The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center brought practical tools and big-picture insight to Kingfisher during Wednesday’s Chamber luncheon, February 18.
Emily Beesley, Regional Business Development Advisor serving Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Grady, Kingfisher, and Logan counties, shared how the SBDC provides no-cost, confidential advising to entrepreneurs at every stage, from startups to long-established businesses looking to expand.
Funded in part through the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SBDC operates with about 25 advisors statewide, serving all 77 counties through in-person and virtual appointments. Much of the work centers on one-on-one advising, especially business plans and financial projections. Advisors also assist with marketing, government contracting, buying and selling businesses, international trade, and innovation support.
Statewide, the network served thousands of clients last year and helped infuse more than $56 million in capital into Oklahoma’s economy.
Beesley focused much of her presentation on Kingfisher’s needs. In a previous survey, local business owners identified marketing, AI tools, and financial strategy as top priorities. While she shared free online workshops and AI training resources, the most discussion centered on financial strategy.
Business owners asked how to better read financial statements, determine when to turn down unprofitable work, pay themselves appropriately, track overlooked expenses, and build generational wealth. Retail leakage reports and local data were also discussed as tools for future business recruitment.
Plans are now underway to develop a financial strategy workshop tailored specifically for Kingfisher.
Before wrapping up, the Chamber highlighted upcoming opportunities, including a Canva marketing class on March 11, a Women in Business event in April, and early planning for the July 4th celebration.
Photos by Maitland Woody
