Here’s What Makes BuyAlaska Different (Spoiler: It’s Pretty Amazing)
BuyAlaska isn’t just another business directory; it’s a community of over 1,200 Alaska-owned businesses that have discovered something powerful: Alaskans absolutely love supporting local businesses. They just need to know where to find you.
When you join BuyAlaska, you’re tapping into a network where local business success means Alaska thrives and you gain access to resources, community, and more. But here’s the really cool part, the numbers prove just how much your participation matters.
Ready for some good news?
When someone shops at your Alaska business instead of a big chain, about 63% of that money stays right here in Alaska, compared to just 22% when they shop elsewhere. That’s nearly three times the local impact! But wait, there’s more!
- Double the Wages: Alaska entrepreneurs allocate twice the amount of company revenue to paying local wages compared to outside businesses. Your success literally puts more money in your neighbors’ pockets.
- Four Times the Jobs: Every dollar spent at Alaska businesses boosts our job market’s growth four times faster than money sent to out-of-state enterprises. You’re not just running a business, you’re creating opportunities.
- Community Champions: Local businesses support local charities at four times the rate of interstate businesses. Because when you’re part of the community, you invest in the community.
Why Your Fellow Alaskans Are Looking for You
Alaskans don’t just want to buy local if they happen to see an opportunity, they’re actively looking for local businesses to support. They’re checking websites for that BuyAlaska or Bear badge. They’re asking friends for recommendations. They’re choosing the Alaska option whenever they can find it.
A thriving small business community is directly linked to improved community self-reliance, greater social and civic well-being, reduced inequality, and greater economic resilience. Your customers aren’t just buying your products or services, they’re investing in the kind of Alaska they want to live in.
Your BuyAlaska Membership: Free, Easy, & Surprisingly Powerful
Here’s the best part: joining BuyAlaska costs exactly zero dollars and takes about as long as making a cup of coffee. Once you’re in, you get:
- Free listing in a trusted local business directory
- Statewide visibility to customers actively seeking Alaska businesses
- Marketing tools including your “BuyAlaska Member” badge
- Connection to a community of business owners who genuinely support each other
Ready to Join Alaska’s Favorite Business Community? Here’s how to claim your spot:
- Visit BuyAlaska.com and start the Registration process!
- Set up your profile with all the good stuff about your business (or update your listing!)
- Download your member badge and put it everywhere! Website, social media, email signature – you name it.
- Have a storefront? Snag a free BuyAlaska window cling while you’re at it! Just pay shipping.
- Tell your story about why you’re proud to be Alaska-owned and BuyAlaska-strong with the #BuyAlaska hashtag.
Your Alaska SBDC Has Your Back
Need help making the most of your BuyAlaska membership? Your Alaska SBDC advisor is ready to chat about how local marketing fits into your bigger business picture. We love helping Alaska businesses succeed, and we’re pretty good at it too after almost 40 years.
Reach out to your Alaska SBDC advisor anytime, we’re here to help you turn your BuyAlaska membership into real business growth.
The Alaska business community is stronger when we’re all in it together. Your customers are out there looking for you. Make sure they can find you.