What began as a part-time venture in 2011 has become a full-time enterprise for LaToya Mason, founder of LMason Wedding and Event Planning. Over time, the business had grown into a service known for creating experiences that provide unique, budget-conscious events tailored to each client’s vision. As her business expanded, Mason sought a new location and turned to the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center for guidance on reviewing lease terms, which helped her successfully relocate to NExus Creative, a collaborative event space in Oklahoma City for event professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

Following her relocation, Mason developed a business curriculum to share the strategies behind her success with aspiring entrepreneurs. When she reconnected with the Oklahoma SBDC for guidance, Business Advisor Greg Jones helped her identify ways to utilize the curriculum while expanding her business opportunities. Together, they explored government contracting and supplier programs, with Jones assisting Mason in preparing the required paperwork and documentation to qualify for these initiatives.

Additional support from Business Advisor Emily Beesley strengthened Mason’s progress. Beesley provided expertise in branding and website design, while Jones researched and offered detailed insight into the contracting process. With support from the Oklahoma SBDC, Mason has expanded her business into a dynamic enterprise that not only plans, coordinates and host events but also uplifts fellow entrepreneurs through her educational curriculum.

What began as a home-based passion grew into an established storefront for Alejandra Zapien, owner of Aleza Bakery. Zapien started her business by selling pastries from her kitchen and at local markets, quickly earning a dedicated following. Determined to expand, she sought guidance from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center to navigate the challenges of securing a location, lease agreements, and commercial kitchen requirements.

With the help of Business Advisor Emily Beesley, Zapien identified the ideal location in Yukon. The Oklahoma SBDC provided support ranging from demographic research and lease review to health department guidance and business tool setup. This hands-on assistance gave Zapien the confidence and clarity to move forward, sign the lease, and secure a physical location for their business.

Aleza Bakery celebrated its new storefront with a ribbon-cutting and growing customer base. The bakery also launched a website and Google Business profile, allowing customers to order online and discover the shop more easily. Zapien and her husband, who has since joined the family business full time, are living their dream of turning passion into a community-rooted enterprise.

Tru Elevated Events is an Oklahoma City-based business that offers customized décor for special occasions, including balloon arches, centerpieces, floral backdrops, and greenery installations. Founded by Da’Onne Bolden, the company specializes in transforming visions into memorable experiences for weddings, graduations, corporate gatherings, and proposals. Each arrangement reflects a commitment to detail, personalization, and environmental responsibility.

Bolden’s passion for event design grew from hosting her own children’s celebrations into a business grounded in creativity and community support. With more than six years of experience in event décor and a background in corporate operations, she has combined professionalism with artistry to meet the needs of her clients.

As her business gained momentum, Bolden sought support with strategic growth, locating storage, and strengthening her foundational structure. She turned to the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, where she was advised by Business Advisor Greg Jones. Through this, Bolden refined her business plan, reviewed industry trends, explored potential funding opportunities, and developed strategies to leverage marketing efforts to expand her client base.

Recognized for two years of steady growth and community presence, Tru Elevated Events continues to expand its role in Oklahoma City. Beyond business, Bolden has dedicated her work to uplifting the community. By partnering with corporations and local nonprofits, she helps provide joyful celebrations for foster children, ensuring every event carries a deeper impact. Bolden and her team are celebrated not only for their creativity and skill, but also for the compassion and commitment they bring to every event.

Tiffany Graham, a dedicated entrepreneur, set out to fulfill her dream of opening Bronde Salon, a full-service hair salon dedicated to enhancing natural beauty through precision cuts, vibrant colors, and luxurious treatments. However, Tiffany faced several challenges in the early stages of starting her business. Without a clear roadmap to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, Tiffany realized she needed assistance to bring her vision to life.

Tiffany registered for advising with the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to gain the support and resources she needed to turn her dream into reality. With the assistance of Business Advisor Emily Beesley, Tiffany was equipped with a comprehensive start-up guide and an access to tools that clarified the business start-up process. Together, they created a business plan and financial projections that not only provided a clear path forward but also positioned her to present her vision to potential lenders. Leveraging competitor research, they identified an ideal location for Bronde Salon—conveniently nestled between Yukon and Mustang, Oklahoma. Through consistent appointments and strategic planning sessions, Tiffany received ongoing support and accountability, ensuring she stayed focused on her business goals and objectives as she worked toward launching her salon.

With the SBDC’s assistance, Tiffany launched Bronde Salon, creating a welcoming space that has quickly become a go-to destination for clients seeking hair care services. Equipped with her business plan, Tiffany now has a foundation to guide her as she grows her business. She states, “The experience working with Emily through the SBDC was fantastic. It was really great to have access to the tools and knowledge to help establish an amazing business plan.”

Founded by music educator Jeremy Sheets, Sheets’ Music Studio in Oklahoma City offers specialized cello instruction for students of all levels. Sheets, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cello performance, currently serves as principal cellist for Painted Sky Opera and Enid Symphony Orchestra and teaches at Rose State College. His studio fosters an appreciation for music while developing the talents of its students. With over a decade of teaching experience, Sheets provides personalized lessons emphasizing music appreciation, technical proficiency, and artistic expression.

To grow his business, Jeremy registered for advising with the Oklahoma SBDC, pairing with Business Advisor Greg Jones, who supported Sheets to successfully navigate the essential steps to establish his business. He received business coaching and mentorship, completed registration with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, obtained an EIN number, and set up an operating agreement. Greg also assisted him in opening a business checking account, working with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, and identifying funding opportunities to support growth.

“I would [never had taken] the steps to incorporate my business if it wasn’t for Greg’s guiding support,” states Jeremy Sheets. “The way he takes the time to communicate and answer all my questions is invaluable. If he doesn’t know the answer off the top of his head, he is ready with resources to guide me in the right direction.”

Unveiled Events & Design, founded by Brandi Davis, is an event planning firm in Oklahoma City that specializes in weddings and milestone celebrations. The firm ensures every event reflects the unique style and vision of its clients, who often praise Brandi’s professionalism and attention to detail, crediting her for creating stress-free, polished experiences.

Davis began her journey in 2009, transitioning from hobbyist planner to full-time entrepreneur in 2018. After applying for a cohort in 2022, Brandi learned of the services offered by the Oklahoma SBDC. With the support of her business advisor, Greg Jones, she received business coaching and mentorship, allowing her to strengthen her operations and scale her services. Davis also completed the Generation Impact Business Plan Accelerator, which helped her refine her strategic vision and expand her client base.

“[The Oklahoma] SBDC has been a game-changer for my business,” says Brandi. “Their coaching gave me the structure and clarity I needed to grow with confidence… Their support has truly elevated Unveiled Events & Design.”

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?”