The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has announced a new partnership with The Verge OKC, a nonprofit entrepreneurial hub in Oklahoma City, in a move designed to expand access to high-quality business advising and support services across the region.
Revealed in a statement dated 6 April 2026, the collaboration will see an Oklahoma SBDC business advisor embedded on-site at The Verge, providing no-cost, one-to-one guidance to entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners at all stages of development.
The initiative is intended to streamline access to expert advice and strengthen the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oklahoma City. By placing advisory services directly within The Verge’s network, both organisations aim to create a more seamless pathway for founders seeking support, from early-stage concept development through to growth and expansion.
Through this partnership, entrepreneurs will be able to access a range of services, including business planning and strategy, market research and financial analysis, funding and capital readiness, and assistance navigating state and federal programmes. Additional support will focus on growth planning and scaling, helping businesses transition from startup phase to sustainable operations.
The Oklahoma SBDC, which has operated since 1984, is the state’s most comprehensive business consulting network. It has supported more than 150,000 Oklahomans in starting and growing small businesses and provides services across all 77 counties through a network of 20 locations. Its work is partly funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, alongside partnerships with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, higher education institutions, and regional organisations.
The Verge OKC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as a central hub for entrepreneurship in Oklahoma City. It focuses on connecting diverse founders with mentorship, capital, and community resources, positioning itself as a “front door” for individuals looking to start or grow a business.
Leaders from both organisations highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration in strengthening the local business environment.
“We are excited to formally partner with The Verge in Oklahoma City. We are excited about being in this entrepreneurial environment and to be a part of the effort right in the heart of an innovative and collaborative community. This connection will help more small businesses launch, grow, and succeed,” said Michele Hockersmith, State Director of the Oklahoma SBDC.
Kristin Garcia, Executive Director of The Verge OKC, emphasised the accessibility and practical impact of the partnership for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of starting a business.
“Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The Verge serves as a front door for entrepreneurship in Oklahoma City — a place where founders can start, grow, and connect to the right resources at every stage of their journey. By bringing together partners like the Oklahoma SBDC, we’re creating a stronger pathway for entrepreneurs and small businesses across the region,” she said.
The partnership reflects a broader effort to enhance Oklahoma’s economic landscape by supporting business creation, job growth, and long-term sustainability. By integrating advisory services directly into a collaborative entrepreneurial space, the initiative is expected to reduce barriers to entry for new businesses and improve access to critical expertise.
Appointments with the Oklahoma SBDC advisor at The Verge will be available through registration on the organisation’s website. All services are provided confidentially and at no cost, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to accessible business support.
As regional economies increasingly prioritise innovation and small business development, the partnership between Oklahoma SBDC and The Verge OKC signals a targeted approach to fostering entrepreneurship through collaboration, resource-sharing, and community-based support infrastructure.
