Agi Lurtz, President of OMS Technologies, Inc., has been a client of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for over two decades. Lurtz, a serial entrepreneur, began her journey with Compute This! in 1991 in Norman, Oklahoma. This venture, established during the early days of personal computers, focused on selling and servicing PCs and providing essential training to customers.

Lurtz’s relationship with the SBDC began through a referral from her local bank, marking the start of her collaboration with the Center. Compute This! was sold in the early 2000s, but Lurtz continued to work closely with the SBDC, particularly with Advisor Susan Urbach. Over the years, Urbach and the SBDC team have supported Lurtz in various technology businesses, including SaaS applications like Online Medsource, an electronic medical records system, and other online marketing services.

Today, the flagship service of OMS Technologies is CAC CareNet, a cloud-based Child Advocacy Solution. This system offers a collaborative approach to case management, capturing the unique intricacies of child advocacy centers. The primary clients for CAC CareNet are typically state or non-profit funded entities.

Agi Lurtz’s story highlights the support and resources provided by the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, showcasing its role in fostering business growth and success.

“[The Oklahoma SBDC has] been my cheerleader, accountability partner, an anchor during Covid, and I can’t imagine being in business life without their help,” says Agi Lurtz. “What a value this is, and I would wish every business would take advantage of these services.”

Square Holes, LLC, a brainchild of Beth Varner and Dave Turnbull, is a business that focuses on providing professional training that empowers teams and organizations to enhance their accessibility. Initially, they approached the Oklahoma SBDC, seeking guidance to register their business with the Secretary of State. Despite having several organizations interested in their services, they were uncertain about the process of fulfilling these contracts.

Business Advisor Ethan Biller stepped in to bridge this gap. He assisted Beth and Dave in finding team members for their business, including an attorney, CPA, bookkeeper, and insurance provider, enabling them to craft a service agreement for delivering trainings. Ethan’s assistance extended to helping them file their LLC, initiate their bank account, and officially launch their business. Today, Square Holes has transformed from a mere concept to a successful venture, having delivered trainings at institutions like the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Museums Association. With a growing list of clients, they continue to expand their reach, offering their training to more organizations across the state.

“The [Oklahoma SBDC] has been essential in getting our company off the ground,” says Beth Varner. “Having someone to consult with when we have questions big or small has been very helpful and motivating. Ethan has connected us with local resources, made helpful suggestions, and kept me on track and thinking creatively about how to grow our business.”

Kristan, the owner of Under My Wing Academy, LLC, faced significant challenges in her journey from running a small at-home daycare to establishing a full-scale childcare center. Initially, she aimed to build or purchase a facility independently but encountered financial planning and business structuring difficulties. Additionally, the high costs of various building options posed a substantial barrier.

Business Advisor Ben Evans from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OKSBDC) provided strategic support to Kristan. He assisted her in refining her financial projections, advised on business structuring, and identified potential funding sources. When Marland’s Place offered a leasing opportunity, Ben helped Kristan adjust her business plan to align with the new location and leasing model. He also guided her through the LLC registration process and prepared her for a financing meeting with Equity Bank, which initially recommended an SBA loan, but decided to do an in-house line of credit instead.

With the support of the OKSBDC and community resources, Kristan successfully transitioned Under My Wing Academy, LLC, into a full-scale childcare center. The academy is now poised to serve Ponca City, offering accessible, around-the-clock childcare. Kristan’s vision has come to life, enhancing local childcare options and supporting families across the community.

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?” 

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.” 

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.” 

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… “

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.” 

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.”