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.

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.”

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.” 

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.” 

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.