Spring is also conference season for most of the nation. I recently got back from the annual Reservation Economic Summit (RES) conference in Nevada where I was asked to speak about Alaska’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Tribal Consortium. The Alaska SBDC has put together the largest Tribal SSBCI program in the nation and is deploying the funding faster than any other participant in the program. The U.S. Treasury wanted us to share how we did it so others could learn from our success. It was an amazing experience to be able to present at the largest Indigenous business conference in the nation and I was encouraged to see how many other Alaskans were there learning and teaching.

For those of you who haven’t heard, the Alaska SBDC is managing two SSBCI programs, one for the State of Alaska and one for a consortium of 125 of Alaska’s federally recognized tribes. Through our SSBCI programs, we’ve already helped drive more than $120,000,000 in new loans to small businesses in 30 communities across Alaska making us a national leader in SSBCI deployment.

SSBCI isn’t the only thing we’re leading the nation on, our AI Resource Program is also making waves on the national front! I hope that all of you were able to attend our recent SBDC Summit in Anchorage. We had over 300 attendees and 50+ speakers from all over the nation!

Our AI team is working hard to develop new GPT tools and training that they are deploying to hundreds of organizations across the US to help them better assist small businesses using AI. If you’re interested in learning more, you can tune into a joint webinar on March 25th; AI in Action: Practical Strategies for Small Businesses in Alaska and Nevada, between the Alaska SBDC, the Nevada SBDC, and the San Francisco Federal Reserve.

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that things are a bit chaotic right now. Several economic changes are impacting Alaska and the nation that can be difficult to track and plan for. As a small business, it can be hard to stay on top of things and try to plan to position your business for success. As always, the Alaska SBDC is here to help. 

Our advisors are tracking the latest trends, staying on top of federal, state, and local funding shifts, monitoring industry trends, and talking to businesses and policymakers across Alaska to help you make the best decisions possible for your business. I hope you reach out and let us help you navigate these changing times. Together we can help set your business up for success no matter what comes.

A heartfelt thank you to our supporters, speakers, presenters, and attendees for making the SBDC Summit: Innovation in AI, Healthcare, & Business a resounding success! 

Your invaluable contributions and active participation have sparked meaningful conversations and collaborations that will drive Alaska's innovation landscape forward. 

Special thanks to our generous supporters, the Wells Fargo Foundation and Providence Alaska, for their invaluable contributions; our guest speakers from Amazon Web Services, Opiaid, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise for sharing their expertise; and the University of Alaska Anchorage and UAA Business Enterprise Institute for their partnership and participation in making the 2025 #SBDCSummit possible! 

We sincerely appreciate our incredible local speakers and moderators whose insights and expertise made the Summit truly outstanding! Together, we're empowering local businesses and Alaska's communities to thrive in an AI-driven world.

"I’m still smiling from being a part of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Make it Monday panel - what a smart, inspiring, and insightful group of women, both on stage and in the audience! From sharing skills for long-term success to spontaneous outbreaks of song, the conversation was full of heartfelt moments. I’m more committed than ever to ensuring that women have economic opportunity in Alaska and beyond!" - Director of Special Programs & Strategy Gretchen Fauske 

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!

Aspire Med Spa in Anchorage is elevating its services with AI, thanks to guidance from Carlos Machuca, Director of the AI Resource Program. By incorporating AI, Aspire Med Spa has improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced client care.

The AI Resource Program, a program of UAA's Alaska SBDC, is empowering small businesses statewide and nationally with AI tools to boost operations, marketing, and innovation!

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!

Are you prepared for a potential volcanic eruption? Review your emergency plan, protect your assets from volcanic ash, and stay informed, visit ready.alaska.gov.

FinCEN has paused enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) while revising regulations to narrow its scope. Read more.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced its list of state and territory Small Business Persons of the Year, including Alaska's Christine Hopkins of ASCI Federal Services, LLC!

The Anchorage Chamber celebrated Women’s History Month with an inspiring all-women panel, including the SBDC Director of Special Programs & Strategy, on leadership and supporting future generations. Learn more.

Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Celebrates a year of success at the annual membership meeting. Read more.

Join Alaska MEP’s ManuMixer in Kodiak on March 27! Connect with food manufacturers and industry leaders ahead of the 2025 Alaska Food Festival. Learn more.

It’s time to vote for the Best of Alaska Business 2025! Celebrate outstanding businesses across the state in new and returning categories. Cast your vote.

Protect your small business while exporting with tips from EXIM, including trade finance solutions like Export Credit Insurance. Get started.