The Small Business Development Center offers free and low-cost training via our spectrum of workshops, conferences, and quality, affordable management seminars geared toward you. The SBDC provides assistance with: government contracting, international trade, production and inventory control, cash flow analysis, general management for retail, service and manufacturing. In addition the OSBDC includes an Entrepreneur Resource Library containing a variety of materials including: books, publications, videotapes and audiotapes.
Oklahoma Tax Commission New Business Workshop
Held from 9:00 am—Noon
The workshop covers taxes for the State of Oklahoma. During this three-hour session, you will learn about new business registration, business tax report form completion, sales and withholding record keeping requirements, sales tax deductions and exemptions and vendor responsibilities. It is useful for anyone contemplating starting a business. There is no fee for the workshop, however due to limited seating registration is required.
Small Business Federal Tax Workshop
Held from 1:00 pm—3:30 pm
Conducted by a representatives of Cole and Reed, P.C. Certified Public Accountants, the workshop covers basic IRS Tax requirements. During the three-hour session you will learn about record keeping/bookkeeping systems, business income tax, business deductions, and federal tax forms and filing dates. This information is essential to anyone contemplating starting a business. There is no fee for the workshop, however due to limited seating registration is required.
Managing Small Business Finances
Held from 9:00 am-11:00 am
Thinking of starting a small business? Business loans are difficult to arrange in this economic climate. Small business owners need to take charge and manage their finances smarter. This workshop will provide expert guidance on how small business owners can manage their business finances smarter. Gain a better understanding of cash flow, how to efficiently collect money, keep track of it, save it, and spend or invest it wisely There is no fee for the workshop, however due to limited seating registration is required.
Government Contracting and the 8(a) and HUBZone Programs
Held from 9:00 am—Noon
Conducted by SBA experts, this workshop provides information about a federal procurement and business development programs for small disadvantaged businesses. It’s especially valuable for minority companies that have been in business for two years or more. We will discuss the Small Disadvantaged Business program, the HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program, and other sources of procurement assistance. There is no fee for the workshop but due to limited seating registration is required.
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program
Held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This workshop will give you insight into how the new Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program works. This seminar will be led by experts in women-owned business issues and government contracting professionals. Learn: Who is eligible? What industries/businesses may participate? How to become a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business, Certification requirements for Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Businesses. Where are the Federal Contracting opportunities?
Marketing to Government Agencies
Held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Learn how to better market your small business to government organizations and enhance your marketing abilities and skills in gaining government contracting. Experts from OK Bid Assistance Network, SBA and REI’s Women’s Business Center will cover the following key areas of marketing to government agencies:• Networking Etiquette in Government Contracting
• Marketing Techniques to Reach Government Audiences
• Crafting a Capabilities Statement They Will Keep
This workshop is for any small business owner who is interested in learning about the government contracting process or experienced contracting business who wants to improve upon their marketing efforts and increase their contracting opportunities.There is no fee for the workshop, however due to limited seating registration is required.
Patriot Express Loan Briefing
Held from 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
Learn more about the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Patriot Express Loan Initiative for veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand small businesses. The Patriot Express loan can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real-estate purchases. This loan is a streamlined product with enhanced guarantee and interest rate characteristics. There is no charge for the workshop, however registration is required.
Albert J. Garza, Director, Regional Office of Small Business Utilization, GSA Greater Southwest Region.
Office Hours Held from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. -One day per month.
GSA oversees the business of the U.S. federal government. GSA’s acquisition solutions supplies federal purchasers with cost-effective high-quality products and services from commercial vendors. GSA provides workplaces for federal employees, and oversees the preservation of historic federal properties. Its policies covering travel, property and management practices promote efficient government operations. Under the GSA Schedules program, GSA establishes long-term government wide contracts with commercial firms to provide access to millions of commercial supplies (products) and services at volume discount pricing. These can be ordered directly from GSA Schedule contractors or through the GSAAdvantage!® online shopping and ordering system. Find out more about Schedules by making an appointment to meet with Albert J. Garza, Director, Regional Office of Small Business Utilization, GSA Greater Southwest Region. Mr. Garza will hold office hours at the Rose State College Small Business Development Center.
Learn More about the GSA Mentor-Protégé/Vet Program
Held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This workshop is taught by GSA Regional Staff. Participants will gain an understanding of GSA's Mentor-Protégé Program. Both potential mentors and protégés will gain a general overview of the GSA Mentor-Protégé Program. The program is designed to foster strong long-term relationships between experienced GSA prime contractors (mentors) and entrepreneurial small businesses (protégés). The workshop will include a review of the programs, policies, and procedures for applying to the program and the rules and expectations for participation.
Using the GSA Schedule, Marketing your GSA Schedule
Held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All of your hard work has paid off and you are about to take a major step toward connecting your business with government customers. However, there is still a lot of work to be done in order to maximize your contract’s potential. Becoming a Schedule contract holder is not a guarantee of sales. In order to be successful in the federal marketplace, you must market your company’s offerings amidst a competitive pool of existing contractors and continue to manage your contract throughout its life span. This workshop will help you understand your responsibilities as a GSA contractor and offers resources and strategies for maximizing business opportunities.