As we say goodbye to 2023 and hello to what’s coming in 2024, it’s a great time to highlight the successes of the last year and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead. The last year has been filled with notable achievements and new programs, and the Alaska SBDC team is thrilled to share the latest with you.
Amidst the festivities and record snowfall, we want to invite you to Alaska’s first Artificial Intelligence Conference – SBDC Summit: Exploring Artificial Intelligence. Scheduled for March 4 in Anchorage at the Captain Cook Hotel, this conference promises to be a game-changer, delving into the realm of AI and its impact on business, education, culture, and government.
The Alaska SBDC and our partners will bring together some of the top minds in AI from Alaska and nationwide. Stay tuned for exciting updates, guest speakers, and more! We encourage you to register for this pioneering event early; we have limited space, and it is expected to sell out fast. We also hope you will consider suggesting your ideas or presentation topics. Let’s explore all of the ways this new technology can transform Alaska!
A round of applause for the Alaska State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program, which successfully deployed over $20 million in new loans to under-served entrepreneurs throughout the state in the past nine months. A special thank you to Northrim Bank for their significant contribution, closing 13 out of the 34 deals totaling over $16.5 million in new loans! We thank Northrim Bank, Business Impact NW, Cook Inlet Lending Center, and First National Bank for their partnership and shared commitment to economic growth.
If getting your finances in better shape was on your New Year’s resolution list, working with the Alaska SBDC is the way to make sure you stick to it. Working with our business advisors gives you access to various powerful financial tools that can help your business, including ProfitCents. Whether you’re seeking financial insights or strategic guidance, ProfitCents can elevate your business to the next level.
As we enter 2024, we’re also excited about the refreshed suite of small business workshops the Alaska SBDC offers. These workshops are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the ever-evolving Alaskan business landscape. We bring together some of the top experts in fields like marketing, cybersecurity, e-commerce, technology, and more to give you the best information and insights possible at an affordable price.
We’ve got even more exciting new programs, tools, and services coming in 2024, but my Comms Manager tells me I’m already way over my word count. Needless to say, we remain excited to work with all of you to continue growing Alaska’s economy. Let’s make the next year one of innovation, growth, and collaboration. The Alaska SBDC team is here to help you start, grow, or innovate your business wherever you are in the state.
Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling new year,
Jon Bittner
Alaska SBDC Executive Director