An Oklahoma business owner has been recognised for her entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to community growth, earning one of the state’s most prestigious small business honours.
Kimberly Gilleland, co-owner of Red Tulip Designs alongside her husband Jeremy, has received the REI Oklahoma Dream BIG Award, which celebrates perseverance and dedication to community development. The award was presented by the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) during a ceremony held at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee.
Red Tulip Designs, based in El Reno, Oklahoma, is a cabinet refinishing business offering homeowners an affordable and sustainable alternative to replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinetry. The firm has grown steadily since its inception, focusing on cost-efficient solutions for renovation projects.
Business Growth Through Expert Guidance
Gilleland’s journey to recognition began when she sought to expand the business and registered for advisory support with the Oklahoma SBDC, where Business Advisor Emily Beesley provided expert guidance in areas such as employee onboarding, market research, and business planning.
With Beesley’s assistance, Gilleland refined Red Tulip Designs’ business plan and financial projections, preparing for the Business Masterclass pitch competition. The collaboration proved fruitful. Thanks to what the release described as “diligent preparation with her SBDC advisor,” Gilleland won the competition, secured a business loan, and received a nomination for the REI Dream BIG Award.
The funding obtained through this process enabled Red Tulip Designs to invest in the Greenfast Cure System, a technology improvement that enhanced production efficiency through faster drying times — a key advancement for the growing refinishing firm.
Award-Winning Achievement
The success culminated in Gilleland being named Business Lending Direct Borrower of the Year by REI Oklahoma, officially recognising her achievement through the Dream BIG Award for entrepreneurial success and community impact.
The Dream BIG event, hosted annually by REI Oklahoma, honours small businesses and organisations demonstrating excellence, innovation, and dedication to strengthening Oklahoma’s local economy.
In a statement accompanying the recognition, the Oklahoma SBDC highlighted the significance of such awards in promoting small business resilience. “The Dream BIG event, hosted annually by REI Oklahoma, celebrates businesses and organizations across the state for their dedication to strengthening Oklahoma’s economy and communities,” the SBDC noted.
Beesley, who supported Gilleland through the advisory process, attended the ceremony and presented the award. “Gilleland, accompanied by Business Advisor Emily Beesley, attended the award ceremony at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee, where she accepted her award on stage before fellow honorees and attendees,” the organisation added.
Oklahoma SBDC’s Role in Small Business Success
Since its founding in 1984, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has become the state’s most comprehensive business consulting network, assisting more than 150,000 Oklahomans in achieving their entrepreneurial goals.
Business owners in any of Oklahoma’s 77 counties can access no-cost advisory services through one of the network’s 20 locations. These services cover business planning, financial management, market analysis, and growth strategy.
The Oklahoma SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and benefits from a broad coalition of financial and institutional partnerships, including the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, higher education institutions, technology centres, and regional consortia.
According to the SBDC, its work has had a measurable impact on the state’s economy through new business start-ups, job creation, and long-term sustainability for small firms.
Businesses supported by the SBDC frequently cite access to mentoring, financial advice, and structured business planning as key advantages, particularly for enterprises seeking to scale up or access funding.
For entrepreneurs like Gilleland, the impact has been transformative. Through mentorship and financial planning support, Red Tulip Designs not only improved its internal processes but also demonstrated how targeted advisory programmes can strengthen local economies through innovation and employment.
Continuing the Mission
The Oklahoma SBDC continues to encourage small business growth through its state-wide network, promoting entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development.
For more information about the Oklahoma SBDC programme, businesses can contact the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network on 580-745-2877 or visit www.oksbdc.org.
The organisation notes that funding for its advisory services is provided in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. A detailed breakdown of Oklahoma SBDC funding is available at www.oksbdc.org/funding/.
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