By Harley Tennant, Alaska SBDC Communications Manager
Have you ever thought about starting your own business or wondered how to overcome the challenges of running one? For nearly four decades, the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been a trusted partner for entrepreneurs across the state, offering resources and guidance to help businesses thrive. This column marks the beginning of a series designed to introduce you to the Alaska SBDC, offering valuable insights and advice for small business owners across Alaska.
What is the Alaska SBDC?
The Alaska SBDC is a statewide network of business advisors dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. Our experienced team offers a wide range of services, including:
Personalized Advising: One-on-one sessions tailored to your specific needs
Business Workshops: To learn new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends
Funding Assistance: Help connecting you with potential lenders and investors
Business Programs: Access initiatives like the AI Resource Center, BuyAlaska, TREND (Technology Research Education & Development), SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative), and the Funding Support Program—designed to boost your business through innovation, local market growth, accessible tools, and financial support.
We provide a wealth of knowledge, resources, and tools to help you navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of entrepreneurship. But don’t just take our word for it:
"[My advisor] was exceptionally helpful and provided me with insightful recommendations and options that I didn’t even know existed. Thank you for providing people with a wonderful service, especially during these challenging times." – Perfect Edge, Kenai
Whether you’re just starting out or have an established business, our personalized advising sessions, workshops, and business programs are designed to meet your unique needs. From developing a business plan to managing finances, or exploring opportunities like buying or selling a business, an SBDC advisor can help guide you toward success.
Throughout this series, we’ll explore the many ways the Alaska SBDC and its business programs can support you on your entrepreneurial journey, providing the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the services we offer and learn how the Alaska SBDC can help you achieve your business goals. For a free advising session, contact your local SBDC today and discover how we can support your entrepreneurial journey.
For More Information about the Alaska Small Business Development Center go to https://aksbdc.org/.