As small business owners and entrepreneurs in Alaska, the state’s diverse economic landscape presents unique opportunities and challenges. From manufacturing to cooperative businesses, from celebrating Women’s Business Month to addressing cybersecurity, Alaska’s small businesses have numerous avenues for growth and innovation this month.
The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides support, offering advising, workshops, and a wealth of tools and resources to help businesses navigate these key areas.
Manufacturing in Alaska: Building Local Economies with Alaska MEP
Manufacturing is a vital industry for Alaska’s economy, supporting job creation, reducing reliance on imports, and fostering innovation. Alaska’s unique geography and resources position the state for niche manufacturing opportunities such as seafood processing, natural resource-based products, and innovative technologies like 3D printing.
The Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a partner program at the UAA Business Enterprise Institute, provides comprehensive support for manufacturers. With Alaska MEP, business owners can access specialized consulting, workforce training, process improvement strategies, and technical resources designed to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. Whether you’re starting a new manufacturing business or looking to optimize an existing one, Alaska SBDC, and Alaska MEP offer tailored solutions to help your business thrive:
- Learn more about manufacturing with Alaska MEP at https://alaska-mep.com/
- Live with Alaska MEP, Bi-Weekly on Thursdays at 12 PM AKST
- Commercializing Your New Invention – Licensing & Negotiating ($15)
Cooperatives: Community-Driven Success with ACDC
Cooperatives (co-ops) are businesses that are owned and run by their members, fostering a sense of community ownership and shared success. In Alaska, co-ops play an important role in industries such as agriculture, fisheries, energy, and retail, particularly in rural communities. Co-ops can help create sustainable local economies by pooling resources and distributing profits among members.
The Alaska Cooperative Development Center (ACDC), another partner program at the UAA Business Enterprise Institute, provides specialized support for co-ops. The ACDC helps groups form and grow cooperatives by offering technical assistance, education, and strategic planning. Whether you’re looking to start a new co-op or strengthen an existing one, the Alaska SBDC and ACDC can help you navigate the financial and operational complexities of cooperative business models:
- Learn more about cooperatives in Alaska at https://www.alaskacoops.com/
- Find local cooperatives near you with the BuyAlaska directory
- Co-ops & the Alaska Cooperative Development Center (No Fee)
- Demystifying Food Cooperatives ($10)
- Understanding Purchasing & Shared Services Cooperatives ($10)
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Your Business this October
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Small businesses are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, and the consequences can be devastating. For Alaska’s small business owners, safeguarding digital assets, customer information, and financial data is crucial to maintaining trust and ensuring business continuity.
The Alaska SBDC provides a range of resources to help business owners bolster their cybersecurity defenses. From training on best practices to accessing cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, the SBDC is a key partner in helping Alaskan entrepreneurs protect their businesses in a constantly evolving digital landscape:
- SBA to Host Third Annual Small Business Cyber Summit Online (October 16 & 23)
- Combating Fraud & Identity Theft (No Fee)
- Basics of Cybersecurity ($35)
Women’s Business Month: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
October is Women’s Business Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women entrepreneurs across Alaska. Women-owned businesses are critical drivers of Alaska’s economy, bringing diversity, creativity, and resilience to the marketplace. The Alaska SBDC is committed to empowering female entrepreneurs by providing resources that address the specific challenges they face, including access to capital, mentorship, and industry networks.
- SBA – National Women’s Small Business Month
- BuyAlaska – offers a statewide small business directory to search by region, cities and towns, categories, and DEI initiatives to support women-owned businesses
Alaska SBDC’s Support for Entrepreneurs
At the heart of the Alaska SBDC’s mission is helping businesses succeed and grow. From one-on-one advising sessions to educational workshops, the Alaska SBDC provides customized solutions and connections for businesses in manufacturing, cooperatives, women-led ventures, and those concerned about cybersecurity. Here’s how the Alaska SBDC can support you:
- Free and Confidential Business Advising: Tailored to your industry and specific needs.
- Workshops and Webinars: Covering a range of topics to help your business grow and adapt to new challenges.
- Access to Tools and Resources: From financial planning templates to industry-specific guides, the SBDC provides the resources you need to succeed.
By leveraging these services, Alaska’s small business owners and entrepreneurs can build stronger businesses, contribute to the local economy, and create lasting success for themselves and their communities.