Alaska Small Business Development Center

Alaska SBDC Announces Major Grant from Wells Fargo to Support Rural Economic Growth and AI Innovation

November 7, 2024

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) is excited to announce a generous $20,000 grant from Wells Fargo aimed at a shared vision of fostering economic growth and advancing technological innovation in Alaska’s rural communities. This funding will enable the Alaska SBDC to enhance its programs and services, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to increase the competitiveness of rural small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly Alaska Native-owned businesses.

Alaska is home to a vibrant small business community, with over 74,000 establishments as of 2020. While most businesses are concentrated in urban areas like Anchorage, rural Alaska faces unique challenges, including limited access to resources and technology. This is especially true for Alaska Native entrepreneurs, who, despite making up 15% of the state’s population, account for just 5% of business owners. The Alaska SBDC recognizes the urgent need to support these rural and Indigenous communities to spur entrepreneurship and foster economic growth.

Since 2022, two key technological shifts—improved connectivity via Starlink satellite internet and the rise of AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini—have created new opportunities for rural businesses. These advancements enable small business owners in remote areas to reach global markets, increase operational efficiency, and automate processes, which is crucial in addressing Alaska’s workforce shortages.

In the Alaska SBDC’s 2023 Small Business Survey, 58% of businesses reported difficulty hiring, underscoring the need for solutions that
enhance productivity

Key initiatives made possible by the grant include:

  • AI Training and Workshops for Rural Entrepreneurs: Expert-led training sessions will help rural business owners leverage AI for tasks such as automation, supply chain optimization, creative project enhancement, and data-driven growth strategies. These workshops are designed to build digital literacy, expand e-commerce capabilities, and help rural businesses compete on a global scale.
  • AI-Driven Research and Development: The grant will support research focused on industries vital to rural Alaska—such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism—using AI to uncover innovative solutions to industry challenges. This research and development will be tailored to the unique needs of Alaska’s rural economy, promoting sustainable economic growth and efficiency.
  • SBDC Summit: The grant will also fund the second annual SBDC Summit: Innovation in AI, Healthcare, and Business, scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Anchorage. The SBDC Summit offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn from cutting-edge AI applications in healthcare, discover new business opportunities, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the future of AI and economic growth in Alaska.

Wells Fargo’s support underscores a joint commitment to preparing local businesses for the future and empowering them with the tools and knowledge to stay competitive in an evolving marketplace. Building on its success with AI-powered advising, research tools, and chatbot development, the Alaska SBDC will also launch a new series of AI trainings for rural Alaska. These efforts will be complemented by one-on-one advising, a mentor network, and collaborations with technology leaders like Amazon, Meta, and Google.

“We are deeply grateful to Wells Fargo for their support of Alaska’s rural economy and their forward-thinking commitment to AI integration,” said Alaska SBDC State Director Jon Bittner. “This grant empowers rural communities, particularly Alaska Native entrepreneurs, and opens the door to innovation that will have a lasting impact on the state’s most remote regions.”

The Alaska SBDC remains dedicated to supporting small businesses statewide, providing them with the resources and expertise they need to grow and succeed. Thanks to the generosity of Wells Fargo, the Alaska SBDC can continue to foster a more prosperous, technologically advanced future for all Alaskans.

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