Anchorage Event Unites Global Leaders and Local Visionaries to Transform Alaska’s Economy with Wells Fargo’s Support
Anchorage, AK, February 11, 2025 – The Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) is excited to announce the 2025 SBDC Summit: Innovation in AI, Healthcare, and Business, scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Anchorage. This event will bring together global and national industry leaders—including Amazon, OpiAID, and Providence Alaska—to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life across Alaska.
As Alaska faces unique challenges, such as high living costs, workforce shortages, and limited access to resources, AI offers practical solutions for businesses, healthcare providers, and local leaders. For small business owners, AI tools can automate customer inquiries, refine marketing strategies using predictive analytics, and optimize inventory management—all critical to thriving in today’s competitive markets.
For healthcare professionals, AI is revolutionizing care delivery with telemedicine platforms, diagnostic tools, and remote monitoring systems. These technologies are particularly impactful in rural and underserved areas, where access to healthcare resources is often limited.
”The combination of new investments in statewide internet access and the development of generative AI has the potential to transform Alaska and its businesses. The Alaska SBDC and its partners are excited to help showcase some of the amazing opportunities in this space through the 2025 AI Summit,” said SBDC State Director Jon Bittner.
Featured Speakers and Sessions
Attendees will benefit from presentations and discussions led by industry pioneers:
- A highlight of the Summit will be returning speaker David Reeser, founder of OpiAID. If you joined us last year, you’ll remember his passionate closing presentation, where he shared how his company uses AI in addressing substance use disorder. This year, you’ll learn just how much he accomplished in 12 months through the use of his transformative technology.
- Amazon: Leveraging AI-powered solutions to boost operational efficiency and e-commerce growth for small businesses.
- Providence Alaska: Advancing telemedicine and healthcare delivery tailored to Alaska’s remote populations.
Support Fuels Summit Mission
The 2025 SBDC Summit is made possible in part by a $20,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing technology and fostering economic growth, particularly in Alaska’s rural communities. Additional support is provided by Providence Health & Services Alaska and Akiak Technology, further strengthening efforts to drive innovation and support small businesses throughout the state.
This funding empowers the Alaska SBDC to provide small business owners, rural entrepreneurs, and Alaska Native-owned businesses with actionable insights, tools, and resources to address unique challenges and seize new opportunities, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-evolving marketplace.
“We are deeply grateful to our SBDC Summit supporters for their continued backing of Alaska’s small business community. These partnerships reflect our shared vision of equipping entrepreneurs and professionals with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world. The SBDC Summit is a vital step in preparing Alaska’s businesses for the future.” – SBDC State Director Jon Bittner
Why the Summit Matters
With rapid advancements in connectivity and AI tools like ChatGPT, the SBDC Summit is a must-attend event for anyone shaping Alaska’s future. Open to business owners, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, community advocates, and anyone interested in AI, the Summit provides actionable insights, networking opportunities, and access to innovative tools. By equipping attendees with resources to tackle Alaska’s unique challenges—like workforce shortages and limited access to services—the Summit aims to spark growth, improve efficiency, and drive innovation statewide.
Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2025 SBDC Summit is now open at www.sbdcsummit.com. Space is limited, and registration is encouraged to secure your place at this transformative event.
About the Alaska SBDC:
Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides expert business assistance and resources to empower Alaskan entrepreneurs and small businesses for long-term success at the UAA Business Enterprise Institute. With a team of experienced business advisors and an extensive network of partners, Alaska SBDC offers advising, training, and special programs to help businesses start, grow, and prosper.
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Media Contact:
Harley Tennant
Director of Marketing & Communications
(907) 786-7276 | Email