I’m sure that many of you are also watching what’s happening on the national and global stage as well. Tariffs are being implemented, markets are moving, suppliers are making changes and Canada is even considering a tax on trucks using the Al-Can Highway. We’re tracking these developments closely and creating resources to help your business adapt and stay competitive. If you’re seeing impacts already, reach out and let us know. We want to understand what Alaska’s small businesses are facing so we can respond with the most relevant tools and support.

Speaking of tools, if you haven’t checked out our AI Resource Program yet, you’re missing out! Carlos and Solomon have been hard at work developing some of the most advanced AI-driven tools and datasets in the national SBDC network. Recognized by over 50 centers nationwide, the program is considered a leader in AI business development. BuyAlaska is also going strong, with over 1,280 businesses in the directory promoted to potential customers across the country. The BuyAlaska B2B Exchange is also a great way to support local while growing your own business!

Lastly, a huge shoutout to the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) team. Jay Halverson and his staff have done a phenomenal job deploying both the State and Tribal SSBCI funds. Alaska is the second fastest state in SSBCI deployment, and our tribal partners have launched one of the most successful Tribal SSBCI rollouts in the nation. Together, these programs will unlock nearly $1 billion in small business funding over the next five years. Congratulations to Jay and the team for leading not one, but two of the highest-performing SSBCI programs in the country!

Between free business advising, low cost workshops, AI tools, online directories, small business surveys and more, the Alaska SBDC crew is working hard to support all of your businesses. We recognize that small businesses are the foundation of the state’s economy and the key to economic diversification, workforce development and long term prosperity of all of our communities.  

Whatever your needs are, the Alaska SBDC is here to help. I hope that you take this opportunity to reach out to us and see what we can do to help you start, grow and innovate your business today!  

Entrepreneurs are resilient and gritty. No matter the hour or where you live in the state, we're right there with you.

Visit our website for our suite of statewide SBDC workshops to get started at your convenience and at your pace. Remember to ask your Alaska SBDC advisor about accessing client discounts on fee-based workshops!

All Alaska SBDC workshops are free for active duty military, spouses, and veterans. Contact us to set that up for you!

Since 1986, the Alaska SBDC has been dedicated to helping Alaska’s small businesses start, grow, and thrive through expert advising, workshops, and resources. Check out these recent success stories and join us in celebrating the incredible entrepreneurs who make our communities stronger!

Pictured: Solomon Himelbloom, Christopher Lake, Carlos Machuca, and Terri Coker.

April 17 - Sign up for the redesigned Quarterly Alaska All Call—bringing together mentors and ecosystem builders statewide to share ideas, align strategies, and spark collaboration to grow entrepreneurship across Alaska.

April 23 - Join EXIM at the 2025 Alaska Community Development Forum to explore small business export financing and other programs supporting economic growth and access to credit

April 23 – Alaska Community Development Forum: Join the FDIC and Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco for this free hybrid event on small business growth, housing, and access to credit in Alaska. Happening 10:00 AM–Noon AKT, with a networking lunch for in-person attendees in Anchorage.

April 26 - Youth in grades K–12 are invited to showcase their products, build business skills, and connect with peers at the 2025 Young Entrepreneur Expo at Everett’s Restaurant!

May 1 - Applications are open for Launch Alaska’s 2025–2026 Deployment Track, a program for market-ready startups advancing energy, transportation, and industrial solutions, with in-person kickoff events in Anchorage this September.

May 30 - Applications due for the 2024 Path to Prosperity Business Competition open to Alaska Native entrepreneurs in Southeast Alaska, offering $20,000 each to two winning businesses—including one STEM/TEK-focused venture—and features in-person training in Anchorage from September 30–October 3.

Host a High School Intern This Summer - The Anchorage School District is seeking businesses to host motivated high school interns for a 60-hour, unpaid internship between March 27 and July 25. Students have completed at least two semesters in their career field, maintained strong grades and attendance, and are ready to learn in a real-world setting. Help place 90+ student interns - your mentorship makes a difference!

Don’t miss the latest Alaska MEP Manufacturing Matters episode featuring Erik Williams of Beadedstream, sharing how their Alaska-based team innovates rugged temperature sensing tech. Watch now on YouTube!

Forewarned Is Forearmed: Research for entering markets and staying competitive

Ecommerce Expands: Physical businesses homestead the digital frontier

Alaska SBDC’s AI Resource Program: Leading AI training, education, and adoption