From Dream to Doorstep: Finding the Right Space for Your Business

Are you thinking about opening a physical location for your business, but not sure where to start?

Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 10th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Alaska Experience Theatre in Anchorage for this In Person workshop offered by the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) and Northern Compass Group, LLC. This practical and informative workshop is designed for both aspiring and current small business owners who are preparing to secure a brick-and-mortar location.

The session kicks off with “A Developer’s Perspective,” a presentation by Mark Begich, President & CEO, Northern Compass Group, LLC, followed by a panel discussion featuring a seasoned business owner, a commercial real estate expert, and a lender. Together, these panelists will share experience-based insights to help you navigate one of the most important decisions your business may face. Topics will include evaluating space needs, leasing vs. buying, financing options, and navigating zoning and permitting processes.

The workshop concludes with a rare opportunity for a guided tour of a new development project – the new Market Project (aka, the Downtown Revitalization Project) in the Post Office Mall from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm!  Attendees will gain a firsthand look at the development process and have opportunities to identify potential business locations.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES (MC):

Jon Bittner, Executive Director, Alaska Small Business Development Center.  Jon Bittner is the Executive Director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where he leads a statewide network of seven regional centers dedicated to delivering accessible, high-quality business assistance to entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. In his role, Jon has helped to launch the $59 million State and $83 million Tribal SSBCI capital programs, the AI Center, as well as relaunched the BuyAlaska and TREND programs. His extensive background in economic development includes previous roles as Vice President of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), where he launched a variety of entrepreneurship and innovation programs, including Entrepreneurship Week, the Alaska Pitch on a Train competition, Anchorage Maker Faire, and the Alaska Innovator magazine.  He also served as the  Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, where he served on the boards of AIDEA, AEA, ASMI, and oversaw the Division of Economic Development, the Division of Banking & Securities, and the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. Through his leadership, Jon continues to drive innovation and support for Alaska’s small business ecosystem.

OPENING SPEAKER:

“A Developer’s Perspective” presented by Mark Begich, President & CEO, Northern Compass Group LLC.  Mark Begich is the President and CEO of Northern Compass Group LLC, bringing a lifetime of business experience and decades of public service to his leadership.  A former U.S. Senator for Alaska, Begich is known for his pragmatic, bipartisan approach to complex issues, including fisheries, tourism, transportation, tribal and Alaska Native interests, the Arctic, veterans, education, and housing. Before his Senate term, Begich served as Mayor of Anchorage and spent a decade on the Anchorage Assembly. In the past 5 years, Begich has turned his focus to revitalizing downtown Anchorage. Along with his business partner, Sheldon Fisher, he purchased the Aviator hotel and completed a major renovation, reopening as The Wildbirch Hotel in June of 2025. Phase 2 of the Downtown Revitalization Project will overhaul the Post Office Mall, bringing mixed-use retail, dining, and residential to downtown, along with a long-awaited grocery store. 

MODERATOR:

Ginny Grabowski, Anchorage Business Advisor, Alaska Small Business Development Center.  Ginny has over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship and small business ownership, with a deep commitment to empowering others and supporting the growth of Alaska’s small business community through her work with the SBDC. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, she brings expertise in the health and wellness sector, particularly in building and scaling wellness-focused businesses. Ginny excels in strategic partnership management, client engagement, and fostering community through workshops, training, and health program development. Her ventures have prioritized user-centric design, utilizing technology such as website development, social media, and mobile apps to elevate customer experience. Since arriving in Alaska in 2002 and falling in love with the state while working in the tourism industry near Denali National Park, Ginny has made Southcentral Alaska her home. In her free time, she enjoys running, cycling, skiing, and dancing to live music with her husband.

PANELISTS:

Deborah Bonito, CEO, The Sourdough Mercantile, Inc.  Deborah Bonito is a longtime Anchorage entrepreneur and community leader, serving as co-owner of The Kobuk, a historic specialty shop known for its coffee, tea, gifts, and Alaskan-made goods, and as President of The Sourdough Mercantile, Inc., which operates multiple retail outlets at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Since taking ownership of The Kobuk with her family in 1993, she has helped preserve its historic charm while supporting over 90 local small businesses through both ventures. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College, Deborah is also actively involved in community development, including board service with NeighborWorks Alaska.

Megan Mills, Associate Broker and Real Estate Manager, Colliers International. Megan possesses extensive knowledge in both brokerage services and management services. Her expertise spans all regions of the state. While the majority of her real estate transactions and management operations occur in Anchorage, Megan is also actively involved in the Fairbanks area, Kenai Peninsula Borough, and Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Her primary focus lies in retail, office, and industrial markets. In this unique region, Megan adeptly represents both landlords and tenants, ranging from national corporations to local businesses. As a lifelong Alaskan, she brings valuable insights and historical context to all areas of the state.

Cody Beech, Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, Northrim Bank.  Cody Beech is Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Northrim Bank, bringing over 16 years of financial industry experience across Alaska and California. Since joining Northrim in April 2023, she has specialized in commercial and industrial lending, with expertise in equipment financing, working capital solutions, owner-occupied real estate, and government-guaranteed loans. Beech holds an MBA from Brandman University in Irvine, California (now University of Massachusetts Global). Beyond her professional role, she is an active community advocate. She has participated for over a decade in the Bike MS: Bay to Bay and Clean Air Challenge events, raising significant funds for the National MS Society.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE MARKET PROJECT (AKA DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT) WITH:

Mark Begich, President & CEO, Northern Compass Group LLC.  Mark Begich is the President and CEO of Northern Compass Group LLC, bringing a lifetime of business experience and decades of public service to his leadership.  A former U.S. Senator for Alaska, Begich is known for his pragmatic, bipartisan approach to complex issues, including fisheries, tourism, transportation, tribal and Alaska Native interests, the Arctic, veterans, education, and housing. Before his Senate term, Begich served as Mayor of Anchorage and spent a decade on the Anchorage Assembly. In the past 5 years, Begich has turned his focus to revitalizing downtown Anchorage. Along with his business partner, Sheldon Fisher, he purchased the Aviator hotel and completed a major renovation, reopening as The Wildbirch Hotel in June of 2025. Phase 2 of the Downtown Revitalization Project will overhaul the Post Office Mall, bringing mixed-use retail, dining, and residential to downtown, along with a long awaited grocery store. 

Katy Suddock Cook, Business & Policy Consultant, Northern Compass Group LLC.  Katy Suddock Cook is a Business and Policy Consultant with Northern Compass Group, where she brings a strong background in real estate and project management to her work. Born and raised in Anchorage, Katy is known for her entrepreneurial spirit and keen attention to detail, which contribute to her effectiveness in executing strategy and managing complex development projects from inception to completion. She holds a B.S. in Political Science and Business Administration from Colorado College and the University of Oregon. Outside of work, Katy enjoys downhill skiing and traveling with her husband and two daughters.