How Alaska SBDC Supports the Priorities Shaping Alaska’s Business Community
Running a small business has never been about solving just one challenge.
One day you’re managing cash flow. The next you’re hiring employees, learning new technology, preparing for seasonal disruptions, exploring new markets, or planning for long-term growth.
As we move through the second half of 2026, Alaska’s small businesses continue to navigate new opportunities alongside new challenges. In recent months, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced several new initiatives focused on expanding access to capital, strengthening American manufacturing, supporting workforce development, and recognizing the entrepreneurs driving local economies.
While every business is different, these priorities all point toward the same goal: helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient businesses. At the Alaska SBDC, we support these priorities every day through no-fee business advising, workshops, and specialized programs designed for Alaska entrepreneurs.
Access to Capital Starts with Preparation
For many businesses, growth begins with funding.
Whether you’re launching a new business, purchasing equipment, expanding operations, or managing seasonal cash flow, access to capital can create opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach.
The SBA recently announced that eligible borrowers will soon be able to combine SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, doubling the previous combined lending limit and creating new opportunities for businesses planning major investments or expansion.
But securing financing often starts long before submitting a loan application.
Business planning, financial projections, cash flow analysis, and understanding available funding options all help position businesses for success. Alaska SBDC Business Advisors work with entrepreneurs to prepare for financing, evaluate funding opportunities, and connect businesses with lenders and programs that fit their goals. While the Alaska SBDC is not a lender, we help businesses become funding-ready so they can approach financing with confidence.
Businesses recovering from natural disasters may also have access to SBA disaster assistance. Following severe storms across Western Alaska last fall, the SBA continues to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to eligible small businesses and private nonprofits affected by those events, providing working capital to help organizations recover and continue serving their communities.
Child Care Supports Alaska’s Workforce
Strong businesses depend on strong communities, and access to reliable child care plays an important role in both.
For many employers, recruiting and retaining employees continues to be one of the biggest challenges to growth. When families have dependable child care, businesses are better positioned to build and support a stable workforce.
At the same time, child care providers are entrepreneurs themselves. They manage staffing, operations, finances, and growth while providing an essential service that supports businesses across every industry.
Whether you’re growing a child care business or navigating workforce challenges as an employer, Alaska SBDC Business Advisors can help you evaluate opportunities, strengthen operations, and plan for sustainable growth.
Building for the Future
Every business reaches a point where it’s time to think beyond today’s to-do list.
Whether you’re adopting new technology, strengthening cybersecurity, preparing for unexpected disruptions, exploring new markets, or looking for ways to grow, planning ahead can help position your business for long-term success.
Recent SBA initiatives reflect this long-term focus. This year, the agency announced new grant opportunities to support manufacturing workforce training and technical assistance, while continuing to expand financing options for manufacturers and businesses investing in domestic production. The SBA has also highlighted entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge and the Patriot Pitch Competition, recognizing businesses that are driving innovation and economic growth across the country.
Here in Alaska, programs like BuyAlaska strengthen local businesses and communities by encouraging consumers to support Alaska-owned companies, while the Alaska SBDC’s TREND program helps innovators bring new technologies and ideas to market.
No matter what your next step looks like, Alaska SBDC is here to help you build a stronger, more resilient business.
Explore Alaska SBDC Resources
Whether you’re seeking funding, adopting new technology, preparing for growth, strengthening operations, or planning for the future, the Alaska SBDC provides no-fee advising and practical resources to help your business succeed.
Our statewide team provides business advising, workshops, specialized programs, and connections to trusted partners, meeting entrepreneurs wherever they are in their business journey.
Business Advising
https://aksbdc.org/services/business-counseling/
Workshops & Training
https://aksbdc.org/services/workshops/
AI Resource Program
https://aksbdc.org
TREND Innovation Program
https://aksbdc.org/services/trend/
BuyAlaska
https://buyalaska.com
Looking Ahead
Running a business means balancing today’s priorities while planning for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Whether you’re exploring financing, adopting new technology, strengthening operations, preparing for future disruptions, or simply looking for a trusted sounding board, you don’t have to navigate those decisions alone.
Whatever your next step looks like, Alaska SBDC Business Advisors are here to help you plan with confidence, adapt to new opportunities, and build a stronger business for the future.