Oklahoma SBDC Upcoming Events

AI Basics for Small Business, Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:28:32 GMT

Where: Kiamichi Techonology Center, Kiamichi Technology Center, Stigler
When: Tuesday, June 09, 2026 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM
Topic: Marketing and Sales

THIS IS AN ONSITE ONLY TRAINING AND IS NOT OFFERED VIRTUALLY. Curious about how artificial intelligence can help your business grow? Join us for an introductory session designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This workshop will break down the fundamentals of AI in a clear, practical way-no technical background required. Learn what AI is (and isn't), explore real-world examples of how small businesses are using it today, and discover simple tools that can help you save time, improve efficiency, and enhance customer engagement. Whether you're just getting started or looking to stay competitive, this session will give you a solid foundation and actionable ideas you can begin using right away. Perfect for beginners-come ready to learn, ask questions, and explore the possibilities of AI for your business.
Speaker: Trinity Lively Oklahoma SBDC Business Advisor
Co-Sponsor: Kiamichi Technology Center
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.

Fee: No Cost
Link

How to Use AI to Take Back Time Without Adding More Tools, Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:34:22 GMT

Where: Online
When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Managing a Business

You didn't start your business to spend your day buried in emails, chasing follow-ups, and trying to remember what happened in your last five conversations. But that's where most business owners are right now. Not because they're doing anything wrong. but because the way their work flows hasn't been recalibrated for how business actually runs today. So they stay busy. They stay behind. And they feel like they can't step away without something falling through the cracks. Most AI training doesn't fix that. It adds more. More tools. More tabs. More things to manage. In this session we're going to show you how to use AI inside the systems you already have to support how your business actually works, so things move without you having to hold everything together. What this changes for you: You stop feeling buried in your inbox and start seeing only what actually needs your attention You know every lead is being followed up with, without wondering what you missed Your conversations turn into clear next steps without you having to go back and piece them together later Your day feels structured instead of reactive You get time back without sacrificing responsiveness or quality
Speaker: Maria Elena Duron Smart Brand System
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations

Fee: No Cost
Link

Business Start Up, Thursday, June 11, 2026

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:06:53 GMT

Where: Online
When: Thursday, June 11, 2026 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance

It's back to basics! If you want to start a business but aren't sure where to begin, then this class is for you. In this workshop, our SBDC professionals will address many of the questions you should ask yourself before beginning the process of starting a new business. Attendees will learn about legal business structures, small business tax basics, best management practices, basic marketing strategies and market research. We will also talk about how to write a business plan and the importance of financial statements. After attending, you will have the opportunity to connect with one of our SBDC Business Advisors to get assistance in moving through the stages of your business venture. Attendees will receive a copy of the presentation along with helpful handouts, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Speaker: OKSBDC Business Advisor
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations

Fee: No Cost
Link

Introduction to Government Contracting, Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:32:02 GMT

Where: Online
When: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Government Contracting

Federal, state, and local governments represent the largest purchasers of goods and services in the world. If you are interested in pursuing government contracting opportunities, this introductory workshop will guide you through the essential first steps. Participants will learn how to identify industry codes, gain a brief overview of federal registration platforms, explore certification opportunities at a high level, and receive an introduction to market research using the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile tool.
Speaker: Amanda Johnson OK APEX Accelerator at Indian Capital Technology Center
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations

Fee: No Cost
Link

Automate Business Workflows Using Gemini, Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:47:39 GMT

Where: Online
When: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Managing a Business

?Small business owners wear many hats, but repetitive tasks shouldn't slow you down. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to use Gemini to automate and streamline everyday business workflows so you can focus on growth instead of busy work. ?We'll walk through practical, real-world examples of how entrepreneurs are using Gemini to draft emails, generate proposals, create SOPs, organize customer information, summarize documents, build marketing assets, and more. You'll leave with repeatable prompts, workflow templates, and a clearer understanding of how to integrate AI into your daily operations - without needing technical expertise. ?If you're looking to save time, reduce costs, and improve productivity using AI, this session will give you the tools to start immediately.
Speaker: Maria Elena Duron Smart Brand System
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations

Fee: No Cost
Link

Business Smart, Thursday, June 18, 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:41:56 GMT

Where: Online
When: Thursday, June 18, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance

Hosted by: Oklahoma SBDC If you're looking to start a business and have questions on where to begin, this workshop covers those first steps. Maybe you have a business idea and need to answer a few questions to give the idea more structure. Have you thought of a clever name, registered your business, or opened a bank account? Now what? In this workshop, we will be covering the following topics: Market Feasibility Key sections of a business plan Factors to consider when determining legal structure Where to find funding Key resources for your business The goal of this workshop is to provide direction to new entrepreneurs and introduce you to the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center. Attendees will have a better understanding of initial steps to starting their business.
Speaker: OKSBDC Advisor Shannon Spier OKSBDC Advisor Greg Jones
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations

Fee: No Cost
Link

AI Basics for Small Business, Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:51:52 GMT

Where: Kiamichi Technology Center, Kiamichi Technology Center, Tahlihina
When: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM
Topic: Marketing and Sales

Fee: No Cost
Link

Short Term Vacation Rental Start Up for Rural Communities, Tuesday, July 07, 2026

Fri, 29 May 2026 16:55:23 GMT

Where: Online
When: Tuesday, July 07, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance

Are you interested in turning your home, cabin, farm stay, or other property into a source of additional income through short-term vacation rentals? This informative presentation will guide you through the key considerations for evaluating, launching, and managing a successful vacation rental business. We will cover basic information on platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and others, along with important tax, regulatory, and operational considerations. Whether you're exploring the idea or ready to get started, you'll gain practical insights to help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive a copy of the presentation packed with additional resources, tools, and tips for success.
Speaker: Oklahoma SBDC Business Development Specialists
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.

Fee: No Cost
Link

Turning Business Documents into Action using Notebook LM, Wednesday, July 08, 2026

Tue, 19 May 2026 19:57:23 GMT

Where: Online
When: Wednesday, July 08, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Managing a Business

Your business is full of valuable information - proposals, contracts, SOPs, reports, meeting notes - but too often those documents sit unused. In this intermediate-level workshop, you'll learn how to use NotebookLM to transform your existing business documents into clear insights, decisions, and action plans. We'll walk through how to upload and organize key materials, ask strategic questions across multiple documents, extract themes, summarize long reports, and identify gaps or opportunities hiding in plain sight. You'll see how NotebookLM can help you synthesize information faster, prepare for strategic planning sessions, streamline operations, and make better data-informed decisions without hiring an analyst. Designed for growth-minded entrepreneurs who already have established processes and documentation, this session will help you move from information overload to operational clarity - turning what your business already knows into smarter next steps.
Speaker: Maria Elena Duron Grow With Google Coach
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.

Fee: No Cost
Link

Business Start Up, Thursday, July 09, 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:37:39 GMT

Where: Online
When: Thursday, July 09, 2026 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance

Fee: No Cost
Link

Youth Employment Rules & Regulations, Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 17:08:11 GMT

Where: Online
When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Topic: Managing Employees

Every year, millions of teens gain valuable experience through part-time and summer jobs. These early work opportunities can help young workers build essential skills, confidence, and responsibility. This webinar will provide an overview of youth employment laws to help employers stay compliant and create safe, positive work environments for young workers. Participants will learn about key requirements related to hours of work, permitted and prohibited job duties, and recordkeeping responsibilities for employing youth.
Speaker: Jessica Parker - US Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division , Community Outreach & Resource Planning Specialist. Lester Claravall - Oklahoma Department of Labor, Child Labor Program Administrator
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations

Fee: No Cost
Link

Business Smart, Thursday, July 16, 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:38:22 GMT

Where: Online
When: Thursday, July 16, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance

Fee: No Cost
Link

Get Your Business on Google Search and Maps: Optimizing for AI and Gemini, Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:03:01 GMT

Where: Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, Oklahoma SBDC, Durant
When: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Marketing and Sales

If your business isn't on Google, you don't exist to the modern customer. But today, "being on Google" means more than just a pin on a map. It means being the answer when AI-powered search engines recommend the best local spots. This workshop walks you through how to build a high-performing Google Business Profile that speaks to both humans and AI. Whether you're a local staple or a brand-new startup, you'll learn how to feed Google's ecosystem the right data so you show up exactly when and where customers are looking. A practical roadmap to becoming the most "findable" business in your area.
Speaker: Maria Elena Duron Grow with Google Coach
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.

Fee: No Cost
Link

Business Start Up, Friday, August 14, 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:40:15 GMT

Where: Online
When: Friday, August 14, 2026 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance

Fee: No Cost
Link

Business Smart, Thursday, August 20, 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:42:19 GMT

Where: Online
When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance

Fee: No Cost
Link

Automate Business Workflows Using Gemini, Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:11:34 GMT

Where: Online
When: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Managing a Business

?Small business owners wear many hats, but repetitive tasks shouldn't slow you down. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to use Gemini to automate and streamline everyday business workflows so you can focus on growth instead of busy work. ?We'll walk through practical, real-world examples of how entrepreneurs are using Gemini to draft emails, generate proposals, create SOPs, organize customer information, summarize documents, build marketing assets, and more. You'll leave with repeatable prompts, workflow templates, and a clearer understanding of how to integrate AI into your daily operations - without needing technical expertise.
Speaker: Maria Elena Duron Grow with Google Coach
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations

Fee: No Cost
Link

Make AI Work for Local Businesses, Thursday, August 27, 2026

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:13:11 GMT

Where: Online
When: Thursday, August 27, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Managing a Business

Heard the buzz about AI, but wondering what it actually means for your business? This workshop cuts through the noise. By exploring practical applications and real-life examples from business owners like you, you'll leave with a personalized plan to put AI to work for your business right away. You won't just learn about Google AI tools - you'll get hands-on practice. More importantly, you'll discover when and how to use them strategically to tackle common business challenges.
Speaker: Maria Elena Duron Grow with Google Coach
Co-Sponsor:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with appropriate advance notice. Please contact OKSBDC Training Manager Cindy Ruminer by email at cindy.ruminer@oksbdc.org or call 580-745-2877. All SBDC programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. "Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA." This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations

Fee: No Cost
Link