A Note from the Alaska SBDC State Director | | | | Last month, I wrote about getting out and exploring Alaska this summer, and I asked for recommendations on small businesses to visit. One recommendation that came in was Jam Jams in Cantwell, so on our way back from Denali, my family stopped there for lunch. One of the things I enjoy most about this job is getting out around Alaska and seeing what small business owners are building. Every community has businesses that reflect the people who live there. I always come away with new ideas and a better understanding of what it takes to build and run a successful business in Alaska. Jam Jams was a great example of that. It was a fun stop, great food, and exactly the kind of local business that makes traveling around Alaska so exciting. | | |
I also had the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Utqiaġvik this month. I met with community leaders and entrepreneurs to talk about opportunities to strengthen support for small businesses in the community. I also attended the grand opening of Global Credit Union's new branch, which I learned is now the northernmost credit union in the world. It was exciting to see the investment in the community and to meet so many entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.
What stood out to me most during the trip was the entrepreneurial spirit. I met people who were thinking about starting a business, others who were ready to take the next step with an existing one, and community partners committed to helping make those ideas a reality. That kind of energy is exciting to see, and I'm looking forward to the Alaska SBDC being part of helping those businesses grow.
If you have a favorite Alaska small business that I should visit, let me know. One of the best parts of this job is getting to meet the people behind Alaska's small businesses. I always come away with a new appreciation for the work they're doing, and I'd love to visit more of them in the months ahead.
Jared Reynolds
State Director
| | |
From securing financing and adopting new technology to preparing for disruptions and planning for long-term growth, Alaska's small businesses are navigating an ever-changing landscape.
This month's featured article explores several of the key issues shaping businesses in 2026, including access to capital, cybersecurity, disaster preparedness, manufacturing, international trade, food systems, and AI. More importantly, it highlights how the Alaska SBDC can help you navigate these opportunities with no-fee business advising, practical resources, workshops, and specialized programs.
Whether you're starting a business, growing an existing one, or planning your next move, this article offers insight into the resources available to help your business succeed.
| What's New at the Alaska SBDC | | Welcome to the Team, Emily! | | |
We're excited to welcome Emily Ault to the Alaska SBDC team as our new Business Advisor in Homer.
Born and raised in Homer, Emily earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, focusing on business strategy, finance, risk management, and organizational leadership. She is also the co-owner of Inlet Charters Across Alaska Adventures, a family-owned tourism business, where she has been involved in operations, marketing, financial planning, staffing, and long-term growth.
Before joining the Alaska SBDC, Emily spent ten years working in education, including four years as an elementary school teacher. Her experience as both an educator and small business owner gives her a unique perspective and a passion for helping Alaska entrepreneurs succeed.
Over the coming weeks, Emily will be getting acquainted with the Alaska SBDC team, programs, and resources before officially stepping into client advising. We look forward to introducing her to even more of the Homer business community soon.
| | |
The Alaska SBDC is currently recruiting for a Rural Center Director to lead our Rural Center and support entrepreneurs throughout Alaska's rural communities. This leadership role will oversee business advising, foster partnerships with local organizations, and help expand access to the resources and guidance that empower Alaska's small businesses to start, grow, and succeed.
The ideal candidate is passionate about entrepreneurship, economic development, and strengthening rural communities through collaboration and innovation. As part of the Alaska SBDC statewide network, the Rural Center Director will play an important role in helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build resilient businesses across Alaska.
If you or someone you know may be a great fit, we encourage you to learn more and apply.
| | Connecting at the Top of the World | | |
Our State Director, Jared Reynolds, recently traveled to Utqiaġvik to celebrate the grand opening of Global Credit Union's newest branch and spend time connecting with local entrepreneurs, business owners, and community partners.
Visits like these are an important reminder that every Alaska community has its own entrepreneurial spirit. Whether celebrating new investments, listening to business owners, or building new partnerships, the Alaska SBDC is committed to supporting small businesses wherever they call home.
A special thank you to UIC for the invitation and the opportunity to be part of this exciting visit. Congratulations to Global Credit Union on the opening of its new branch, and thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with us. We look forward to continuing to support Alaska's small business community statewide.
| |
Building Financial Confidence Across Alaska | | |
This summer, Alaska SBDC partnered with KeyBank to deliver four no-cost workshops designed to help Alaska entrepreneurs better understand and access working capital. Business owners in Juneau, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Mat-Su joined us to explore financing strategies, construction and tenant improvement loans, and practical approaches to strengthening their businesses.
Led by Carrie Callaway Cardy, VP and Senior SBA Relationship Manager at KeyBank, and Garet Plantz, Small Business Relationship Manager at KeyBank, the sessions encouraged open discussion, real-world problem solving, and actionable takeaways. Participants left with valuable insights they could immediately apply to their businesses and a stronger understanding of the financing resources available to them.
These workshops were made possible through KeyBank's partnership with the Alaska SBDC and reflect our shared commitment to helping Alaska's small business community grow and succeed.
| | Alaska SBDC Workshops & Events | | Workshops Tailored for Your Success | | Alaska SBDC Success Stories | | |
Every Alaska business has a story, and we're proud to be part of so many entrepreneurial journeys. From launching new ventures to expanding operations and reaching new milestones, our latest Success Stories highlight the impact of Alaska SBDC advising and the determination of Alaska's small business owners.
Check out our recent success stories and help us recognize the business owners making an impact in communities across Alaska.
| | Alaska SBDC Business Programs | | |
Ready to put AI to work in your business? Join the Alaska SBDC for our upcoming live webinar, How to Leverage AI: From Prompts to Automation, and discover practical ways to save time, improve customer service, and streamline your day-to-day operations.
In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to write more effective AI prompts, build custom AI assistants, automate repetitive tasks, and better understand AI's capabilities, limitations, and best practices. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your AI skills to the next level, you'll leave with practical tools you can begin using right away.
Join us Tuesday, July 21, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. for this live webinar. Register today and start working smarter with AI.
| | |
Hey, Business Owners!
We see you clicking "Add to Cart" at 11:47 p.m. because you forgot you needed shipping boxes again.
Before you hit checkout, take a quick look around Alaska first. Your next supplier, printer, sign shop, photographer, coffee roaster, packaging company, or wholesale partner might be right here.
Because the only thing better than shopping local is making your business another local business's favorite customer.
Need a great place to start? Check out our directory of over 1,300 businesses. And while you're at it... why don't you set up your very own BuyAlaska Business Listing?
| | |
Alaska's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs continue to create new opportunities for small businesses by expanding access to the capital entrepreneurs need to start, grow, and strengthen their businesses across the state.
Through the State SSBCI program, more than $105.9 million has been deployed through 125 loans, supporting 109 businesses in 29 communities. The program continues to prioritize underserved entrepreneurs, including 85 Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI) businesses and 69 Very Small Businesses (VSBs).
The Alaska SSBCI Tribal Consortium continues to build on its momentum, surpassing $116.4 million invested through 91 loans. To date, the program has supported 90 businesses in 26 communities, including 87 SEDI businesses and 52 VSBs, helping expand access to capital and fuel economic growth across Alaska.
| | |
Planning to apply for an NSF SBIR/STTR grant? Join this three-part virtual workshop designed to help innovators and entrepreneurs develop stronger, more competitive proposals.
Participants will gain practical guidance on proposal strategy, key components of a successful application, and tips for navigating the NSF submission process.
August 25–27, 2026
12:00–1:30 p.m. ET each day
(8:00–9:30 a.m. Alaska Time)
| | Partner & Statewide Updates | | | | The Alaska SBDC network and its programs, housed within the University of Alaska Anchorage, are funded part through a $833,333 grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA), representing 50% of the program budget. The remaining 50%, $833,333, is provided through non-federal matching funds. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All SBA-funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. | | | | |
