The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the U.S. Small Business Administration will co-host a free virtual information session on small business certification programs on December 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the session will cover eligibility prerequisites, application processes, and benefits of official certifications for small businesses.

Press Release: Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Published November 6, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Oklahoma State and Federal Agencies Host Free Small Business Certifications Webinar Dec. 10

Entrepreneurial growth and government contracting opportunities take center stage next month as two key state and federal entities team up to guide small business owners through official certification programs.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will co-host a free virtual information session on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Navigating Business Certifications and Federal Contracting

Official certifications give small businesses a distinct competitive edge when bidding on state and federal contracts, securing specialized resources and accessing dedicated procurement networks. During the one-hour session, business leaders from across Oklahoma will learn about available designation programs, eligibility prerequisites, application processes and tangible business growth benefits.

The interactive session features presentations from state and federal representatives:

  • Kellye Johnson (Oklahoma Department of Transportation), highlighting the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification process for transportation and infrastructure projects.
  • Stephanie Ferris (U.S. Small Business Administration), detailing federal designations including Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), the 8(a) Business Development Program, and HUBZone Certification.

Event & Registration Details

While attendance is completely free, advance registration is required to access the online session.

Upon registering online through the official ZoomGov event portal, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing direct access links and meeting entry instructions. Business owners across all industry sectors are encouraged to register early to secure their virtual spot.