Last month’s newsletter carried a bittersweet update as our State Director, Jon Bittner, signed off after nearly nine years of leadership. After two decades with the Alaska SBDC, I’ve been asked to step in as Acting State Director while we search for our next leader. For those who know me, yes, this means I’ve been nudged into the spotlight, a place I usually avoid at all costs. Jon set the bar high, and while stepping in is a little intimidating, it also feels like the right place to be. I wouldn’t take this on without the support of UAA, our partners, funders, and the incredible staff who keep this work moving forward.
The good news is that our momentum hasn’t slowed. In just the past couple of weeks, and as you’ll read more about below, our SSBCI program was recognized as one of the top performers in the nation, we wrapped up a successful three-part Ready to Grow workshop series in Anchorage, and partnered with Royal Caribbean to launch a small business accelerator in Seward. Many of our team have also been busy traveling to provide support across Alaska and beyond. Later this month, you’ll find us at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, where our SSBCI Tribal Advisory Board will meet to keep expanding capital access statewide.
What keeps me inspired through this transition is the same thing that has kept me here through the years: the determination, grit, and creativity of Alaska’s small business owners. Leadership may change, but the SBDC’s commitment to helping those businesses start, grow, and thrive is as strong as ever.
And if transitions feel a little spooky this time of year, I know there’s nothing to fear with this team; we’ve got a lot more to build and celebrate together.
Kendra Conroy
SBDC Interim State Director