A rural development masterclass series

The Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerator program’s In the Weeds series is a rural development masterclass program designed for rural entrepreneurs looking to hone and refine their businesses, their innovation pitches and learn more about the numerous Oklahoma-based business resources at their fingertips.

A series of four separate meetings held across the state in eight rural locations throughout 2025 will provide rural entrepreneurs with cutting-edge business resources provided by our program partners.

Join us at the meeting that is most convenient for you to get In the Weeds as we explore concepts, resources and opportunities for rural Oklahoma innovators to grow!

Four Programs

Four unique sessions provide participants with the opportunity to develop skills, learn about opportunities and develop their business connections with our Oklahoma-based program partners while connecting with fellow rural entrepreneurs.

Session One

Venture Forward: How to Pitch

This masterclass is designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to present themselves and their businesses effectively to investors and other key stakeholders. By the end of this masterclass, you will have developed a polished and persuasive 5-minute pitch, along with enhanced presentation skills that will help you make a strong impression in any professional setting.

Fairview and Pryor – January 8
Alva and Drumright – January 29
Duncan and Wilburton – February 19
Elk City and Ada – March 12

Session Two

Crafting your Business Blueprint with LivePlan

By the end of the masterclass, participants will have the knowledge and tools they need to utilize LivePlan confidently, enabling them to develop strategic business plans that drive success and growth for their ventures. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, startup founder or seasoned business owner, this masterclass offers valuable insights and practical skills to elevate your business planning efforts to the next level.

Fairview and Pryor – April 2
Alva and Drumright – April 23
Duncan and Wilburton – May 14
Elk City and Ada – June 4

Session Three

Unlocking Lending Opportunities
with TEDC

By the end of the masterclass, participants will emerge with a deeper understanding of the SSBCI loan application process and the confidence to navigate it effectively. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned entrepreneur seeking additional funding, this interactive workshop offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers, gain practical insights, and develop actionable strategies for securing SSBCI funding to fuel your business growth and success.

Fairview and Pryor – June 25
Alva and Drumright – July 16
Duncan and Wilburton – August 6
Elk City and Ada – August 27

Session Four

Custom Solutions for Market-Specific Needs

The final masterclass will be developed in response to specific market demand, ensuring that the content is highly relevant and valuable to participants. To maximize its effectiveness, the masterclass may be customized for each quadrant, allowing us to address the unique needs and challenges faced by different groups. Topics could include, but are not limited to, market opportunity, customer discovery, cap table and data room development and grant assistance.

Fairview and Pryor – September 17
Alva and Drumright – October 8
Duncan and Wilburton – October 29
Elk City and Ada – November 19

Eight locations

In the Weeds participants can attend the program that is most convenient for them. With eight locations across our state, we are proud to make connecting with Oklahoma’s world-class business development programming convenient and easy.

Western Oklahoma locations and program dates

All classes will be held from 5:30 p.m – 7 p.m. • Dinner will be provided

Fairview

Northwest Tech Center
801 Vo-Tech Dr.
Fairview, OK 73737

Venture Forward: How to Pitch
January 8

Crafting your Business Blueprint with LivePlan
April 2

Unlocking Lending Opportunities with TEDC
June 25

Custom Solutions for Market-Specific Needs
September 17

Alva

Northwest Tech Center
1801 11th Street
Alva, OK 73717

Venture Forward: How to Pitch
January 29

Crafting your Business Blueprint with LivePlan
April 23

Unlocking Lending Opportunities with TEDC
July 16

Custom Solutions for Market-Specific Needs
October 8

Duncan

Red River Tech Center
3300 W. Bois D’Arc
Duncan, OK 73534

Venture Forward: How to Pitch
February 19

Crafting your Business Blueprint with LivePlan
May 14

Unlocking Lending Opportunities with TEDC
August 6

Custom Solutions for Market-Specific Needs
October 29

Elk City

Arrowhead Center
600 Western Dr
Elk City, OK 73644

Venture Forward: How to Pitch
March 12

Crafting your Business Blueprint with LivePlan
June 4

Unlocking Lending Opportunities with TEDC
August 27

Custom Solutions for Market-Specific Needs
November 19

Eastern Oklahoma locations and program dates