The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Alaska Anchorage is proud to announce that Misty O’Connor, Mat-Su Center Director, has been selected as Alaska’s 2025 America’s SBDC State Star. This prestigious national award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding performance, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping small businesses thrive.
Misty O’Connor, Mat-Su Center Director, Alaska SBDC
With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and a passion for empowering others, Misty brings a unique blend of hands-on business ownership and advising expertise to her role.
From founding an educational technology company that served school systems across multiple states to managing a successful family-run special events venue, Misty’s career reflects her deep-rooted dedication to small business success in every form. She doesn’t just advise from the sidelines, she’s walked the path herself, understanding firsthand what it means to turn an idea into reality and nurture it into something lasting.
“Misty’s leadership in the Mat-Su region is a shining example of the impact our advisors make across Alaska,” said Alaska SBDC State Director Jon Bittner. “She not only brings a wealth of real-world experience to the table, but also a genuine enthusiasm for helping others achieve their goals. Her ability to connect with entrepreneurs on a personal level while providing strategic guidance makes her truly exceptional. Her recognition as State Star is incredibly well-deserved.”
Since stepping into her role at the Mat-Su Center, Misty has quickly made a significant impact. In 2024 and 2025 alone, the center supported 416 clients, helped launch 48 new businesses, and provided 2,000 advising hours. Under Misty’s guidance, the Center supported 833 jobs and helped secure over $14.2 million in total funding for small businesses. Misty has further secured local funding for the Mat-Su Center for the first time in many years, enabling the addition of a Business Advisor in the center serving the Mat-Su Valley. These resources represent more than numbers on a spreadsheet, but rather the fuel that powers dreams, supports families, and strengthens communities throughout the Mat-Su.
Misty holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Evansville and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Central Florida. Before moving to Alaska, she partnered with the SBDC at Gannon University in Pennsylvania, where she began mentoring other entrepreneurs and strengthening her commitment to small business development and was awarded the 2007 Small Business of the Year.
This year’s State Stars will be celebrated at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC National Conference, taking place September 2–5, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Misty will be honored among top-performing SBDC staff from across the nation for her exceptional contributions to Alaska’s entrepreneurial community and to the broader mission of the America’s SBDC network, a recognition that reflects not just her professional achievements, but her genuine dedication to helping others succeed.