Inaugural Oklahoma Small Business Summit Set for May 6

Statewide Gathering to Be Held During National Small Business Week Aims to Fuel Oklahoma’s Business Ecosystem

TULSA, Oklahoma, April 2, 2025 - The 2025 Oklahoma Small Business Summit will take place on Tuesday, May 6 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Hilton Garden Inn Tulsa Midtown. As the first of two initiatives under Connect 2025, the summit offers a unique opportunity for Oklahoma’s small business community to come together and define the future of Oklahoma's business landscape during National Small Business Week.

Hosted by the Oklahoma Small Business Exchange and presented by Arvest Bank, the Summit will feature a networking hour, thought-provoking panel discussion, and inspiring keynote presentation. This event serves as the perfect platform for sharing insights, strategies, and fostering partnerships that drive the ongoing success of Oklahoma small business community initiatives.

"We look forward to welcoming Oklahoma business leaders to the 2025 Oklahoma Small Business Summit," said Erik-Michael Collins, chair of the 2025 planning committee. "This event will provide an invaluable opportunity for business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to connect, learn, and grow alongside peers. We are confident that the summit will inspire new partnerships and spark innovative conversations that will shape the future of Oklahoma's small business landscape for years to come."

“At Arvest, we believe in the power of small businesses and the value they bring to our communities,” said Andrew Marshall, small business banking manager for Arvest Bank – Tulsa region. “Connect 2025 is an excellent opportunity for small businesses to learn about new resources and explore new possibilities. We’re proud to be a part of it and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our community.”

The 2025 Oklahoma Small Business Summit panel will include John Redmond of Contrast Energy, Ilana Velazquez of Sisserou’s Caribbean Restaurant & Catering, Cole Cunningham of Mythic Press, and Derrick Alexander of Greater Works Wealth. For further information, please visit www.oksbe.com or contact Jameson Bennett at jameson.bennett@oksbe.com.

About the Oklahoma Small Business Exchange
The Oklahoma Small Business Exchange (OKSBE) connects local entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals to foster relationships, drive growth, and support entrepreneurship. Created by a coalition of Oklahoma businesses, it promotes innovation, economic development, and small business partnerships. By providing a hub where businesses can engage with one another, OKSBE facilitates an environment that fuels local economic initiatives and promotes small business prosperity.

About Arvest Bank
With more than $26 billion in assets, Arvest Bank is a community-based financial institution serving more than 110 communities in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri. Established in 1961, Arvest Bank is committed to meeting the needs of its more than 830,000 retail and business customer households by continually investing in the digital tools and services customers expect. Its extensive network of more than 200 banking locations provides loans, deposits, treasury management, wealth management, credit cards, mortgage loans and mortgage servicing as a part of its growing list of digital services. Arvest is known for its commitment to the communities it serves and to attracting, hiring and retaining a diverse group of talented people. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. To learn more please visit www.arvest.com.