Three Game-Changing Workshops That Could Transform Your Business Dreams into Reality
Picture this: You’re sitting in your office (or kitchen table workspace) staring at a business plan, wondering if you’re ready to take the leap into expansion, find that perfect storefront, or finally bring your brick-and-mortar dreams to life. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing – you don’t have to figure it out alone.
The Alaska Small Business Development Center and Northern Compass Group have crafted three power-packed workshops in Anchorage specifically designed for Alaska entrepreneurs who are ready to stop wondering “what if” and start asking “how do I make this happen?”
Why These Workshops Are Different
Forget generic business advice that sounds like it came from a textbook. These sessions bring together the people who’ve actually done it – the entrepreneurs who’ve scaled successfully, the lenders who’ve funded growth, the developers who’ve brought visions to life, and the contractors who’ve turned blueprints into bustling businesses.
Plus, each workshop includes exclusive behind-the-scenes tours that you simply can’t get anywhere else. We’re talking guided walks through active development projects and brand-new spaces where you’ll see exactly how business dreams become reality.
Workshop #1: From Dream to Doorstep: Finding the Right Space for Your Business
Ready to Scale? Learn from Those Who’ve Done It
📅 Wednesday, September 10th | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Alaska Experience Theatre, Anchorage
Perfect for: Business owners considering expansion or already planning their next move
Starting with “A Developer’s Perspective” presentation by Mark Begich, President & CEO of Northern Compass Group, this workshop dives deep into the real talk about securing physical locations. You’ll join a panel discussion with seasoned business owners, commercial real estate experts, and lenders who’ll share the unvarnished truth about:
- Evaluating your space needs (hint: it’s not just about square footage)
- The leasing vs. buying decision that keeps entrepreneurs up at night
- Financing options that actually work for Alaska businesses
- Navigating the maze of zoning and permitting
Exclusive Bonus: Guided tour of the new Market Project (Downtown Revitalization Project) in the Post Office Mall from 6:30-7:00 PM. See development in action and spot potential locations for your business.
Workshop #2: From Lease to Launch: Designing and Developing Your Space
Turn Your Business Idea into a Thriving Physical Space
📅 Wednesday, September 17th | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Alaska Experience Theatre, Anchorage
Perfect for: Entrepreneurs ready to bring their business vision to life in a physical space
This isn’t just about finding a space – it’s about the entire journey from “I have an idea” to “I’m open for business.” Through an in-depth panel discussion, you’ll hear war stories and wisdom from business owners, lenders, contractors, and architects who’ve been in the trenches.
Topics include:
- Securing financing that doesn’t break your budget or your spirit
- Location selection strategies that go beyond foot traffic
- Working with architects and contractors to create a space that works for your brand AND your bottom line
- Real-world timelines and budgets (spoiler: everything takes longer than you think)
Exclusive Bonus: Guided tour of Anchorage’s newest boutique hotel, the Wild Birch Hotel, from 1:00-1:30 PM. Get insider insights into the decisions, challenges, and victories that shaped this stunning project.
Workshop #3: Scaling Up: What to Know Before You Expand
Strategic Growth in Alaska’s Unique Business Environment
📅 Wednesday, September 24th | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Alaska Experience Theatre, Anchorage
Perfect for: Small business owners considering or preparing for growth
Growth isn’t just about getting bigger – it’s about getting smarter. This dynamic panel brings together experienced entrepreneurs, lenders, and investors for an honest conversation about what scaling really takes in Alaska.
You’ll walk away with actionable insights on:
- Funding growth without losing your shirt (or your sleep)
- Operational planning that actually works in practice
- Managing risk in Alaska’s unique business environment
- Learning from the mistakes others have already made
Exclusive Bonus: Guided tour of the Market Project development from 1:00-1:30 PM. See how major developments come together and identify opportunities for your growing business.
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss This
These aren’t your typical “death by PowerPoint” business seminars. Each workshop is designed as an interactive experience where you’ll:
✅ Get Real Answers from people who’ve actually walked the path you’re considering
✅ Network Strategically with fellow Alaska entrepreneurs facing similar challenges
✅ See Behind the Curtain with exclusive tours of active development projects
✅ Leave with a Plan instead of just more questions
The Alaska Advantage
Every piece of advice, every case study, every lesson shared is specifically relevant to doing business in Alaska. From dealing with unique permitting requirements to understanding seasonal fluctuations, you’ll get insights that actually apply to your situation.
Ready to Stop Wondering and Start Doing?
Whether you’re taking your first step toward expansion, hunting for the perfect location, or ready to build your dream space from the ground up, there’s a workshop designed specifically for where you are in your journey.
These sessions fill up fast because frankly, opportunities like this don’t come around often. When was the last time you could pick the brains of successful Alaska entrepreneurs, tour exclusive development projects, and walk away with a roadmap for your next move – all in one afternoon?
All workshops are held at Alaska Experience Theatre in Anchorage and are presented by the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) and Northern Compass Group, LLC.