The New Year is a chance for new beginnings and new opportunities! Here at the SBDC we’re planning on making 2023 our best year yet. We are pleased to announce that we launched the first of our four State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs, the Equity Fund program, this month and are taking proposals from equity funds and investors looking to deploy capital into Alaskan businesses. We’re also expanding our Rural Business program with new staff, new trainings, and new partnerships so that we can better serve Alaska’s rural and remote communities.
The BuyAlaska program is planning on continuing it’s successes from 2022 into the new year by growing our marketing, developing new research into the importance of shopping local, and providing more tools, resources and opportunities for Alaskan businesses across the state. If you haven’t already joined the BuyAlaska program and added yourself to BuyAlaska’s online directory, there’s no time like the present.
On top of all of that, our businesses advisors are still working tirelessly in centers all over the state to provide one on one advising and hundreds of workshops to Alaska’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Every year these dedicated professionals work with thousands of clients in all industries start and grow their businesses. With the support of the Small Business Administration, the University of Alaska, Northrim Bank, Wells Fargo, the Denali Commission, the Department of Treasury and the State of Alaska the SBDC will continue to provide Alaskans with the support and tools they need to thrive.
I hope that this new year is looking as bright for you and your business, but if it’s not we’re here to help. Together we can continue to grow and support the businesses that make our communities and state such an amazing place to live.
Jon Bittner
Alaska SBDC Executive Director