Recognizing Bryan’s needs, Ed Dyer immediately got to work, assessing funding opportunities for the development of the RV site. Ed began by assisting Bryan in setting up a comprehensive business plan and financials, which were crucial in obtaining funding from a bank. Bryan, demonstrating his commitment to the project, initially used his personal funds to begin working on the electric and sewage systems for the property. Finally, after much hard work and perseverance, Bryan was eventually able to secure the necessary funding, leading to the successful opening of the Sweet Home Resort. 

“The OKSBDC was very helpful and informative,” says Brian. “They really showed me a lot about being a business owner.” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

Request Advising

From personal trainer to gym owner, Candy Tipton’s journey of determination and community support culminated in the grand opening of her business, IC Fitness, marking a significant milestone in her career.  

Candy, a personal trainer since 2017, harbored the ambition to open her own gym. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive business plan to secure a small business loan, she sought assistance. Her loan officer directed her to the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where she was paired with Business Advisor Joe Silk. Candy was provided with an array of resources and templates that proved invaluable in her loan application process. She expressed gratitude to the SBDC and Joe Silk for their instrumental role in this process and was also enlightened about the different types of loans available to her. 

With the guidance of Joe Silk, Candy successfully secured the loan, which enabled her to acquire a facility and the necessary equipment to realize her dream of opening a gym. Her active involvement in the community paid dividends as she received substantial support from her clients and friends. This support significantly expedited the process of setting up her facility. Eventually, her gym, IC Fitness, celebrated its grand opening on April 3rd, 2023.  

“I couldn’t do this on my own…” says Candy, who found immense value in her time with Business Advisor Joe Silk. “I enjoyed that Joe communicated with me through phone and through messenger and also through email…” Candy says, emphasizing how important communication is to her. 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

Request Advising

There are many benefits to exporting including increasing your sales, paying your employees higher wages, and overall business longevity.

With so many advantages, some companies are still hesitant to begin exporting because of the common misconceptions. Luckily, we are here to demystify those common myths and share resources that can help you leap into expanding and growing your business internationally through exports. Below we will review the most common export myths!

  1. Exporting is too complicated: Finding potential markets, partners and buyers has become easier through the services offered by several resources including the International Trade Administration-U.S. Export Assistance Centers (trade.gov) and our CITD-SBDC at OSU. Other resources exist to support you with export financing and export credit insurance!

    Our Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC)- Center for International Trade Development at OSU (CITD) can support you with one-on-one trade facilitation to help you get started or help you navigate the export ecosystem. In Oklahoma, other local entities include the District Export Council, our local U.S. Commercial Service, and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce who administers the STEP Grant and the newest program, Global Opportunities Oklahoma to help you with market research, export business planning, and connect you with buyers.

  2. Exporting is risky: Small business owners often fear not receiving payment. Fortunately, banking and insurance institutions offer a safeguard for overseas receivables, ensuring protection against nonpayment from international buyers.  One of these institutions is EXIM’s Export Credit Insurance.

    Other risk mitigation measures exist to help you reduce your risk. Contact us to find out more! You can also learn more on our on-demand training videos Trade Passport: Assessing and Mitigating Credit Risk.

  3. I’m too small to go global: There is no business “too small”. According to Census, almost half of the U.S. exporters have less than 20 employees. With proper due diligence and export preparation, any business is capable! In Oklahoma, SMEs account for 84% of the state’s exporters! Let us help you with your export readiness and export training. You can also access our on-demand training platform, Trade Passport here.

  4. My product or service won’t sell outside the U.S.: According to the Office of Small Business “Made in the USA” products are perceived to be innovative, creative, high quality, durable, safe, and easy to reach. This perception both domestically and internationally proves the excellent reputation of American products. The USA brand has a positive reputation however, it is important to ensure that you have a competitive product or service offering. Read the full blog here: Office of Small Business.
      
  5. I don’t speak another language and it will be difficult to communicate with foreign buyers: Of the world’s 7.8 billion inhabitants, over 1.35 billion speak English.  In most countries, English is spoken fluently or at least as a second or third language. Translators or interpreters can also be utilized. TIP: It is important to acknowledge that a country’s culture always has an impact on how international trade is conducted.

    To learn more about cultural considerations in international business, refer to this article from Amaratunga, O. (2021): Culture and International Business.

As a small business owner and member of the Oklahoma District Export Council once said, “Selling internationally is not much different from selling domestically, it just has a few more steps.” Whether you are a new, a first-time exporter, or curious about selling your product internationally, our SBDC-ITC at Oklahoma State University, Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development can help you figure out what steps you need to take to successfully sell your products abroad. Register for advising or call us today and stay connected on our social media for the latest news on international trade!

Register for Advising: https://business.oksbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=counsel&center=64090&subloc=0

Call us: 405-744-7122

Stay connected with us!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/osucitd  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/osucitd/


Need help with international trade?

Click the button below to take advantage of the ITC services.  ITC advisors will schedule an appointment to discuss how your small business can start the export process or expand to new global markets.

Request International Trade Advising