Scaling Up: What to Know Before You Expand

Are you thinking of expanding your business and looking for insights as you prepare for growth? 

Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 24th, 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 a dynamic panel discussion designed for small business owners considering or preparing for growth.

This workshop features insights from experienced entrepreneurs, a lender, and an investor.  This session will explore what it really takes to scale successfully. Panelists will share firsthand perspectives on funding growth, operational planning, managing risk, and navigating expansion in Alaska’s unique business environment. Whether you’re just starting to think about growth or already planning your next move, this conversation will equip you with practical tools and lessons learned from those who’ve done it.

The workshop concludes with a guided tour of a development in progress – the new Market Project (aka, the Downtown Revitalization Project) in the Post Office Mall from 1:00 pm to 1:30 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:

“An Expansion Story” presented by Kelly Ann Cavaretta, Seward Business Advisor, Alaska Small Business Development Center, and Owner, Salted Roots and the Flamingo Cocktail Lounge.  Kelly Ann supports entrepreneurs in Seward as a business advisor with the Alaska SBDC, offering expert guidance in startup strategy, growth planning, and sustainable operations. She earned her MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2025, enhancing her strengths in business strategy, leadership, and economic development. In addition to her advisory role, Kelly Ann is a commercial real estate investor focused on creating community-centered spaces that foster local resilience. She is the founder of Salted Roots, a boutique hospitality brand with locations in both Seward and Anchorage, and also owns the Flamingo Cocktail Lounge. This vibrant downtown Seward property features a full-service restaurant, beer garden, and residential tenants. Her entrepreneurial work reflects a strong commitment to place-based development and supporting Alaska’s local economies.

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:

Rachel Pennington, Co-Owner and Manager, Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop/K Street Market.  Rachel Pennington is the co-owner and manager of Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, a beloved artisan bakery in Anchorage, Alaska. Joining the family business in 2010, she began as a baking assistant and quickly advanced to head baker. After completing a five-month program at the San Francisco Baking Institute, Rachel returned to Fire Island as manager and soon became part-owner. She now oversees daily operations, ensuring that each batch of scones, cookies, and sprouted grain sourdoughs meets the bakery’s high standards. She hired people from all walks of life, including those who have immigrated here from faraway places as well as those recently released from prison. Currently, Fire Island employs 90 talented and ambitious individuals. The bakery has expanded to 4 unique locations across the municipality. At this time, Fire Island is housed in 2 beautiful buildings that collaborates and partners with other businesses in downtown Anchorage and in Airport Heights. These 2 spots have become beacons of joy and fun, elevating baked goods and food service alike. Fire Island’s calling cards are kindness and quality, and in everything they do, it is evident. Known affectionately as the “Gluten Queen,” Rachel is passionate about the art of baking and the community it fosters. Under her leadership, Fire Island has become a cornerstone of Anchorage’s culinary scene.

Dunbar Anders, Loan Officer, Alaska Growth Capital.  Dunbar Anders joined AGC in 2023 and has 5 years of experience in Commercial Lending. He has lived in Alaska for over 10 years and received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Marketing from the University of Alaska – Anchorage. Dunbar is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at Alaska Pacific University. Anders’s lending experience includes the following sectors: commercial, industrial, and professional corporations’ loans with expertise in commercial real estate, business acquisition purchases, debt refinance, and working capital loans. Anders is a member of BNI and the Young Professionals Group in Anchorage, Alaska.

Joe Dugan, Investor/President, Alaska Architectural Lighting.  Joe Dugan is the President of Alaska Architectural Lighting, a company he founded in 1998 that has since become a trusted name in the state’s construction and design community. His recent projects include the Santos Building and the Wild Birch Hotel, both reflecting his commitment to quality and craftsmanship. In addition to his lighting work, Joe is an active investor in local businesses, with stakes in ventures such as the Alaska Rock Gym, Spenard Roadhouse, Crush Bistro, South Restaurant, and an exciting new project on the horizon. A proud UAA alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Joe values creative vision and practical problem-solving. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his children and contributing to the vibrancy of Alaska’s business community.

Elissa Brown, Co-Founder and Owner, Wild Scoops.  Elissa Brown is the co-founder and owner of Wild Scoops, Anchorage’s beloved micro-creamery celebrated for its adventurous small-batch ice cream made with locally sourced, seasonal Alaskan ingredients. A former middle school science teacher, Elissa transformed her kitchen experiments into a flourishing business, launching Wild Scoops in 2015 at local farmers’ markets and opening the first brick-and-mortar scoop shop in downtown Anchorage by 2017. Today, Wild Scoops has three locations in Anchorage and continues to delight the community with hundreds of creative flavors that tell a story of place, all while fostering strong local partnerships and giving back through charitable initiatives.

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

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.