From Lease to Launch: Designing and Developing Your Space

What does it really take to turn your business idea into a thriving brick-and-mortar space? 

Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 17th, from 11:30 am to 1:00 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 workshop offers an in-depth panel discussion for entrepreneurs ready to bring their business vision to life in a physical space.

This workshop will explore the full development journey, from securing financing and selecting the right location to collaborating with architects and contractors for a functional, brand-aligned buildout. Attendees will hear directly from a small business owner, lender, contractor, and architect about their experiences – offering practical insights to help you move from lease signing to successful launch with confidence.

The workshop concludes with a guided tour of Anchorage’s newest boutique hotel, the Wild Birch Hotel, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.  Attendees will learn about the decisions that shaped the hotel, along with firsthand accounts of challenges and moments of joy during the project.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES (MC):

Angie Gerken, Anchorage Center Director, Alaska Small Business Development Center.  Angie brings over 30 years of business expertise and a deep passion for guiding entrepreneurs through the complexities of launching and growing their ventures. A former Anchorage business owner for 17 years, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Known for her strategic mindset and customer-focused approach, she combines her expertise in human resource management with innovative use of cloud and app-based business solutions. A lifelong learner, Angie has pursued professional development through George Mason University, Yale University, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her strong ties to Alaska—rooted in her upbringing on the north shore of Lake Iliamna and managing her family’s sport-fishing lodge—give her a unique perspective on the state’s business landscape. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, amateur bird watching, writing, and spending time fishing the waters of Homer and Seward with her long-term partner.

OPENING SPEAKER:

“Small Business and Community Vibrancy” presented by 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.

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:

Laile Fairbairn, President, Locally Grown Restaurants.  Laile Fairbairn is the president of Locally Grown Restaurants, a group of acclaimed Anchorage eateries including Snow City Cafe, Spenard Roadhouse, South Restaurant + Coffeehouse, and Crush Bistro. Raised in Anchorage, she studied journalism and public relations at the University of Oregon before launching a career in advertising in Seattle. Inspired by the vibrant West Coast dining scene, she returned home and opened Snow City Cafe in 1998, helping to redefine Anchorage’s breakfast culture. Over the past 25 years, Fairbairn has been a driving force in elevating Alaska’s culinary identity, emphasizing local sourcing, sustainability, and community engagement. Her restaurants are known for their creative menus, welcoming atmospheres, and support for local organizations like Covenant House and Children’s Lunchbox. In 2023 & 2024, she was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurateur award, reflecting her leadership and lasting impact on Alaska’s food scene.

Kendall Wilson, Managing Manager, Cadence General.  Kendall Wilson is the Managing Manager of Cadence General and a lifelong Alaskan with deep roots in the state’s construction industry. Originally from Fairbanks, he relocated to Anchorage to pursue greater opportunities in commercial construction while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from the University of Alaska Anchorage, all while raising a young and growing family. With 24 years of industry experience, Kendall specializes in design-build delivery and has successfully led projects valued at up to $30 million. He is passionate about cultivating strong client relationships, strengthening company policies, and fostering a collaborative and positive workplace culture. Outside work, Kendall enjoys exploring Alaska’s great outdoors year-round with his wife, Sam, and their four adventurous children.

Deanna Wlad, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Partner, Spark Design.  Deanna Wlad, AIA, LEED AP, is a founding partner of Spark Design, LLC, a woman-owned architecture and interior design firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. With over 30 years of experience, she leads projects across commercial, retail, healthcare, and multi-family residential sectors, specializing in new construction, tenant improvements, and complex renovations. Deanna is known for her thoughtful, responsive design approach, which balances creativity with practical solutions to deliver high-quality, enduring results with exceptional value.  A registered architect and LEED Accredited Professional, she is deeply committed to sustainable, high-performance design. She holds a Master of Architecture from Montana State University–Bozeman and continues to influence Alaska’s built environment through her leadership at Spark Design and mentorship within the architectural community.

Ryane Brougham, Vice President, Loan Officer, Evergreen Business Capital.  Ryane Brougham is Vice President and Loan Officer at Evergreen Business Capital, leading SBA 504 lending efforts across Alaska. Based in Anchorage, Ryane collaborates with commercial lenders to help small business owners secure long-term, fixed-rate financing for purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied commercial real estate and equipment. Since joining Evergreen in April 2023, he has played a pivotal role in the company’s recognition as the 2024 SBA Alaska 504 Community Development Company (CDC) of the Year, with 15 loans totaling over $13.5 million approved under his leadership. Ryane actively engages in Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, participating in events like the Bettye Davis African American Summit and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s “Make it Monday” forum. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, he brings over two decades of lending experience and is dedicated to supporting small business success. Outside of work, Ryane enjoys fishing, road trips, and expanding his sports trading card collection, a hobby he’s pursued since 1982.

GUIDED TOUR OF WILD BIRCH HOTEL 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.