New year, fresh spreadsheets!
January is the perfect time for Alaska’s entrepreneurs to take a deep breath, shake off the holiday cookie crumbs, and get reacquainted with the numbers that help your business thrive.
This month, the Alaska SBDC is here to help make financial literacy and lending opportunities not just approachable, but empowering. Whether you’re planning big goals, dreaming up a new product, or simply trying to get organized, a strong financial foundation can transform your entire year.
Let’s make 2026 the year your business feels more confident, more prepared, and more financially savvy, not overwhelming.
1. Strengthen Your Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is one of the most powerful skills an entrepreneur can have. It supports stronger decision-making, helps you avoid costly mistakes, and enables long-term planning.
Here’s where to begin:
● Learn to read and interpret financial statements
Think of your balance sheet, profit and loss, and cash flow like the “big three” of your business wellness check-up. Once you know how to read them, everything else becomes easier.
● Maintain clear bookkeeping
Accurate records are the backbone of business lending. Implementing bookkeeping systems early (or cleaning up existing ones) ensures you know where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
● Build a 2026 budget
A strong budget helps you assess your spending, plan for cash flow fluctuations, and evaluate future investments with clarity.
● Lean into learning
We regularly offer workshops on financial literacy, cash flow planning, and the fundamentals of small business finance to help you build confidence and skills at your own pace.
2. Prepare for Funding With Confidence
Many business owners begin the loan process without fully understanding what lenders look for. Our Business Advisors can help you prepare for the financial side of your business so you can confidently approach lenders or investors.
● Get your documents ready
Most lenders will ask for:
- Updated financial statements
- A solid business plan or growth strategy
- Cash flow projections
- Tax returns
- Personal financial statements
Our advisors can help you understand what each document means and how to present your financial story clearly and effectively.
● Understand what lenders evaluate
Creditworthiness, collateral, cash flow, and capacity are foundational components of lending decisions. Knowing how each factor applies to your business can strengthen your application.
● Build better cash flow
Healthy cash flow reduces lender risk and helps position your business as a strong loan candidate. Our advising team can help you create cash flow projections and plan for seasonal or operational fluctuations.
3. Explore State and Tribal SSBCI Lending Opportunities
Alaska is notably one of the only states administering both State and Tribal SSBCI programs, which means more pathways for small businesses to access loans and investment capital, all through partners who understand the unique challenges of doing business here.
How SSBCI Can Support Your Business:
- Loan guarantees that strengthen your loan applications
- Increased access to lenders
- Support for start-ups and existing businesses
- Dedicated support for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) and Very Small Businesses (VSBs)
- Expanded funding pathways for Tribal-affiliated businesses
If you’re considering a loan in 2026, SSBCI may be the right fit. Our team can help you determine eligibility and prepare for the application process.
4. Take Advantage of the SSBCI Technical Assistance Program
The SSBCI Technical Assistance (TA) Program provides specialized support for SEDI and VSB entrepreneurs by offering:
- One-on-one advising to prepare loan applications
- Lender matchmaking
- Workshops focused on financial readiness
- Grants of up to $5,000 for legal, accounting, or bookkeeping services related to funding preparation
- Peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities
If you’re preparing to seek capital in 2026, the SSBCI TA program can help remove barriers and provide the support you need to move forward confidently.
5. Build a Stronger Financial Future With the Alaska SBDC
Financial clarity and access to capital play a central role in the growth and long-term stability of small businesses. Whether you’re looking to improve your financial systems, build your financial literacy skills, explore lending opportunities, or access SSBCI programs, our team is here to help.
This month, take one step forward by:
- Scheduling a no-fee advising session
- Exploring SSBCI lending pathways
- Attending our financial literacy workshops
- Starting a new budget (or refreshing a familiar one)
- Learning how to prepare for conversations with lenders
Starting the year with financial clarity sets the foundation for meaningful growth. The Alaska SBDC is honored to support entrepreneurs across our state as they launch, grow, and strengthen their businesses in 2026.