
Annual Event 2025 Agenda

No Code Design for Businesses (Breakout #6)
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to design and launch a professional looking website using no-code tools. This session will guide you through easy-to-follow steps to create a website tailored to your brand.

Who Moved My Cheese? – Adapting to Change with Confidence (Breakout #6)
The session will include actionable strategies and interactive discussions tailored to workplace challenges, helping attendees reflect on their responses to organizational shifts and professional obstacles. By the end, participants will feel empowered to adapt, thrive, and lead confidently in an ever-changing work environment.

Beyond the Transaction: Crafting Memorable Experiences for Your Customers (Breakout #6)
In today's competitive landscape, simply providing a product or service is no longer enough. Customers crave experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and memorable. This interactive session will delve into the principles of the Experience Economy, a powerful framework that can transform your business and build lasting customer relationships.

Design That Delivers: Visual Communication Strategies for Nonprofit Success(Breakout #5)
Nonprofits often struggle to communicate their mission effectively. This presentation will focus on graphic design strategies that amplify messages, connect emotionally with audiences, and encourage action—whether through fundraising campaigns, social media, or outreach.

Building Resilience: Strategies for Sustainable Business Growth (Breakout #5)
Join us for an interactive session on the repeatable behaviors that drive true innovation. We will dive into how top-performing CEOs and even 5-year-olds approach creativity, and how you can apply these insights to both personal habits and building a culture of innovation at your workplace or organization.

Innovate...Like a Kid! (Breakout #5)
Join us for an interactive session on the repeatable behaviors that drive true innovation. We will dive into how top-performing CEOs and even 5-year-olds approach creativity, and how you can apply these insights to both personal habits and building a culture of innovation at your workplace or organization.

The Culture you crEATe determines if your business "Eats" or get "Ate" (Breakout #4)
During this presentation, we will demonstrate the importance of creating the right culture to achieve organizational success and allow your business to thrive. Many companies overlook the impact of their internal culture, which often extends to their products or services, thereby limiting growth and new opportunities.
Through this presentation, attendees will gain valuable knowledge and actionable strategies to enhance their organizational culture and drive long-term success.

From Chaos to Calm: Building Success with Systems & Automation (Breakout #4)
In today's fast-paced business world, efficiency is key. This workshop will equip you with the tools and strategies to streamline your operations and automate key tasks. We'll explore proven systems for managing clients, scheduling appointments, automating marketing tasks, and creating a consistent workflow. You'll leave with a clear action plan to implement systems that free up your time and allow you to focus on what you do best.

Positioning Your Small Business for Grant Funding Success (Breakout #4)
Securing grant funding can be a game-changer for your small business, but where do you start? This course will guide you through the essentials of identifying the types of funding your business is most likely to qualify for, understanding the differences between funding agencies, and meeting eligibility requirements.

Annual Luncheon
Join us for the OKC Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon, where we come together to celebrate the achievements of our members and the growth of our business community.
Enjoy an afternoon of connection and inspiration as we share exciting updates about the Chamber, recognize outstanding contributions with special awards, and reflect on the progress we've made this year. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor success, strengthen relationships, and look ahead to an even brighter future!

Foundations of Human Resources Training (Breakout #3)
This training covers key HR principles, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compliance, and employee relations. It emphasizes building workplace culture, managing talent, ensuring legal adherence, and fostering professional development. This training equips participants with essential skills to handle HR functions effectively and support organizational growth and employee well-being.

There’s No Business Without U: The Importance of Self Care in Entrepreneurship (Breakout #3)
This workshop will explore the primary sources of stress experienced by business owners and examine the effects of that stress on both personal and professional levels. Attendees will receive practical strategies for reducing and managing stress, prioritizing both physical and mental well-being, and enhancing productivity.

Navigating Your Banking Journey: Insights from a Commercial Lender’s Perspective! (Breakout #3)
In this course, you will learn:
• Why Banks Value Relationships with Businesses
• Key Factors Banks Use to Qualify Businesses for Financing
• Types of Business Loans
• The SBA’s Role in Business Financing
• Best Practices for Building a Strong Financial Foundation (e.g., financial statements).
• Understanding EBITDA & DSCR
• What is Treasury Management in Banking

Generating Revenue & Making Sales (Breakout #2)
This course provides a structured approach to understanding and implementing key sales and marketing strategies. You’ll learn how to identify your target customers, design an effective sales and marketing strategy, create a compelling sales pitch, and track activity to measure success. The course will conclude with actionable steps to help you generate sales and drive business growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a professional looking to refine your approach, this course offers valuable insights to enhance your sales efforts.

Unlocking the Power of Strategic Partnerships (Breakout #2)
This interactive workshop equips participants with the tools and strategies to build meaningful, mutually beneficial professional relationships. Attendees will learn how to identify, approach, and maintain strategic partnerships that align with their business goals. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, participants will discover how to create win-win collaborations that foster growth, innovation, and long-term success.

Empowering Communities Through Effective Grant Writing (Breakout #2)
In this session, Nesha teaches participants how to grants with winning proposals, think like a funder, draft a solid boiler plate, and build impactful relationships.

Small Business Entrepreneurial Trends (Breakout #1)
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet they face increasing challenges in today’s evolving landscape. As McKinsey & Company highlights, businesses adopting innovative strategies increase their chances of thriving in dynamic markets. In this interactive session, we’ll explore practical approaches emerging and established entrepreneurs can implement to strengthen their market position and build lasting resilience. This workshop is ideal for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who want to strengthen their competitive position and build sustainable operations in today’s challenging market environment.

The Power of Connections: Networking is a Good Thing! (Breakout #1)
To thrive, businesses must network and make connections. By building relationships, accessing new opportunities, and generating leads, they can stay ahead of industry trends, gain valuable insights, and establish a strong reputation. Networking is the key to expanding their reach and outperforming competitors. My service-based business’ growth depends heavily on making connections, so I’ve had to get a handle on networking early.

Capital Readiness (Breakout #1)
In this session, we will discuss how to present your vision & purpose, financial position and business plan in order to access investment capital.

Plenary Session with Chef Andrew Black
Kick off the day with an energizing opening session featuring remarks from our leaders, an overview of the day’s agenda, and an inspiring message from our plenary speaker, Chef Andrew Black! This session will set the stage for a day of learning, connection, and meaningful discussions—don’t miss this opportunity to start the event on a high note!

Morning Networking Hour
Start your day with meaningful connections over a light breakfast. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new contacts, exchange ideas, and set the tone for a productive day ahead!

Pre-Conference Happy Hour
Join us for an evening of connections, collaboration, and community at our exclusive Networking Mixer, the perfect prelude to the Inaugural Small Business Conference & Annual Luncheon: Pathways to Success. Mingle with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals in the elegant ambiance of Perle Mesta, a premier dining and social space curated by James Beard Award-winning Chef Andrew Black. 🎟 Admission: FREE for registered conference attendees & members; $10 for general admission