Last week, I made a quick trip to D.C. for America’s SBDC board meetings and leadership roundtables. I arrived just as the city was under a winter storm warning… extreme cold, high winds, and the possibility of travel delays. But once there, none of that mattered. The focus was on valuable time with SBDC leaders from across the country, talking through processes, policies, and ways to strengthen our national network.
What I always appreciate about these gatherings is the reminder that Alaska SBDC is part of something much larger. No matter where someone is in the U.S., there is an SBDC ready to support them… with local expertise and access to shared tools and experience. We may be separated by time zones and very different definitions of “extreme” cold… but we’re connected by purpose and strengthened by learning from one another.
That same spirit of connection is shaping much of what we’re focused on back home. Finding and keeping customers remains one of the biggest challenges small businesses face, and much of that comes down to visibility and relationships. Love is Local and our BuyAlaska Bingo card aren’t just fun campaigns… they’re practical reminders that thriving businesses depend on engaged communities. If you’re like me and still have a few squares left on your Bingo card… consider this my gentle reminder to fill it up.
Across the state, our team continues building strong partnerships and creating opportunities for collaboration. I’m especially thankful to Nuvision Credit Union for inviting us to join them at their table during the AEDC luncheon. It was a great opportunity to strengthen relationships and connect with one of our key lending partners. The SBDC advising team also partnered with SBA to deliver a strong presentation at the Alaska Rural Small Business Conference and share practical tools and resources. Our Alaska Entrepreneurship Business Incubator workshop series is off to a strong start, and there are still ways to connect… including the AI Virtual Pitch Competition and Healthcare Innovation Accelerator. If you’re interested, be sure to get your applications in this week.
And of course, the upcoming 2026 Alaska SBDC Summit is where those connections continue… a day of thoughtful sessions, practical conversations, and time with people who understand the realities of doing business in Alaska.
This work only succeeds because people show up… for their communities, for their partners, and for each other. I’m grateful to be part of this network and proud of the connections we continue to build together.
Kendra Conroy
Acting State Director
Read the full 2026 February newsletter here.