Category: Blog

With a family and employment history in the mattress manufacturing industry, Juan Rodriguez looked to find an organization that could help him with starting his own mattress repairing, manufacturing, and refurbishing business. Luckily, he found the Oklahoma SBDC, registered for advising, and was assigned to business advisor Susan Urbach.  

With over 30 years of advising experience, Urbach has worked with numerous mattress manufacturers in the past, so her knowledge was incredibly beneficial for Juan’s business development. She was impressed by how Rodriguez had already bought and established his own shop with cost-efficient methods and equipment. She took the time to help him get the necessities for his business squared-away. After assisting with the business set-up, logo, website, accounting systems, sample sales, service contracts and invoices, Susan worked with Juan to identify customer targets in retail, wholesale, and commercial markets. 

“I can’t imagine trying to start this business without the help of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center and meeting with Susan Urbach,” says Rodriguez. “I knew there was a lot to learn, but she made things understandable, and was so patient. I have been trying to keep all my startup costs as low as possible, and she helped me find all sorts of other resources that were reasonable, and many were even free.” 

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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Nelson Allen, a Tulsa resident for over 44 years with a strong business background, had a passion for starting his own storage facility company and doing what he could to support his community of North Tulsa. He had been planning the start of his business for over five years, going to conventions, and talking to different storage facility owners to learn as much as he could.  

Eventually, Nelson reached out to the Oklahoma SBDC and was assigned business advisor Jessee Paxton. In partnership with the Greenwood Women’s Business Center, Jessee helped fill in the gaps so Nelson could reach his business goals. Although Nelson already knew most things on how to start a business, he worked with the Oklahoma SBDC to make sure that he had everything planned out and every box checked before he opened his doors. Gilcrease Express Storage was able to open in late 2022 with a climate-controlled, state-of-the-art facility with 24-hour security monitoring video surveillance. 

“Jessee and the SBDC helped teach me what to do and what not to do,” said business owner Nelson Allen. “With the trainings and one-on-one counseling, [they helped provide] me business skills in planning, marketing, and HR… I will continue to use the SBDC and the Greenwood Women’s Business Center to help accomplish my future business goals which is adding more businesses around the storage facility that will build the community and help with more business opportunities for entrepreneurs.” 

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


With a goal to create a healthy snack bar, Jeff Ragan founded KiZE Concepts, a business that produces healthy nutrition bars in a variety of flavors. While preparing for the required certifications, the company heard about the Oklahoma SBDC and reached out for assistance with the Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit. Despite the set-back made by the COVID-19 pandemic, they were able to pass the audit in October of 2020, thanks in large part to the help of business advisor Stephanie Baker, who met with the KiZE team regularly to review the necessary code requirements.  

KiZE continued to improve their food safety and quality programs while working with the Oklahoma SBDC. Because of this, they were able to pass both the 2021 and the 2022 SQF audits, allowing their company to expand their sales. 

“Really incredible service from Stephanie Baker,” says Jeff Ragan, CEO of KiZE. “We have no prior industry experience and going for a high-level, difficult audit like SQF would not have been possible without her support. Not only did we pass, we received an excellent score – 11 points higher than when we did the first time. Stephanie was a huge part in helping prepare and improve our operation and understanding the SQF system…” 

“… We are extremely grateful to have the support from the Oklahoma SBDC and know that the investment in us will continue to pay dividends in improving our business, the lives of our people, and our community.” 

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

The Arkansas-Oklahoma Railroad Company is a family owned and operated Class III railroad serving customers along a 118-mile corridor between Howe, OK to McAlester, OK and Shawnee, OK to Midwest City, OK. The key commodities received are: wheat, corn, oats, CSM, feed ingredients, frack sand, ceramic proppant, auto’s, plastic resin pellets, drilling fluid products, hydrochloric acid, lumber, and hydro processing catalyst. The key commodities shipped are: coal, aggregate, and decorative stone. The A-OK provides storage car needs on short- and long-term basis to customers looking for convenient reliable service. Inspection, running repairs, cleaning, and stenciling services can be provided upon request. The A-OK currently has 23 storage car customers. The A-OK can accommodate unit pipe trains at Midwest City, OK, McAlester, OK and Wister, OK. The A-OK facilitates rail car leasing for a wide variety of car types upon request. The A-OK provides land and rail service for trans-loading upon request.

A-OK started working with the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center for disaster relief support during the pandemic and the severe weather in winter of 2021. After becoming familiar with the services offered, the OKSBDC continues to be a resource on business growth strategy, research assistance and management opportunities. The leaders of the railroad work with OKSBDC advisors and research team to pull statistics and data for key transportation upgrades, to learn ways to leverage federal, state and tribal workforce and financial programs. 

A-OK through the family leadership of the Donoley Family is an economic driver in Oklahoma. As leadership has transitioned to the next generation, the company continues to look forward to expansion and opportunities for partnership to grow the economy. The past 36 months have been challenging, initially due to COVID and severe winter weather which created chaos and physical damage; then the family dealt with a serious health crisis which was emotionally challenging. The leadership of this second generation kept the railroad moving forward. While shouldering more duties, this group recognizes the power of collaboration and is appreciative of the OKSBDC resources and support. 

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

Hotel property owners and managers, Vik and Jenny Desai learned about OKSBDC small business advising services in 2019 with the goal of improving accounting. While these hotel owners were successful, they recognized the value of evaluation and assistance from an outside team. 

“…Then, 2020 hit, and the hospitality industry was crushed…” said Jenny Desai. The pair worked with OKSBDC throughout the pandemic for assistance navigating relief programs and for discussion on moving the business forward during difficult times. 

Jenny goes on, “After 2020/2021 settled down, we began meeting with Dana Hugle. We are a maturing company, and needed some guidance on HR best practices, growing a positive culture in our business, searching for the best insurance companies, and EIDL payback. We have relied on Dana and Ben Evans at OKSBDC to help guide us through this complicated process. It has been extremely helpful to have someone to ask questions to, someone who may have more access to higher levels of SBA, etc…” 

Advisors at OKSBDC assisted with HR and guest policy review. They also supported the business owners in discussions around employee training and retention. The hotel staff turnover rates have declined and the satisfaction rates have improved. 

Many small business owners are under the misconception that OKSBDC only works with start-up businesses; however, the business advisors address a number of issues from financial, to staffing, to marketing and much more. With a company that has a history of success in the industry, working with an OKSBDC advisor gives fresh perspective and the encouragement needed for the business owners to continue to move forward. 

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

MacKenzie Russom had always wanted to start her own salon business, but could not figure out where to begin. Luckily, one of her clients told her about the services the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center provides, and how they could help her follow her dream and reach her goal. On the same day Russom found out about the Oklahoma SBDC, she booked an appointment with the Oklahoma SBDC and was paired with Nichole Tucker, who would help MacKenzie through the start-up process.

Eventually, Nichole was able to help MacKenzie with finding a building, hiring employees, and opening the business, all under 30 days. Not only that, but Nichole was able to help with the personal loan application process, the business plan, financials, marketing plan, and online system for clients to schedule appointments.

“I had the upmost professional, kind, helpful experience,” said MacKenzie. “Nichole was absolutely more than helpful. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with.”

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



Rebecca and Chris Britton knew exactly where to go for help when they started their business – the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, getting in contact with Business Advisor Susan Urbach. The Britton’s industry experience helped them observe and find a niche market. Chris has longstanding experience in the warehousing and transportation logistics area, and Rebecca also has warehousing experience along with senior management experience in another company. Together, with help from the Oklahoma SBDC, they would create Endeavor Industries, LLC.

Endeavor Industries is an e-commerce fulfillment and Amazon FBA prep service located in west central Oklahoma City. E-commerce has been growing for years, and especially spiked during the time of the pandemic, and there will be a continued increase in e-commerce as time goes on. They have engaged other programs that deal exactly with local Oklahoma companies who are wanting to get into or expand on their e-commerce options. They anticipate other companies approaching Endeavor Industries, namely those that will find a central US location helpful in their e-commerce strategy.

“That was something we so appreciated,” said Rebecca Britton. “Getting a business loan is very different from a consumer loan.  We are grateful that we worked with the Oklahoma small Business Development Center and had that experience on our side.”

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

Anthony Cambas Facilitates Opportunities for Oklahoma Small Business

Word is getting out about global opportunities for the small business owner. Word is…the markets are lucrative, and the process is less difficult than one might think. Anthony Cambas, Director of the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade and Development-SBDC, is one of the reasons that exporting goods and services is being simplified.

Cambas, a former U.S. Customs official, has almost 30 years of experience in international trade. His impressive credentials include export development and customs reform in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Anthony holds a Masters Degree in International Customs Law from the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies at the University of Canberra, Australia, and in 2014, was named the State Star for the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network. Cambas’ resume also boasts a Fellowship of the Small Business Network of the Americas (SBNA) . . . and, he’s multilingual.

The good news for Oklahoma small businesses is that Cambas’ expertise is close to home. Anthony has been the Director of the International Trade Center-SBDC at Oklahoma State University since 2012 and loves helping clients navigate through the process. “What I enjoy most about my job is helping my clients in the broad sense of the term. This may be through finding a new overseas buyer, ensuring that the shipping goes smoothly, and that they are paid timely.”

According to Cambas, education is key. “I especially enjoy helping clients understand how international trade compliance is a strategic business issue that leads to more profits and long term business opportunities, as well as helping avoid fines, penalties, and even worse.” That’s why you’ll see Cambas throughout the state, lecturing on international trade and customs matters, as he did during the Small Business International Trade Symposium, held at OSU-OKC in Oklahoma City in December.

For more information and questions about international trade resources and opportunities, contact Anthony Cambas at 405.744.7128 or anthony.cambas@okstate.edu. For other business services, contact the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network office at 580.745.2877 or visit www.oksbdc.org.

OKSBDC Success Story: AAA Insurance

If you’re a business owner, you know that repeat customers are always a good sign. So it goes with the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center. We love it when our previous clients use our services again!

Such is the case with Donna Powell, owner of AAA Insurance in Durant, Oklahoma. Powell first contacted the OKSBDC in 1998 to get assistance with the creation of a business plan for her first company, Texoma Business Staffing. Eighteen years later, with a well established company to her credit, Powell began formulating plans for AAA Insurance, her second entrepreneurial opportunity. “With the tools and resources I received from the OKSBDC through my previous business, I knew that I could do most of the information on my own,” explains Donna.

With her second business plan well underway, Powell sought specific demographic information from Ahmad El-katib, OKSBDC advisor for market research and geographic information systems (GIS). “I was able to do a competitive analysis and provide a list of all the insurance agencies in the area,” says Ahmad.

Donna also acquired consumer spending data about home, auto, and life insurance. “Without the tools provided by the Small Business Development Center of Oklahoma, I don’t feel that I would have had the confidence to start a(n) (insurance) business in the area,” remarks Powell.

Perhaps the ancient proverb sums up the services of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center best…”Give a man a fish, and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

If you would like more information or have questions about OKSBDC services, call 580.745.2877 to schedule an appointment. Video

Speaking Your Language For Small Business

Communication is essential in every aspect of life. Business services are no exception. That’s why the leadership of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has focused on creating a diversified staff that will better meet the needs of its clientele. “We provide support services for entrepreneurs and small business owners,” says Bill Carter, OKSBDC State Director, “and we must change with the growing needs of our clients to be effective.”

Within the OKSBDC state network, over eight different languages are currently represented. Among them are Spanish, French, Portuguese, and native languages from Africa and Ethiopia. According to Tiffany Newton, an OKSBDC advisor and native of Bogota, Columbia, her diversity has proven to be a valuable tool.”

Of course, speaking the native language of Spanish clients is very helpful, for communication purposes, but there’s also a cultural advantage, that has the potential to benefit every business owner. “For example,” Newton continues, “if I have a client who wants to explore international trade in South America, I have first-hand knowledge of social trends, cultural etiquettes, and marketing opportunities that can’t always be found through internet research.”

Anthony Cambas, Director of the OSU International Trade Center- SBDC, has a similar view when describing the multi-cultural environment in the Stillwater office. “We offer tremendous international trade opportunities to our clients by using our connections, insights, and experiences and link them to a world where 95% of possible consumers are located outside the USA. As a team, we think independently and draw deeply from our individual experiences and perspectives but combine our efforts to better serve our clients. Our clients have international trade questions and we have international trade solutions!”

For more information and questions about OKSBDC services or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network office at 580.745.2877 or visit www.oksbdc.org.

OKSBDC Sponsors International Trade Symposium for Small Businesses

Global opportunity was the topic of conversation at this month’s International Trade Symposium held on the OSU-Oklahoma City Campus and sponsored by Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OKSBDC). Peter A. Quinter, Chair of the Customs and International Trade Law Group, was the keynote speaker for the event. Over 38 small businesses throughout the area gained valuable knowledge about the resources and opportunities available for companies who want to expand their markets globally. Mr. Quinter discussed regulations for importing and exporting, intellectual property rights, and the proper way to deal with government agencies that regulate international trade.

According to Quinter, “Small businesses export and import more than big companies do. Using the SBDCs in the State of Oklahoma is very effective for companies to export and import successfully in compliance with all laws and regulations.” In addition to Quinter’s expertise, those in attendance had question and answer opportunities from a panel which included Chuck Mills, President of Mills Machine Company, Inc., Jesse Garcia, Global Project Specialist from the Department of Commerce, and Anthony Cambas, Director of the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade and Development, OKSBDC. According to Cambas, the symposium was a valuable opportunity to spread the word about global markets. “The International Trade Symposium was a great event that brought together an interesting mix of export assistance service providers, partner organizations, entrepreneurs, and small and medium sized companies from various parts of the state, says Cambas. “Oklahoma’s small and medium sized businesses have limitless opportunities internationally as there is a rising middle class in many parts of the world and approximately 96% of possible consumers are found outside the United States. The International Trade Center- Small Business Development Center at Oklahoma State University is here to help Oklahoma’s small businesses tap into those opportunities.”

For more information and questions about international trade resources and opportunities, contact the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network office at 580.745.2877 or visit www.oksbdc.org.

OKSBDC Success Story: Blue River Valley Winery

Tucked away on a hillside in the small town of Armstrong Oklahoma sits a quaint little shop where the wine flows and the conversation is easy. Blue River Valley Winery, which overlooks its picturesque namesake, is a dream come true for Diane and Hilary Dean. The small boutique winery “was a year in the making,” says Diane, who credits OKSBDC Marketing Consultant, Ahmad El-katib, with much of the progress. “With the data that we were provided by the OKSBDC, we were able to get financing through the USDA of Oklahoma,” which was used to build their current facilities. Co-owner and husband, Hilary, agrees that the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center was a valuable resource. “They helped us build a business plan and do research to find the demographics to see if we actually had a marketable venue in the Durant, (Oklahoma) area.

“I love helping Oklahoma businesses,” remarks El-Katib. “The GIS tools that I use are very helpful to entrepreneurs like Diane and Hilary. They answer a lot of questions about demographics, location and competitors, and that ultimately eliminates some risks.” In addition to market research, the Deans used other no- cost services available through the OKSBDC. “They were unbelievably helpful,” Diane states. “All of our needs have been met.”

A ribbon cutting was held in early December 2015 for Blue River Valley Winery, which specializes in fruit wines. Inside this small boutique, patrons will find a wine list that includes Rio Rosa, Tickle Me Peach, Blue River Bliss, and more.

OKSBDC Advisory Board Meets in Oklahoma City for Fall Meeting

The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Advisory Board member met recently at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City for a network update and business case study on impact to a second stage business.

Welcome by Board Chair and Southeastern Oklahoma State University President Sean Burrage, the group was provided a program update by Dr. Bill Carter, State Director. A highlight of the meeting included a business brief from CEO/President Brad Lahman of Boxel Manuafacturing in Caney, Oklahoma. Mr. Lahman, along with an OKSBDC panel, discussed the history of business services provided for the Oklahoma company that manufactures livestock exposition products and feeding systems. According to Lahman, the OKSBDC “gave me access to business knowledge.”

Barbara Bonner, OKSBDC Center Director for Durant, Oklahoma, was instrumental in the business services. “The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center is (now) able to consult with Brad about his newest product line, as well as his existing manufacturing operation. With our assistance, he has goals for expansion and has developed management tools and skills to strategically plan growth.”

The Advisory Board Meeting was followed by a reception sponsored by the OKSBDC, Enid Regional Development Alliance, and Stock Exchange Bank in Woodward, OK.

The meeting was well attended by the board which includes the following members: Ms. Dottie Overal, Small Business Adminstration/Oklahoma City; Pam Walker, Small Business Administration/Oklahoma City; President Sean Burrage, Southeastern Oklahoma State University/Durant; Dr. Larry Minks, Southeastern Oklahoma State University/Ardmore; Dr. David Henneberry, International Studies & Outreach-OSU/Stillwater; Dwight Hughes, High Plains Technology Center/Woodward; Adam Leaming, University Center/Ponca City; Senator Susan Paddack, Ada; Brian Campbell, Solara Holdings/Chickasaw Nation, Southlake, TX; Brent Kisling, Enid Regional Development Alliance/Enid; James Dalton, Durant/Bryan County Emergency Management/Durant; Mike Fuhr, The Nature Conservancy/Tulsa; Eric Miller, Port of Muskogee/Muskogee; Greg Phillips, State Farm Insurance/Durant; Dennis Bradford, Genesis Group/Oklahoma City; Jessica Pfau, Shiloh Morning Inn/Ardmore; Xavier Neira, Manhattan Construction Company/Oklahoma City; Mark Stansberry, The GTD Group/Edmond; Bruce Benbrook, Stock Exchange Bank/Woodward; Kelly Nemecek, McClain Bank/Purcell; Mike Jackson, The State Chamber/Oklahoma City; Thomas Lewis, Congressman Tom Cole’s Field Rep; Shawna McWaters-Khalousi, Division Head of Agriculture Technologies- OSU/OKC; John Furstenwerth, Furstenwerth Consulting; Dr. Robert Taylor, Director of New Product Development Center/OSU; Stan Greil, Vice President for Workforce Development, Rose State College; John Veal, Deputy District Director/SBA; Jim Shideler, Coordinator-Global Contacts Division of International Studies/OSU.

OKSBDC services are provided as part of a federal, state, and local economic development partnership. OKSBDC results for Oklahoma include successful business start-ups, stronger small businesses, increased business capitalization, and increased private sector job growth. OKSBDC’s goal is a stronger and more sustainable Oklahoma economy. Business owners in any of Oklahoma’s 77 counties can access the 16 statewide locations to receive business advising, training, and technical assistance on a broad range of business issues including capitalization, government contracting, and other operational challenges.

For more information and questions about OKSBDC services or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network office at 580.745.2877 or visit www.oksbdc.org.

OKSBDC Hosts All Staff Retreat

The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OKSBDC) held its 2015 Fall Staff Retreat at Lake Murray State Lodge in Ardmore, OK. The three day event focused on team building, as well as specialized services such as restaurant consulting, market research and exporting. The staff also observed the development of advisement skills utilizing PeerSpectives, a high value approach for counseling Stage II Entrepreneurs.

Larry Siebert Named OKSBDC State Star

Congratulations to Larry Siebert, OKSBDC Associate Business Development Specialist at UCO – SBDC, for being chosen as OKSBDC’s 2015 State Star! “Larry’s expertise in retail management, pricing strategy, logistics, operations, loss prevention, and merchandising has translated into great value for his SBDC clients” stated Bill Carter, OKSBDC State Director.

Barbara Bonner Named Center Director

OKSBDC State Director Bill Carter is pleased to announce the promotion of Barbara Bonner to Southeastern Center Director.

Barbara, formerly an Associate Business Development Specialist, will be providing oversight to the Southeastern Center’s business advisors and region ensuring quality business advising and significant client value for new entrepreneurs as well as existing small business owners to help them start and grow their enterprises.

Bonner stated, “I look forward to our center expanding its reach and effectiveness and working with businesses in our region as we now serve all of Southern Oklahoma from the Southeastern Center. We have some of the highest quality services and tools available to the business community and our staff is trained to assist small businesses in all aspects of their operations.”

OKSBDC leaders attended a PeerSpectives Conference in August which was held in Michigan.

PeerSpectives is an innovative peer- to-peer learning tool for CEOs, using a proven roundtable format that focuses on sharing experiences instead of giving advice. (Pictured from left to right, Michele Campbell, Bill Carter, Sharon Nichols, Dave Williams, Barbara Bonner, and Anthony Cambas.

Advisors Join OKSBDC Roster

New business advisors joining the OKSBDC network are (from left) Tiffany Newton, Mark Ragel, and Jessica Ervin.

OCAST Forum held at SOSU

Recently, representatives from all over the state gathered at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma to collaborate on providing better opportunities for a stronger Southeastern Oklahoma. Those in attendance focused on economic development opportunities, workforce issues and community involvement. The OKSBDC was proud to help sponsor this event.

President Sean Burrage of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, provided the opening remarks during the recent OCAST Forum. The OKSBDC was proud to help sponsor the event.

Dr. William Carter, State Director of The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, discussed the positive impact small businesses play in the economic growth of Oklahoma. Dr. Carter noted the no-cost services provided by the organization, including market research, new media services, business planning and more.