Rural Small Business Conference

01/22/2026

RSBC Workshop Highlight:

Wednesday from 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
Alaska Village Initiatives and the US Forest Service are offering subawards of up to $150,000 for tribal communities across the state. Applications are now open. Tribal governments and nonprofits are eligible to apply.

You can apply at https://usfs.akvillage.org/apply/

To see examples of how funds can be used, visit https://usfs.akvillage.org/examples/

We welcome project proposals for planting, monitoring, and caring for trees in parks, school grounds, vacant lots, and food forests.We also support projects involving tree planting, related vegetation, nursery production, wood use, and strategies to help communities recover from droughts, floods, storms, insects, diseases, and other natural disasters.We encourage community forestry projects that involve residents in local decisions to help improve village conditions.We also welcome applications that create and support living-wage jobs in green industries, and that provide career opportunities in community forestry and arboriculture for both youth and adults.

Join us by applying today to help transform your village. Submit your application and make a positive difference.

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01/12/2026

Rural Small Business Conference: February 10-12, 2026

Connect with other rural Alaska professionals and leave with real plans for broadband, e-commerce, and funding.

What you’ll gain from attending:
> Get up-to-date information on AVI's broadband Digital Navigator program, including who is eligible and who to contact.
> Find out how to create an e-commerce plan, choose marketplaces, set up a basic online store, and organize shipping and logistics for remote or seasonal needs.
> Build your digital skills and improve cybersecurity using practical tools like password managers, phishing exercises, secure backups, and ways to protect your devices.
> Learn who can apply for U.S. Forest Service (USFS) conservation sub-awards, when to apply, what the usual award amount is ($150,000), and how the process works.
> Meet vendors who serve rural Alaska, including those offering POS systems, freight and last-mile logistics, satellite internet, and digital marketing.

>> There will also be time for one-on-one questions.

Who should attend?
This event is designed for small business owners, tribal and village enterprises, and community leaders working in rural Alaska.

Event details:
When: February 10-12, 2026
Where: Shearton Anchorage Hotel. Reserve your room at https://bit.ly/4pJwsG4
Cost: Early Bird registration is $350. Sign up at https://bit.ly/3Ng0t2s
Vendors: https://bit.ly/3Ng0t2s
Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/3LKoG0l

Visit alaskarsbc.org to learn more and reserve your place.

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11/02/2025

Join us for the 35th Annual Rural Small Business Conference at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel from February 10-12, 2026.

RSBC delivers hands-on training, direct funding pathways, and peer learning tailored to rural Alaska. Since 1991, Alaska Village Initiatives has hosted RSBC to create economic opportunity across rural communities.

Each annual meeting equips attendees with timely programs and opportunities and supports village projects at any stage—from inception to growth.

Register by January 10, 2026 for early bird pricing. Details and registration: https://alaskarsbc.org Questions or accessibility requests: [email protected] or (907) 274-5400.

10/22/2025

The countdown has begun! The 2026 Rural Small Business Conference (RSBC) is just around the corner, and we’re inviting more participants to join us for this exciting event.
This year’s theme is “Growing in a Changing World: Business, Berries, and Broadband.”

In today’s fast-moving world, technology and business standards continue to evolve, and it can sometimes feel challenging to keep up. Our goal is to provide the most current and practical information to help small businesses across Alaska thrive.
Whether your focus is on connectivity through broadband, business innovation, or community growth, we welcome your participation. Your insights and contributions can help strengthen Alaska’s rural business community.

We are thrilled to celebrate the 35th year of the Rural Small Business Conference, and we’d love your help in making it the best one yet!

Visit our website at www.alaskarsbc.org for up-to-date information about workshops, vendors, and events. You can also register online and book your hotel room (at the Sheraton) at a discounted rate.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

We look forward to hearing from you — and hope to see you at the conference!

Send a message to learn more