Alaska Small Business Development Center

The State I Am In Podcast 2: Little Alaskan & Kenai Freight Forwarders

April 22, 2025

What does it REALLY take to turn a good idea into a thriving business?

In the second The State I Am In podcast episode, Shelby Oden of Briar&Boone, Little Alaskan and Kenai Freight Forwarders – shares her honest take on entrepreneurship in Alaska. From the highs and lows to the support she received from Cliff Cochran, our Alaska SBDC Kenai Center Director, Shelby’s story is both inspiring and full of practical wisdom.

This interview is packed with insights and heart. The entire conversation is as inspiring as it is informative. If you’re starting or growing a business in Alaska, this episode is well worth a listen!

🎧 Be sure to follow The State I Am In podcast for more local entrepreneur stories and listen here:

Big thanks to Shelby for the kind words and for building something incredible in your community! We’re proud to be part of your journey.

“Cliff… might just give you the confidence to do it.”

Recent News

SBA Announces Made in America Manufacturing Initiative

Alaska SBDC Drives Record $82.7M Economic Growth in 2024, Launching 132 New Businesses

May Update from the Alaska SBDC State Director

Get to Know Sandy Hussain, Juneau SBDC Director & Business Growth Expert

Alaska SBDC’s 8th Annual Small Business Survey Highlights Sharp Shift in Small Business Confidence