For those of you who can never figure out what to buy anyone for the holidays, BuyAlaska has you covered! The BuyAlaska Holiday Gift Guide is out again, and it is jam-packed with awesome Alaskan businesses that can help you find that perfect gift for mom so you can finally beat your sibling this year!

Last but not least, after you come out of your turkey coma, make sure to get out on Saturday, November 30th, for Shop Small Saturday and support our local businesses! It’s a great way to build community, help out your local entrepreneurs, and get a bunch of great stuff. I will be strolling around downtown Anchorage with a few VIPs, checking out shops, and watching the tree lighting. I’d tell you who the VIPs are, but if they find out I’m coming, they might cancel, so you’ll just have to wait and see. 

You don’t have to wait and see when it comes to reaching out to us, though! The Alaska SBDC has been working hard to grow our organization's resources, staff, and programs so that we can offer you more support than ever before. I’ve told my staff that 2025’s theme will be "New Year, New SBDC!" 

I know I say this every time, but you really should reach out to us. I truly believe that the best gift you can give yourself and your business this year is to take advantage of the dozens of new programs, resources, and funding assistance we have to offer. If that’s not enough, I’ll even share my secret recipes for smoked turkey and French onion dip, but keep those between us, okay?

Small Business Saturday is on November 30, and your Alaska SBDC and BuyAlaska encourages everyone to shop local and support the small businesses that are the backbone of our communities. By choosing to shop small, especially during the holiday season, we help sustain local economies and strengthen Alaska's unique character.

Mark your calendars for February 28, 2025, as we return with the highly anticipated Alaska SBDC Summit. This year, we're diving deep into the revolutionary impacts of AI, healthcare innovation, and business advancements. We’re excited to announce that we're currently seeking passionate guest speakers and supporters to join us in shaping the future of Alaska's economy.

Are you ready to connect with Alaska’s most inspiring entrepreneurs and thought leaders? This is your opportunity to share insights, make valuable connections, and support Alaska’s economic growth.

Interested in becoming a speaker or sponsor? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at summit@aksbdc.org for more information.

Exciting career opportunities with Alaska SBDC! We’re hiring for three impactful roles:

• an AI Implementation & Support Specialist to empower small businesses through AI technology,
• a Tribal SSBCI Lending Program Director to expand capital access for Alaskan entrepreneurs and
• a Tribal SSBCI Venture Capital Program Assistant Director to drive investment in Alaska’s tribal communities

If you’re passionate about supporting local businesses and driving economic growth, apply today—or share with someone who’d be a great fit!

Alaska SBDC State Director Jon Bittner made a brief 24-hour visit to Dillingham earlier this month to meet with the Ekuk Village Council about the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Tribal Consortium Alaska SBDC recently launched which includes participation from 125 of Alaska's federally recognized tribes. This meeting marked the Jon's first visit to the community, and on top of engaging conversations, the trip also brought an unexpected highlight—a delicious turkey melt at the Bering Inn, one of the best he’s ever had!

The Alaska SBDC is thrilled to be chosen for a Leadership Anchorage Community Impact Project supporting the creation of a Funding Database.

Amanda, Tuan, and Elizabeth will work with our SSBCI Technical Assistance (or "Totally Awesome," depending on who you ask) team of Geoff, Casey, and Dan.

We kicked off our project this week and cannot wait to bring this tool to small businesses across Alaska!

Carlos Machuca, AI Resource Program Director and Tom Case Leadership Fellows Program mentor has been working with Terri Coker, who recently shared her insights at UAA’s CBPP Showcase on Artificial Intelligence, presenting a project focused on making AI more accessible for Alaska’s businesses!

As Terri continues to explore practical AI solutions for our state’s unique challenges, we couldn’t be more excited to support her journey and the next generation of innovators! 

On October 18, Misty O'Connor, Mat-Su Center Director, captivated a full room and shared insights on how the Alaska SBDC is leveraging AI to support our small business clients at the Mat-Su Home Builders Association Annual Awards Banquet!

The audience was engaged and eager to learn about technology's transformative potential - and we're happy to share. We truly appreciate every opportunity to connect with our communities!

Encouraging the Next Generation of Alaska Native Entrepreneurs by Ruth Wolfe, Yupik, Alaska SBDC Rural Business Advisor for Alaska Means Business

In rural Alaska, opportunities for entrepreneurship are as diverse as the wildlife – from tourism and artisan crafts to technology and sustainable resource management.

For young entrepreneurs, these opportunities are not just career paths but ways to sustain our cultural heritage and improve local economies. Read the full column here.

We’re excited to announce that Wells Fargo has generously awarded the Alaska SBDC a $20,000 grant to fuel economic growth and AI innovation in Alaska’s rural communities!

This funding will help us provide AI training, expand digital tools, and offer one-on-one support to rural entrepreneurs, including Alaska Native-owned businesses, as they take on new opportunities in the digital economy.

A huge thank you to Wells Fargo for their commitment to empowering small businesses across the state and supporting the future of AI in Alaska! Learn more at our announcement.

Entrepreneurs are resilient and gritty. No matter the hour, we're right there with you.

Visit our website for our suite of statewide SBDC workshops or click on a featured workshop image below. 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!

Alaska is leading the way in helping small businesses get funding, becoming the second state in the nation out of 60 participating jurisdictions to reach the third funding stage in the federal SSBCI program!

As of June 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of Treasury reported that only two jurisdictions (Alaska across 101 deals and Montana with 1) had reached this advanced funding stage, underscoring Alaska SSBCI's success in deploying funds efficiently to support small businesses and underserved communities.

This accomplishment highlights Alaska’s effectiveness in quickly putting resources to work for small business growth and we're looking forward to building on this momentum.

The Alaska State SSBCI program has had a significant impact across the state this year, providing crucial financial support to small businesses. With over $77 million in loan values distributed across 101 loans, the program has helped fund 86 businesses in 26 communities, boosting local economies and fostering resilience.

Additionally, it has provided targeted support to underserved groups, funding 90 Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) businesses and 59 Very Small Businesses (VSB). This focused investment supports the development of diverse and essential small businesses throughout Alaska, strengthening both urban and rural areas.

Since its implementation on August 1, the Alaska SSBCI Tribal Consortium has made a remarkable impact in a short period, with its first loan closing on September 4.

The program has already funded $17.3 million across 13 businesses, reaching 9 communities. This funding has directly supported Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) and Very Small Businesses (VSB), with all 13 businesses qualifying as SEDI and 9 as VSB.

The Consortium’s rapid deployment has quickly expanded access to vital resources, strengthening economic growth and resilience in Alaska’s tribal and rural communities.

Nov 1 - Nov 30: Join the Greater Wasilla Chamber’s Support Local November Scavenger Hunt—visit participating businesses, complete tasks, and earn points for a chance to win prizes all month long!

Nov 20 - Dec 20: Join the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce for Shop Palmer 2024, a month-long event to boost sales, build brand awareness, and connect with the community during the holiday season!

Nov 21: Join the gBETA Alaska 2024 Showcase in Fairbanks to watch 6 Alaskan startups pitch their companies and share the milestones achieved during an intensive 7-week accelerator!

Nov 29 - Dec 1: Pick up Homer Bingo Cards at participating businesses, earn stamps for special deals, and enter to win prizes by submitting completed cards to the Chamber by December 4th—drawings held during the Holiday Tree Lighting on December 5th!

Nov 30: Celebrate Small Business Saturday with ACLT’s Market at The Nave, featuring 20+ local entrepreneurs offering unique handmade goods, baked treats, jewelry, clothing, and more!

Nov 30: Celebrate Shop Small Saturday by shopping local, playing BINGO for raffle prizes, and enjoying giveaways from the Seward Chamber crew!

Nov 30: Explore deals, prizes, and events with Anchorage Downtown Partnership's Small Business Saturday map, then kick off the season with the Holiday Tree Lighting!

Dec 6: Join Cook Inlet Tribal Council for the 2nd annual holiday Indigenous Craft Bazaar in Anchorage. This bazaar showcases handmade products by Alaska Native and American Indian artists, all crafted by the artists or their immediate family members!

Dec 6: Join the Downtown Business Association and Juneau Arts & Humanities Council for the annual Gallery Walk, featuring pop-up artists, holiday activities, carolers, and local shopping throughout downtown Juneau!

Dec 6-7: The Merry Merchant Munch kicks off the holiday season by inviting Chugiak-Eagle River locals to visit businesses with festive treats, decor, and holiday spirit—plus prizes for businesses and community gingerbread contest participants!

Dec 6-7: Celebrate the season's magic at Talkeetna’s Winterfest on December 6th and 7th, featuring a tree-lighting ceremony, caroling, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa, the Wilderness Woman Competition, and a lively Bachelor Auction!

Dec 7: Visit the Kodiak Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for the Alutiiq Museum Holiday Bazaar, where you can enjoy local exhibits and shop directly from community artists for your holiday gifts!

Dec 7: Shop downtown during Sitka's Light-Up Lincoln Street for special discounts and deals, then end the evening with a holiday party featuring Mr. & Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, treats, and more!

Dec 7: Don’t miss Soldotna’s annual tree-lighting celebration with cocoa, cookies, sleigh rides, reindeer, musical performances, and a visit from Santa—free for the whole community!

Dec 7-8: Join the Kenai Chamber of Commerce for the Happy Holly Jolly Bazaar, featuring a variety of vendors to help you find the perfect holiday gifts!

Dec 13: Join the Anchorage Chamber’s Member Holiday Mixer at the Hope Auditorium, Alaska Regional Hospital, for festive treats, drinks, and networking with over 100 local business members to celebrate a successful year in Anchorage!

Dec 21: Head to the Naughty & Ice Handcrafted Market in Fairbanks for unique, high-quality items from local vendors—all in support of Helping Hands of Two Rivers, with proceeds funding educational activities for local kids.

Discover and support Alaskan co-ops with the Alaska Cooperative Development Center's guide, making it easy to shop locally both online and in person!

Congratulations are in order for Spruce Root, they won Stage Two of the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition to lead strategic development in our region. Additionally, the Coalition for Green Capital has chosen Spruce Root as its first network investment!

SBA Awards Over $3 Million to Support STEM and R&D-Focused Small Businesses Through Growth Accelerator Fund

EXIM Encourages Businesses to Take Advantage of Tax Benefits

Press release: SBA Administrator Guzman Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

Press release: SBA Administrator Guzman Celebrates National Veterans Small Business Week

Treasury, IRS Issue Guidance for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit—The SAF credit, ranging from $1.25 to $1.75 per gallon, is available for fuel mixtures that reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%. Learn more!

Did you catch our reel celebrating over 200 local, woman-owned businesses? – In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, we shared some of our favorite women entrepreneurs in Alaska! Thanks to everyone who joined in and shared their favorite women-owned businesses in the comments!