We’re excited to introduce Jared Reynolds, the new State Director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center.
With a background in entrepreneurship and economic development, and firsthand experience as a small business owner, he brings a practical perspective to leading the Alaska SBDC team. As he steps into this role, his focus is on connecting with Alaska’s small business community, listening, and learning how the SBDC can best support them.
We sat down with Jared to learn more about his background, what drives him, and what he sees ahead for Alaska’s entrepreneurs.
Q: What inspired you to bring your experience to the Alaska SBDC?
I’ve had the opportunity to lead several small businesses and entrepreneurship organizations and work closely with Small Business Development Centers. I’ve always been impressed by how accessible they are, the level of support they provide, and the role they play in the small business community.
I’ve also been a small business owner myself, and I grew up in a family of small business owners, so I understand how important they are to our communities and our economy. That’s what makes this work meaningful to me.
Q: What would you like Alaska business owners to know about you as you step into this role?
I come into this role with a pretty diverse background. I’ve spent the last year and a half here in Alaska leading the Center for Economic Development, and I’ve led organizations that support entrepreneurs. As I get started, my priority is meeting people, listening, and understanding what Alaska’s small businesses need, so we can continue to build resources that truly support them.
Q: What excites you most about working with small businesses in Alaska?
Small business owners are such an essential part of communities across our state. They create jobs, provide critical services, and really drive our economy. They’re also incredibly driven and creative problem-solvers. Being able to support that kind of work, and those kinds of people, is exciting.
Q: You’ve started and led both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. What’s something you wish more entrepreneurs knew early on?
Your idea is going to evolve, and that’s a good thing.
As you build a plan, talk to customers, and understand your finances, your business will change. Everything I’ve worked on has evolved over time. Staying flexible and open to that process is really important.
Q: How has your background in research shaped the way you approach business development?
I tend to focus a lot on data, understanding markets, building strong financial models, and using that information to make smart decisions. That approach has been helpful both in building businesses and in supporting others. It really comes down to understanding the market and making informed choices.
Q: You launched the first Forest Products Accelerator in the country. What did that experience teach you?
One big takeaway is that specialized industries have specialized needs, whether that’s access to capital, mentorship, or resources. But I also saw that scalable businesses can absolutely launch in rural communities. There’s real opportunity there to build something that serves a national market while making a strong local impact.
Q: What opportunities do you see ahead for Alaska entrepreneurs?
Alaska is at the center of several emerging industries right now, things like critical minerals, AI, defense, and mariculture. There’s a lot of opportunity for businesses here to grow and compete at a national level, especially in industries where Alaska already has a strong presence.
As Jared steps into this role, his focus is clear: listen first, build strong connections, and continue strengthening the support available to Alaska’s small business community.
We’re excited for what’s ahead for Jared and for the Alaska SBDC! We’re glad to have him leading the way – welcome, Jared!