In the heart of Alaska’s Interior, entrepreneurs are building businesses that serve their communities and drive economic growth. Leading this charge is Jade Greene, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Center Director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center’s Fairbanks location, whose three decades of experience continue to shape the region’s business landscape.
Jade brings a unique blend of academic achievement and practical expertise to her role. With a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix, she combines analytical thinking with a deep understanding of business operations.
Her professional credentials extend beyond traditional business consulting. As a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Jade brings critical expertise in HR management and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to the table. She’s also advancing her capabilities through Lean Six Sigma certification, equipping her to help businesses optimize their processes and improve efficiency. But what truly sets Jade apart is her approach: listening first, then offering realistic and sustainable solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
2024 by the Numbers
The Fairbanks Center’s 2024 performance tells a story of sustained impact during a period of economic transition. The numbers paint a picture of a center deeply embedded in the fabric of Interior Alaska’s business community:
- $7.1 million in total funding secured for local businesses
- 159 clients served, including 81 new clients joining the SBDC
- 356 jobs supported, maintaining employment stability in the region
- 825 advising hours dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and seize opportunities
- 21 new businesses launched, contributing fresh energy to the local economy
While statistics provide a framework for understanding impact, they don’t capture the full story. Behind each number is an entrepreneur who received guidance at a critical juncture, a family supported by a new job opportunity, or a community benefit from a new business filling a local need.
The 825 hours of advising delivered by the Fairbanks Center represent hundreds of one-on-one sessions where Jade helped business owners tackle challenges ranging from financial management to HR compliance, from marketing strategies to operational efficiency.
When she’s not guiding entrepreneurs toward success, Jade can be found exploring the natural wonders that make Alaska extraordinary. She’s an advocate for experiencing the state’s parks and wild areas, and she enthusiastically recommends the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward to anyone who will listen. She also maintains an active interest in Alaska Native beadwork and other arts and crafts, reflecting her appreciation for the cultural richness that defines the region. Understanding Alaska’s unique challenges and opportunities, from seasonal business cycles to the logistics of operating in remote locations, makes Jade an invaluable partner for Interior Alaska entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead
As Jade completes her doctoral studies and continues advancing her Lean Six Sigma certification, the Fairbanks Center is positioned to offer even more sophisticated support to the region’s business community. The combination of practical experience, academic rigor, and genuine commitment to client success creates a powerful formula for economic development.
Last year, the Fairbanks SBDC proved once again that it’s not just about the number of businesses launched, it’s about the quality of support provided, the sustainability of the enterprises created, and the long-term economic health of Interior Alaska. Under Jade Greene’s leadership, the Center continues to be an essential resource for anyone with the courage to start or grow a business in one of America’s most challenging and rewarding business environments.
For entrepreneurs in Interior Alaska, the message is clear: you don’t have to go it alone. The Fairbanks SBDC, with three decades of Jade Greene’s expertise behind it, stands ready to help turn business dreams into thriving realities.