Last month, I wrote about getting out and exploring Alaska this summer, and I asked for recommendations on small businesses to visit. One recommendation that came in was Jam Jams in Cantwell, so on our way back from Denali, my family stopped there for lunch.
One of the things I enjoy most about this job is getting out around Alaska and seeing what small business owners are building. Every community has businesses that reflect the people who live there. I always come away with new ideas and a better understanding of what it takes to build and run a successful business in Alaska. Jam Jams was a great example of that. It was a fun stop, great food, and exactly the kind of local business that makes traveling around Alaska so exciting.
I also had the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Utqiaġvik this month. I met with community leaders and entrepreneurs to talk about opportunities to strengthen support for small businesses in the community. I also attended the grand opening of Global Credit Union’s new branch, which I learned is now the northernmost credit union in the world. It was exciting to see the investment in the community and to meet so many entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.
What stood out to me most during the trip was the entrepreneurial spirit. I met people who were thinking about starting a business, others who were ready to take the next step with an existing one, and community partners committed to helping make those ideas a reality. That kind of energy is exciting to see, and I’m looking forward to the Alaska SBDC being part of helping those businesses grow.
If you have a favorite Alaska small business that I should visit, let me know. One of the best parts of this job is getting to meet the people behind Alaska’s small businesses. I always come away with a new appreciation for the work they’re doing, and I’d love to visit more of them in the months ahead.
Jared Reynolds
State Director
Read the full 2026 July newsletter here.