The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has recognised a broad range of entrepreneurs, partners and advocates at its Advocacy Council Awards ceremony, underscoring the importance of advisory support, collaboration and innovation in strengthening the state’s small business ecosystem.
The awards event was held at the Tanenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center at Rose State College in Midwest City and brought together small business owners, lenders, educators and economic development partners from across Oklahoma. The annual gathering serves as a platform to celebrate business achievement while highlighting the role of advocacy and mentorship in driving sustainable growth.
Leadership Highlights the Role of Advocacy and Access to Resources
The ceremony opened with a welcome to the Rose State College campus delivered by Chief of Staff Whitney Alvis. This was followed by network updates from Oklahoma SBDC State Director Michele Hockersmith, who emphasised the value of recognising both clients and advocates who help ensure entrepreneurs are aware of available resources and advisory services.
Hockersmith noted that advocacy plays a critical role in connecting business owners with guidance across multiple stages of development, from start-up planning to expansion and export readiness. The SBDC’s statewide network continues to focus on improving access to practical, no-cost business consulting for entrepreneurs operating in diverse industries and communities.
Client Experience Showcases Impact of SBDC Support
Attendees also heard from Oklahoma SBDC client Bryce Everett, founder of URMRKT, who shared his experience of working with the SBDC’s Tech Launch Center and Technology Innovation Director Jessica Ervin. Everett outlined how targeted advisory support contributed to his participation in the Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Grassroots AgCelerate Accelerator.
He highlighted the role of SBDC guidance in refining business strategy, navigating growth challenges and strengthening connections within Oklahoma’s innovation and agricultural entrepreneurship landscape. His remarks provided a practical example of how advisory services translate into tangible outcomes for emerging companies.
Broad Range of Businesses Recognised Across Oklahoma
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the 2025 Oklahoma SBDC Advocacy Council Awards, beginning with client recognitions and followed by partner and advocate honours. The recipients reflected the diversity of Oklahoma’s small business economy, spanning manufacturing, professional services, design, printing, technology and food and beverage.
Client awards were presented to Stellar Plant Services as Manufacturing Small Business; 3F’s Poultry and Rabbit Processing as Blue-Collar Small Business; Makeba Design & Prints as Home-Based Small Business; Royal Printing Company as Family Owned Small Business; BaseConnect as Veteran Owned Small Business; Vizsmart as Young Entrepreneur; Shelly’s Stigler Café as Rural Small Business; Simergent for the Business Excellence Award; and 4AG Manufacturing as Small Business Exporter.
Additional client honours included Fenway Enterprises Consulting & Innovative Solutions as Encore Small Business and Good Cause Brewing as Rising Phoenix Small Business.
Advocates and Partners Recognised for Industry Leadership
Advocacy awards acknowledged individuals and organisations supporting Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial environment. Recipients included Amanda Johnson of Indian Capital Technology Center as Partner Advocate; Commercial Lender Jami Clay of First United Bank as Lender Advocate; United Dynamics as Industry Advocate; Bryce Everett of URMRKT as Client Advocate; and Executive Director Allyson Carson of ODIA as Innovation Advocate.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Hockersmith said:
“The Oklahoma SBDC is proud to honor our clients and advocates at our Advocacy Council gathering. It is a great opportunity to share client successes and recognize our partners and collaborators for all they do to ensure Oklahomans are aware of the services available through the Oklahoma SBDC.”
Longstanding Support for Small Business Growth
Since its establishment in 1984, the Oklahoma SBDC has become the state’s most comprehensive business consulting network, supporting more than 150,000 Oklahomans in pursuing entrepreneurship and small business ownership. Business owners in all 77 counties can access no-cost advising through 20 locations statewide.
The organisation is funded in part by the Small Business Administration and works in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, higher education institutions, technology centres and regional consortia. Through these collaborations, the Oklahoma SBDC has contributed to business start-ups, job creation, growth and long-term sustainability across the state.
