Two Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff members at the UAA Business Enterprise Institute have received prestigious national awards for their leadership in empowering small businesses. Katie Nave, BuyAlaska Program Director, and Harley Tennant, SBDC Communications Manager, are both named to the 2024 America’s SBDC National 40 Under 40 Awards list.
2024 America’s SBDC, Top 40 Under 40
The America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 Award is a prestigious recognition that honors up-and-coming talent within the SBDC network. It identifies those who are making significant contributions early in their careers and who demonstrate exceptional potential for future leadership in empowering small businesses across the nation. Being chosen for this award signifies not only individual achievement but also highlights the dedication and innovative spirit that fuels the success of the SBDC program as a whole.
“The strength of the Alaska SBDC has always been the talented and dedicated staff that make what we do possible. That’s why I am pleased but not surprised that not one, but two of our amazing team members were named to the National ASBDC Top 40 Under 40,” said Jon Bittner, Alaska SBDC Executive Director. “Katie and Harley are exceptionally good at what they do, wonderful to work with, and accomplished amazing impacts for SBDC early in their careers. Congratulations to them both!”
Katie Nave, BuyAlaska Program Manager
Katie Nave’s visionary leadership has transformed BuyAlaska into a cornerstone of Alaskan commerce. It’s no longer just a program; it’s an initiative for Alaskans to embrace local businesses. This “think local first” mentality has blossomed under Katie’s direction, nurturing a thriving Alaskan business landscape. The impact is undeniable—2023 brought record-breaking results for BuyAlaska. The program’s website became a virtual marketplace, attracting over 120,000 visitors eager to explore Alaska’s diverse offerings.
Over 1,107 businesses from 54 communities across the state found a platform to showcase their products and services. Social media engagement skyrocketed under Katie’s guidance, reaching 1.2 million impressions and nearly 9,000 loyal followers. These remarkable results go beyond statistics; they empower Alaskan businesses by creating a powerful connection to a broader audience. This audience includes potential customers and fellow Alaskan entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative ecosystem. By amplifying the reach of local businesses, BuyAlaska perfectly aligns with the SBDC’s core mission of cultivating a vibrant small business community within Alaska.
Harley Tennant, Alaska SBDC Communications Manager
Through her vision and strategic direction, Harley Tennant has transformed how the Alaska SBDC connects with aspiring entrepreneurs, established business owners, and partners across Alaska. Her vision has transformed the Alaska SBDC brand, igniting a surge of engagement: a 50% increase in e-newsletter open rates, social media audience growth by 103%, and a 229% increase in engagement.
Recognizing the importance of a strong internal foundation during this period of growth, she spearheaded the development of onboarding processes, clear communication guidelines, and a brand refresh, ensuring everyone at the Alaska SBDC was on the same page. A champion of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, she actively seeks opportunities to empower others. She shares her expertise with colleagues across the SBDC network and incorporates broader messaging from UAA and the Business Enterprise Institute into her strategies. Harley’s collaborative approach echoes the SBDC’s mission: igniting a dynamic small business ecosystem across Alaska.
All Top 40 Under 40 winners will be honored at the annual America’s SBDC National Conference in Atlanta, GA, this September. These ceremonies will highlight their accomplishments and unwavering commitment to cultivating a vibrant network of small businesses in their state and nationwide.