Alaska Small Business Development Center

08/20/2026

It’s always great to connect with our local business community! 👋

Alaska SBDC staff recently attended the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Borough event, hearing updates on what’s happening across the Mat-Su and connecting with fellow community and business leaders.

We’re grateful for opportunities like these to stay engaged, strengthen partnerships, and support the continued growth of small businesses across the region. 💙

08/20/2026

Please join us in welcoming Eve, our newest Mat-Su Business Advisor, to the Alaska SBDC team!

Eve brings nearly two decades of experience in product management and marketing across industries ranging from hospitality and fintech to aerospace. She’s also a small business owner herself, giving her firsthand experience navigating the challenges of running and growing a business.

A U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served in Search and Rescue in Juneau, Eve has returned to Alaska to raise her family in the Mat-Su Valley. She’s excited to use her experience, passion for innovation, and practical approach to help local entrepreneurs build strong, resilient businesses.

Outside of work, you’ll find Eve keeping up with her active family, enjoying a good cup of coffee, or even hitting the roller derby track. ☕🛼

Help us give Eve a warm Alaska SBDC welcome in the comments! 👋

08/15/2026

Kinda chic, if you ask us. ☕

Whether you're still in the "what if" stage or already making moves, Alaska SBDC is here to help.

Ready when you are.
Learn more: AKSBDC.org

08/12/2026

We are filled with gratitude for Wells Fargo’s continued commitment to Alaska and the generous investment in organizations serving communities across our state.

Support like this helps strengthen the resources, opportunities, and connections available to Alaskans and reflects the meaningful impact that strong community partnerships can have.

Congratulations to the Wells Fargo team on the grand reopening of the Denali Branch, and thank you for continuing to invest in Alaska’s people, businesses, and communities. We are grateful to be part of this special celebration! 💙

08/11/2026

Back-to-business season is the perfect time for a business reset.

Before things get busy this fall, take a few minutes to ask yourself:

✔️ Is your business using technology that saves you time?
✔️ Is your brand protected?
✔️ Are your systems and customer information secure?

A few small improvements today can help strengthen your business for tomorrow.

Our latest article shares practical tips on technology, AI, intellectual property, and cybersecurity to help you protect what you've built.

🔗 Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4wi4lAA

08/08/2026

Have an innovative idea that could benefit from federal funding? 💡

The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a free webinar introducing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Featured speaker Evelyn Tyrholm, Alaska FAST Program Director, will cover eligibility, funding opportunities, the application process, proposal tips, and resources available to help you get started.

📅 Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 1–2 p.m. Alaska time
💻 Live webinar

Register here:

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

08/06/2026

Kendra and Angie were out representing the Alaska SBDC at yesterday’s 2026 Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Economic Forecast Luncheon! 📈

It was a great afternoon of connecting with community partners, catching up with familiar faces and learning more about what’s ahead for Anchorage’s economy.

We’re always excited to be part of conversations that help shape a strong future for Alaska businesses!

07/31/2026

🌞 Sunshine, weekend plans, and another Alaska success story.

Kenai Adventure Cabins has become one of the Kenai Peninsula's premier lodging destinations, giving visitors a comfortable home base to experience fishing, hiking, wildlife, and everything that makes Alaska unforgettable.

With support from Alaska SBDC, the owners turned a bold vision into a thriving business that's welcoming guests from around the world.

Read their story: https://bit.ly/4yQrc8Y

07/30/2026

🚨 Applications close July 31!

If you're developing an innovative technology with both commercial and national security potential, don't miss this opportunity. The NSF Northwest I-Corps National Security Track offers a free, four-week virtual program designed to help innovators validate their ideas, connect with customers, and prepare for growth.

Learn more and apply before the deadline ⬇️

NSF Northwest I-Corps Training Program

National Security Track: Open for Applications

Alaska plays a pivotal role in our nation's national defense. Are you developing a technology or innovation in Alaska that has "dual-use" potential—meaning it can solve critical national security challenges while also serving a commercial market—, then we want to help you scale it.

The Northwest Region NSF I-Corps Hub is inviting innovators to apply for the National Security Track within the Regional Program: https://bit.ly/NW-I-Corps-National-Security-Cohort-2026.

What is the Regional I-Corps Program? It is a free, 4-week virtual training program. Workshop training times for this cohort are: Aug 20, 27, Sep 3, 10 (5 - 7 pm Alaska). All sessions are on Zoom and all team members need to commit to attend the sessions. Each week you will provide updates on your customer discovery and work together in your team on your hypothesis, value propositions, and ecosystem mapping.

What are the Benefits? Learn how to navigate commercial markets and the defense/government sectors. Conduct 20 customer discovery interviews to identify your most valuable segments and value propositions.

Who is Eligible? Teams of 2-4 people, that are ready to commit 30-40 hours during the course to rapidly accelerate their product-market fit.

Our I-Corps program, as part of a wider Hub project, https://www.nwicorps.org/. Key institutions include University of California Berkeley (lead), Oregon State University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of California Davis, University of California Irvine, University of California San Francisco, University of California Santa Cruz, and the University of Washington.

I-Corps Customer Discovery Program: National Security 2026 Cohort

Application Close: July 31, 2026

Application Form: https://bit.ly/NW-I-Corps-National-Security-Cohort-2026

Training starts: August 20, 2026 at 5 pm Alaska

Weekly training: Aug 20, 27, Sept 3, 10 [5 - 7 pm Alaska time, Virtually on Zoom]

Any questions please contact Prof. Peter Webley at [email protected]

07/27/2026

Please join us in welcoming Emily Ault to the Alaska SBDC team!

Born and raised in Homer, Emily brings a unique combination of experience as both a small business owner and educator. She earned her MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is the co-owner of Inlet Charters Across Alaska Adventures, where she's been involved in everything from operations and marketing to financial planning and long-term growth.

Over the coming weeks, Emily will be getting to know the Alaska SBDC team, our programs, and resources before officially stepping into client advising.

Help us give Emily a warm Alaska SBDC welcome in the comments! 👋