Could Oklahoma See Less Small Businesses Next Year?

Another small business in southwest Oklahoma has been teetering on the edge of staying open, something that has seemed to be a recent trend for several businesses in the state. Could this mean that Oklahoma will be seeing less small businesses in the future?

One of Oklahoma's Small Town Business' Asks Community For Support

Costa's Kitchen in Duncan, Oklahoma recently shared with their followers thoughts on possibly closing their doors for good. They posted on their Facebook page, saying:

"We may be closing down this coming January, business is really slow and utilities are very high, these last few months, we have been spending more on utilities than we are making money in the business and it has become an issue, we do apologize to the customers that we do have!"

-Costa's Kitchen via Facebook

The feeling of defeat is something several businesses in Oklahoma can relate to; some have been unable to keep their heads above water and become part of the 10,030 closed between March of 2022 and March 2023, according to advocacy.sbs.gov.

Is Oklahoma's Small Business Market Suffering?

@adventuresinoklahoma My New Favorite Place to Shop Small In OKC! 📍Stompin Ground Market #oklahoma #okc #shopsmall #supportlocal #shoppingmarket #giftshopping #mothersdaygifts #okcboutiques #oklahomacity #okcshopping #shoplocaloklahoma #shoplocalokc ♬ Here Comes the Sun - HERDIANSYAH

Oklahoma isn't lacking in small businesses entirely, though. Current data shows around 382,928 of small businesses in Oklahoma, making up 99.4% of businesses in the state. And over 10,000 small businesses may have closed between 2022 and 2023, but over 15,000 were opened in that time - meaning that Oklahoma gained over 5,000 small businesses in that year alone.

@oldthingsrus I am very grateful that I get to sell vintage out of here! ? #vintageokc #smallbusinessoklahoma #smallbusinessokc #vintageetsyseller #sneakerstore ♬ Lofi - Domknowz

And the successful small businesses stayed open because of communities who heard cries for help like Costa's Kitchen and decided to take action.

Shortly after making the post, customers from the area not only showed their support online, but in the store as well. Within 8 hours, Costa's had a much brighter update on their page that read: "We want to thank everyone who came and supported us today, you guys are the best! Unfortunately, we sold out of a lot of things, we open at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow morning! Thank you guys again, you rock!"

Future For Oklahoma's Small Businesses

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Keep It Local OK (@keepitlocalok)

Thanks to folks buying from small businesses, or dining in this case, Oklahoma's small business growth can continue to be even higher than the national average.

If you'd like to continue to see the unique, creative and Oklahoma-grown small businesses prosper, it's really not difficult to show your support. Simply shop with your small business, spread the word about them and take the opportunity to tip when you can.

What is your favorite small business in Oklahoma? Share with us now through the app!

Get our free mobile app