We followed that up with a visit from the Treasurer of the United States, Chief Lynn Malerba. Treasurer Malerba was in town with a contingent of Treasury staff to celebrate the launch of the Alaska SBDC’s SSBCI Tribal Consortium. This partnership of 125 Alaska tribes is the largest tribal consortium in the nation and will bring $83 million in new financial incentives to rural and remote businesses across the state. This represents the largest investment in tribal businesses in Treasury’s history.

While things have been busy in Anchorage with our visitors, we’ve also been sending our staff to various locations across Alaska to provide training, deliver new tools, and promote our expanding services. You may have seen Aurora in Cordova, Ruth in Dillingham, or joined us in Valdez. Huge thanks to all of our team members for the amazing work they do, bringing the best business development services and tools to every corner of the state.

Wherever you might be and whatever stage your business might be in, the Alaska SBDC remains your biggest fan and best partner. In our 40-year history, we have never had more programs, tools, training, and opportunities to help your business start, grow, and thrive so that you can continue to do what you do best: grow Alaska’s economy and employ our people.

There's a lot in this newsletter; be sure to check out the lineup of new statewide SBDC workshops for Alaska Entrepreneurship Week and of course, our business program updates. Stay warm out there, and remember, when shoveling that snow, lift with your knees, not your back!

We had an incredible morning welcoming U.S. Treasurer Chief Lynn Malerba to the UAA campus to celebrate the launch of the new Alaska SSBCI Tribal Consortium, the largest of its kind in the nation! We're excited to see this program's positive impact across our state.



Photo by James Evans, UAA Chief of Photography & Videography

SBA Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed met with Alaska SBDC leadership to discuss outreach to rural and underserved communities. They also explored how the Alaska SBDC is committed to new initiatives to address these issues, including an $83 million investment from the Treasury and AI-driven business plan tools.

Representative Mary Peltola organized a meeting at UAA to address Alaska's population decline and its impact on the state's economy. The event, which included a presentation by State Director Jon Bittner, aimed to explore solutions to reverse the trend of 12 consecutive years of more residents leaving than arriving and sought strategies to improve Alaska's economic outlook.

Carlos Machuca, AI Resource Center Director, and Ruth Wolfe, Rural Business Advisor, presented "AI-Empowerment: A Roadmap to Create AI Solutions for Small Business Success" to a packed house at the 45th annual America's SBDC National Conference in Atlanta, GA. We are thrilled to explore further contributions to this important work to benefit Alaska businesses!

SBA Lender Relations Specialist Nelida Irvine and Fairbanks Center Director Jade Greene presented the "Get Funding to Start or Grow Your Business" event in Fairbanks - a resounding success! There was a great turnout, and valuable information was shared about SBA loan programs and how to find a lender.

Rural Business Advisor Ruth Wolfe traveled over 300 miles to the community of Dillingham to share her expertise and present our Starting a Business workshop at the Bristol Bay Native Association Presidents and Administrators meeting. We are grateful for every opportunity to connect with our local communities!

Funding Specialist Aurora Agee traveled to Cordova for two days of business chats for the Cordova Alaska Chamber of Commerce's Business Beers and a workshop on Building or Refreshing Your Business. Thanks to everyone who came out and contributed to such a positive and energetic atmosphere! 

State Director Jon Bittner was a guest on Native America Calling to discuss how the Alaska SSBCI Tribal Consortium will provide crucial support to tribal and rural small businesses in Alaska and the impact expected across the state. You can listen to this radio segment online and on Apple Podcasts.

September is National Preparedness Month!

Alaska's unique climate and an increasingly digitally connected world make disaster planning crucial. A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) can help your business weather storms and minimize disruptions. Your Alaska SBDC can help. Learn more and get started!

For the night owls and the early birds. For the brown-bag lunch learners and after-dinner studiers. Entrepreneurs are resilient and gritty. No matter the hour, we're right there with you.

Visit our website for a complete list of Alaska SBDC workshops statewide. 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!

Are you the next Small Business Week National Small Business Person of the Year? 

Nominate your business for SBA district office and national awards by December 5! Learn more and apply today.