Alaska SBDC Celebrates Nearly 40 Years of Building Local Economic Resilience
Anchorage, AK – November 24, 2025 – When Alaskans shop local this Small Business Saturday on November 29, 2025, they’re not just checking items off their holiday lists. They’re powering an economic engine that keeps 63 cents of every dollar circulating within Alaska communities. That’s compared to just 22 cents when shopping with national chains.
As UAA’s Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) approaches its 40th year of supporting local entrepreneurs, this year’s Small Business Saturday celebrates how four decades of nurturing homegrown businesses has created the economic foundation that keeps Alaska communities resilient and thriving.
The numbers speak volumes: over 99% of Alaska businesses are small enterprises, collectively employing nearly 140,000 residents, more than half of Alaska’s workforce. Behind these statistics lies a deeper story about economic resilience. Alaska’s 77,000+ registered small businesses create a network of economic interdependence that strengthens communities from Utqiaġvik to Ketchikan.
“What we’ve learned over almost 40 years is that Alaska’s small businesses are more than places to shop; they are the backbone of our communities,” said Acting State Director Kendra Conroy. “A dollar spent at a local coffee shop in Fairbanks doesn’t just buy coffee; it pays the rent to a local landlord, purchases supplies from regional distributors, and supports employees who shop at other local businesses. That’s how we build a resilient economy that supports Alaska through even the toughest seasons.”
Make Your Dollars Work for Alaska
- Join the BuyAlaska Directory: Sign up for a free BuyAlaska directory listing to promote your business. Check out the statewide BuyAlaska Directory to make shopping easy.
- Shop Local Statewide: Visit your favorite local shops, artisans, and restaurants throughout Alaska.
- Spread the Word: Share your support on social media with reviews, likes, and comments about your favorite local businesses.
- Download Free Resources: Access the Shop Small Heart graphic or add your business logo.
- Access American Express Shop Small Materials: Download additional Shop Small resources, such as free stickers, signs, and supplies, as well as social media graphics from American Express to promote Small Business Saturday.
This economic multiplier effect becomes especially vital during Alaska’s challenging winter months when seasonal employment dips and communities rely more heavily on year-round local businesses. Research confirms that small businesses are more likely to source locally, hire locally, and reinvest locally, creating what economists call “economic velocity” that keeps money moving through Alaska communities rather than flowing to distant corporate headquarters.
The local impact extends far beyond economics. Alaska’s small businesses sponsor youth sports teams, donate to food banks, provide meeting spaces for community groups, and offer personalized service that builds neighborhood connections. They preserve Alaska Native traditions through cultural enterprises, showcase Alaska’s natural beauty through adventure tourism, creating the authentic experiences that define Alaska.
This November 29 and all season long, every purchase becomes an investment in Alaska’s economic independence and community resilience. For more information on supporting Small Business Saturday or learning about the Alaska SBDC’s services, visit www.aksbdc.org.
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About the Alaska SBDC:
The Alaska Small Business Development Center (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. Alaska SBDC delivers expert advising, practical training, and targeted resources to equip Alaskan businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools they need for long-term success while driving economic growth across Alaska.
Media Contact:
Harley Hedlund
Director of Marketing and Communications
(907) 786-7276 | Email