The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (Oklahoma SBDC) has announced the graduation of the latest cohort from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Grassroots Accelerator programme, marking a new milestone in efforts to boost innovation and entrepreneurial growth across the state’s rural and agricultural communities. The initiative, designed to support business founders in towns of 50,000 residents or fewer, aims to strengthen the economic foundations of Oklahoma’s less urbanised regions through targeted mentoring, business development and venture-scaling support.
A Partnership Strengthening Rural Economies
The Grassroots Rural and Ag Business Accelerators programme is led by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau in partnership with the Oklahoma SBDC and several statewide organisations. Operating through two specialised pipelines—AgCelerate Oklahoma and Activate Oklahoma—the scheme works with agricultural innovators as well as rural business owners seeking to strengthen commercial sustainability. By offering structured development pathways, the programme helps entrepreneurs refine business models, build investment readiness and introduce new products and services into their local and regional markets.
Demo Day Showcases Rural Innovation
Participants in the latest cohort concluded their accelerator experience with a Demo Day, giving founders an opportunity to pitch their ventures to partners, investors and community stakeholders. The event showcased a broad range of rural and agricultural innovations from across the state. Among those presenting were several Oklahoma SBDC clients, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing support for early-stage companies developing solutions tailored to rural economies.
This year’s graduates included Matt Stenger of STINGER Jugheads; Terence Ransom of Ransom’s BBQ; Molly Moore of Gimel LLC; Ryan White of Sky Reach Drones; Jeejo Pallayi of Fovio; Crystal Glass and Erin Ogee of Sober Sally’s; Kelly Blair Campbell of Hay Wrap Recycled Products; Spencer Smith of 4AG MFG; and Logan Miller. Each entrepreneur presented business concepts aimed at addressing unique challenges or opportunities within their respective sectors, ranging from food production and consumer goods to drone technology and agricultural manufacturing.
Oklahoma SBDC Highlights Collaborative Achievement
The Oklahoma SBDC emphasised the significance of the accelerator as a collaborative effort designed to elevate rural enterprise. The organisation highlighted the commitment of participating founders and their potential to contribute to long-term economic resilience in regions that often face limited access to business development resources. By providing advisory support and working closely with local partners, the SBDC aims to help these companies move beyond the early stages of development and position themselves for sustainable expansion.
A Long-Established Network Supporting Statewide Growth
Founded in 1984, the Oklahoma SBDC has become the state’s most comprehensive business consulting network. Over the past four decades, it has assisted more than 150,000 Oklahomans in launching and expanding small businesses. The network offers no-cost advisory services across 77 counties, with business owners able to access support through 20 service locations. Assistance includes financial planning, strategic development, market research and operational guidance.
The centre’s work is funded in part by the US Small Business Administration and supported by a coalition of partner institutions, including the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, higher education organisations, technology centres and regional consortia. These partnerships aim to foster entrepreneurship, stimulate job creation and strengthen business sustainability across the state. According to the Oklahoma SBDC, its programmes have contributed significantly to Oklahoma’s economic development through business start-ups, employment growth and strengthened commercial competitiveness.
Accelerator Positioned to Drive Future Rural Enterprise
With rural communities continuing to navigate economic shifts and demographic pressures, the Grassroots Accelerator initiative is positioned as a strategic tool for fostering local innovation. By equipping founders with mentorship, technical assistance and opportunities for industry engagement, the programme seeks to catalyse a new wave of rural enterprises capable of driving regional growth.
Further information about the accelerator is available at okfarmbureau.org/accelerator. For enquiries regarding Oklahoma SBDC services, the organisation’s Network Office can be contacted at 580-745-2877 or via oksbdc.org. Details on Oklahoma SBDC funding are listed at oksbdc.org/funding.
