The calendar says spring is approaching. Even if winter still has a firm hold across much of Alaska, the increasingly longer days and blindingly beautiful sunlight are impossible to ignore. The growing daylight brings a welcome sense of momentum as communities and businesses look toward the warmer, busier months.


At Alaska SBDC, we are seeing that same sense of forward momentum across the state. Our advisors continue working closely with entrepreneurs who are preparing for the busy season, exploring financing options, planning expansions, and navigating the many challenges of running a business in Alaska.


Earlier this month, we were proud to host the 2026 Alaska SBDC Innovation Summit, which brought 150 entrepreneurs and innovators together for a full day of learning and connection. The energy in the room was inspiring, with engaging conversations sparked by sessions on artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, and e-commerce, along with the AI Pitch Showcase hosted by PREDICTif. We were also grateful to welcome colleagues from the New Mexico and Louisiana SBDCs who traveled to Alaska to participate and share ideas.


Beyond the Summit, it has been a busy month for the Alaska SBDC network...building partnerships like our collaboration with the Better Business Bureau, traveling to communities such as Nome to deliver workshops and advising, and hosting SBA Red Tape listening sessions in two regions.


And the momentum continues. With SBDC Day just a couple of days away on March 18, I invite you to celebrate with us by engaging on social media...sharing our activities and success stories. If you're an SBDC fan, share your story and tag us (#SBDCDay)! And help spread the word...we’re hiring professionals interested in business advising and supporting our growing AI Resource Program.


As always, our work continues across the state...supporting new startups, helping existing businesses grow, and connecting entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance they need to succeed.  Thank you for taking a moment to explore this month’s newsletter and stay connected with the work and partnerships moving Alaska SBDC forward.

SBDC Innovation Summit Brings Entrepreneurs Together

The 2026 Alaska SBDC Innovation Summit brought entrepreneurs and innovators from across Alaska together for a full day of learning and connection. Held at The Wildbirch Hotel in Anchorage, we were thrilled to see a full room and hear the many innovative conversations sparked by sessions on AI, healthcare innovation, and e-commerce.


A highlight of the event was the AI Pitch Showcase, hosted by PREDICTif, where entrepreneurs pitched innovative ideas focused on improving healthcare through AI. Congratulations to the finalists Aleth Mangubat for TrueNorth Care Connect (Better Communities Program) and Beysi Collante for AI-Powered Bilingual Health Navigation for Latino Communities in Alaska, whose innovative ideas ranked among the top submissions.


Thank you to our generous supporters Wells Fargo and Northrim Bank, helping create a great space for connection and collaboration among Alaska’s small business community.

Happy SBDC Day!


On March 18, we’re celebrating National SBDC Day, recognizing the impact Small Business Development Centers have in communities across the country, and right here in Alaska. For 40 years, the Alaska SBDC has been proud to support entrepreneurs across the state, helping businesses start, grow, and succeed.


In 2025 alone, we served 1,682 clients across 107 communities, helped raise $38.9 million in capital, supported 3,183 jobs, and assisted 132 new businesses in opening their doors. Alaska SBDC is also the only SBDC in the nation managing both a State and Tribal SSBCI program, delivering over $181 million in loan value to more than 100 Alaska businesses last year.

Join the celebration by sharing your Alaska SBDC story on social media using #SBDCDay and tagging Alaska SBDC. We’d love to see and share how Alaska’s entrepreneurs are making an impact across the state.

Strengthening Our Partnership with the Better Business Bureau


The Alaska SBDC is pleased to continue our partnership with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to support small businesses across the state. BBB offers trusted tools and resources that help businesses build credibility, strengthen customer trust, and operate with confidence.


Through this partnership, Alaska SBDC clients can access BBB educational resources and programs designed to help businesses grow while maintaining strong ethical and customer service standards, supporting a healthier and more resilient business community across Alaska.

SBA Red Tape Listening Sessions in 
Mat-Su and Juneau

Alaska SBDC was pleased to host Apollo Fuhriman, U.S. SBA Regional Administrator for the Pacific Northwest, Joe Knilas, U.S. SBA Rural Affairs Advocate from the Office of Advocacy, and Eric A. Koan, Alaska State Director for USDA Rural Development, for “Red Tape” listening sessions with small business owners in the Mat-Su Valley and Juneau. Also pictured are Erica Rivera, SBA Alaska District Deputy, Randy Miller, SBA Procurement Center Representative, and Kristi McDonnell, Alaska SBDC Mat-Su Center Director.

These conversations gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to speak directly with federal leaders about real challenges they face, including regulatory barriers and contracting hurdles, as well as issues affecting Alaska’s agriculture, fisheries, and food supply systems.

Gretchen Recognized by ATHENA Society

Congratulations to Gretchen Fauske, Director of Special Programs & Strategy, who was recognized at the Anchorage ATHENA Award Luncheon as a member of the Anchorage ATHENA Society, Class of 2026. The ATHENA Society, in partnership with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, honors women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their communities, and actively mentor and support the next generation of leaders.


This recognition reflects Gretchen’s impact both within Alaska SBDC and across the broader Alaska business community. Please join us in congratulating Gretchen and the ATHENA Society Class of 2026 on this well-deserved honor.

Nome QuickBooks Workshop

Bundled up for a bright, cold day in Nome, Rural Center Director Ruth Wolfe and Anchorage Business Advisor Ginny Grabowski, traveled north to host QuickBooks workshops for local entrepreneurs. The sessions focused on practical tools to help small businesses manage their finances with confidence.


Visits like this are a great reminder that supporting Alaska’s small businesses often means getting out into the communities we serve, and Nome delivered a beautiful winter backdrop for it.

United Way Walk for Warmth


Shoutout to our AI Resource Program Director, Carlos Machuca, for participating in the United Way Walk for Warmth in Anchorage. This community event raises funds to help local families who are struggling with heating costs during Alaska’s cold winter months.


This year marked Carlos’s 16th year supporting the walk, showing the same commitment to community that we see in his work supporting Alaska’s small businesses.