Elkae Resource Group Wins People’s Choice Award at Urban League Small Business Expo

OKLAHOMA CITY — Elkae Resource Group received the People’s Choice Award at the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City’s 2025 Small Business Expo on Saturday, August 23, 2025, against other local entrepreneurs in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition.

The expo, held in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation at the Metro Tech Springlake Campus, drew business owners, community leaders and residents for a day of networking, workshops and innovation showcases.

Keynote speaker Dr. Basheerah Ahmad headlined the event, which featured breakout sessions on marketing strategies, financial planning and business growth. Attendees explored an exhibitor floor of local vendors and connected with potential clients and collaborators.

The pitch contest featured nine small businesses: Beyond A Budget, Bright Children’s Learning Academy, The Juice Jam, Elkae Resource Group, ShakeURGreen, Rachelle Nichols and Co., Cre8tive Change, Dynamic Treasures Learning Center and Woo’s Wings Wednesday.

The Juice Jam captured first place in the judges’ competition, Woo’s Wings Wednesday took second and Cre8tive Change earned third. Elkae Resource Group, which provides community resource and referral services, won the People’s Choice Award based on attendee votes.

The annual expo is designed to elevate the visibility of small businesses and provide opportunities to connect, learn and grow, organizers said. Admission was free and open to the public.