May 17
Carlos Machuca, Anchorage Center Director, and Ian Grant, Rural Program Director, met with Alex Ysquierdo, Supplier Diversity Director from the Governor’s Office of Wisconsin, to help them integrate AI technologies.
They discussed various AI applications, such as scanning and analyzing financial documents and spreadsheets, using GPT bots, and automating repetitive tasks with chatbots, as well as strategies to save time and costs.
May 18
Did you know? The Alaska SBDC cleans up more than just business plans! Our Anchorage Center joined the Anchorage Chamber’s Citywide Cleanup and found a truckload of trash, including some…unique items.
We appreciate opportunities to support the communities where we live, work, and play, and we thank the Anchorage Chamber and this year’s sponsors for making this event possible!
May 21
Alaska SBDC traveled to Valdez with the SBA District Office – check out the Reel! In addition to enjoying the beautiful weather, local eats, and shops, Ruth Wolfe, Rural Business Advisor, met with local entrepreneurs through:
- Women in Business Meetup: Connecting & sharing SBDC support
- SBA Collaboration: Loans, PPP & SCORE mentoring
- Roundtable with Celeste Addison: Art & Valdez’s future
June 4
Misty O’Connor, Mat-Su Center Director, delivered an engaging keynote presentation, AI in the Last Frontier: Creating AI Solutions Based on Local Needs & Business Challenges, at the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.
Her discussion focused on the effective utilization of AI in business operations, sparking a high level of interest that led to a packed venue and standing-room-only. This reinforces the need for more conversations about the responsible use of AI!
June 12
Jon Bittner, State Director; Kendra Conroy, Associate State Director; Carlos Machuca, Anchorage Center Director; and our amazing Anchorage advising team, Angie Gerken, Mike Daniels, and Dan Golden, had the privilege of meeting with Beto Yarce, the SBA Region X Regional Administrator, and Jennifer Clark from the SBA Office of Advocacy this week. They are small business champions with contagious enthusiasm and passion for entrepreneurship. The time spent was informative and energizing; the future of small business is bright!