At the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC), we believe that every Alaskan entrepreneur deserves access to the knowledge and tools needed to start, grow, and sustain a successful business.
Whether you are just exploring an idea, preparing to launch, or looking to expand your established business, our workshops are designed to support your journey, wherever you live and whatever stage you’re in.
Workshops that Make a Difference
In 2024, the Alaska SBDC workshop program supported:
- 93 workshops across Alaska
- 1,255 attendees
- 53 guest presenters
- 32 in-person sessions
- 57 on-demand sessions
These workshops are available at no cost or low cost, ensuring that location or financial background are never barriers to high-quality business education. From starting your first business to exploring AI opportunities or managing your finances, our workshops deliver practical, actionable knowledge that fuels innovation, confidence, and long-term success.
“The good thing about having online courses is that we can attend the course regardless of the location of the presentation. I just love it. Thank you.” – Eliana McKee, Fairbanks
Flexible Learning for Alaska’s Entrepreneurs
- In-Person Workshops: Our in-person classes bring you face-to-face with experts and peers, building community while you learn essential skills. Held in communities across the state, these sessions are ideal for hands-on learners who thrive in an interactive environment.
- Live Webinars: Join workshops from anywhere in Alaska through live webinars that allow you to learn in real-time, ask questions, and connect with advisors and presenters.
- On-Demand Learning: Our growing library of on-demand workshops means you can learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere, on topics ranging from licensing to social media marketing, cybersecurity, and AI. On your time and at your pace.
Supporting Alaska’s Military Community
The Alaska SBDC proudly offers no-cost access to workshops for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their spouses. In 2024, 184 members of Alaska’s military community participated in our educational workshops, with 67 receiving discounted access, resulting in over $2,200 in direct savings. We thank you for your service and remain committed to your success in entrepreneurship.
Upcoming Workshops to Watch
Starting a Business Workshops
Whether you’re sketching an idea or ready to take your next steps, our “Starting a Business” workshops remain our most popular offerings. These sessions cover business licensing, planning, funding, and early operational strategies.
| Date | Time | Format/Location | Workshop Registration |
| Fri, August 15 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | In Person, Anchorage | Starting a Business – August |
| Mon, Sep 29 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | In Person, Anchorage | Starting a Business – September |
| Sat, Nov 15 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | In Person, Anchorage | Starting a Business – November |
| Mon, Dec 15 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | In Person, Anchorage | Starting a Business – December |
| Any TIme | Any Time | On Demand | Starting a Business |
AI for Small Business
Discover how artificial intelligence can help your business save time, improve customer service, and enhance operations. Our AI workshops are designed specifically for Alaska’s small businesses to demystify technology and identify practical, affordable tools you can start using today.
| Date | Time | Format/Location | Workshop Registration |
| Any Time | Any Time | On Demand | How to Write a Business Plan: Using AI & Other Resources |
| Any Time | Any Time | On Demand | Creating Financial Projections for Your Business Plan – Using AI & Other Resources |
| Any Time | Any Time | On Demand | Getting Started with AI |
| Any Time | Any Time | On Demand | Smart Marketing with AI |
| Any Time | Any Time | On Demand | Harnessing AI for Data Analysis |
| Any Time | Any Time | On Demand | Creating Custom AI Assistants with ChatGPT |
IRS Tax Workshops
Navigating your tax obligations is critical for every business owner. In partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), our workshops cover federal tax topics including business structures, home office deductions, payroll, and Schedule C filings.
| Date | Time | Format/Location | Workshop |
| Weds, July 30 | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Live Webinar | Federal Taxes and Your New Business |
| Weds, August 13 | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Live Webinar | Federal Taxes When Hiring Employees or Independent Contractors |
| Weds, Sep 3 | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Live Webinar | Managing Payroll to Withhold the Correct Amount of Taxes |
| Weds, Sep 17 | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Live Webinar | Tax Deposits and Filing a Return to Report Payroll Taxes |
| Weds, Oct 1 | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Live Webinar | Schedule C and Other Small Business Taxes |
| Any Time | Any Time | On Demand | Business Use of Your Home in Alaska |
Financial Workshops in Partnership with KeyBank
In partnership with KeyBank, we are offering financial readiness workshops to help you build a strong financial foundation, prepare for funding opportunities, and understand lending processes, which is key to scaling and sustaining your business.
| Date | Time | Format/Location | Workshop |
| Mon, Aug 25 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | In Person, Soldotna | Cash Flow to Capital: Mastering Financial Readiness for Startups & Growing Businesses |
| Tues, Aug 26 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | In Person, Anchorage | Cash Flow to Capital: Mastering Financial Readiness for Startups & Growing Businesses |
| Weds, Aug 27 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | In Person, Wasilla | Cash Flow to Capital: Mastering Financial Readiness for Startups & Growing Businesses |
| Thurs, Aug 28 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | In Person, Anchorage | Financing the Future: Lending Strategies for Business Buyers & Sellers |
We are committed to making our workshops accessible to all Alaskans. If you need special accommodations for accessing or attending a workshop, contact us at workshops@aksbdc.org or 907-786-7201.
Partnerships Make It Possible
Our workshops are made possible thanks to collaborative partnerships with local Chambers of Commerce, thread Alaska, Cook Inlet Lending Center, Amazon, and others. Together, we are reaching broader audiences, creating tailored webinar series, and ensuring every Alaska entrepreneur has access to high-quality education.
Ready to take the next step in your business journey?
Whether you prefer learning in person, online, or at your own pace, the Alaska SBDC is here to support you with workshops that educate, empower, and inspire. View Upcoming & On Demand Workshops to get started today!
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The Alaska SBDC network and its programs, housed within the University of Alaska Anchorage, are funded by a $777,777 grant from the US Small Business Administration which is matched by $777,777 of non-federal funds.