Government Partners
Building Alaska's entrepreneurial future together
AKEW builds the coordination layer that connects Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and delivers it to every community in the state. Government partnership is essential to reaching rural and underserved areas where market forces alone do not create entrepreneurship infrastructure.
Current Government Support
AKEW has earned institutional backing at multiple levels:
- Governor’s Proclamation: Three consecutive years of official state recognition
- Anchorage Mayor: Direct offer of support for AKEW’s statewide mission
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Proactive outreach for 2026 collaboration
- Alaska SBDC: Deepened partnership providing statewide business advising during AKEW
How Government Partners Contribute
Issue a Proclamation or Endorsement
Official recognition from governors, mayors, borough assemblies, or tribal councils signals to entrepreneurs and organizations that their state supports entrepreneurship at every level. A proclamation or endorsement letter takes minimal effort and provides significant credibility.
Download the editable Word template below, fill in the bracketed fields, print on official letterhead, sign, and send it to contact@akew.org with subject line “Government Endorsement.” Signed endorsements will be featured on the Endorsements page.
Download Endorsement Template (Word) Endorsement Request Letter (PDF)
Host or Co-Host a Session
Government agencies can fill gaps in the ecosystem by hosting workshops on permitting, licensing, procurement, rural development programs, or grant opportunities. These sessions are among the most requested by entrepreneurs, especially in communities outside Anchorage.
Connect Constituents with Resources
Share the AKEW event calendar with constituents, business associations, and community organizations. AKEW provides ready-to-use communication templates and talking points for distribution.
Attend Events
Elected officials and agency staff attending AKEW events demonstrates commitment to the entrepreneurial community and creates direct feedback loops between government and the businesses it serves.
Why AKEW Matters for Government Goals
AKEW directly supports state and federal objectives for rural economic development, small business growth, and workforce development. By connecting 50+ organizations across 7+ regions in a single coordinated week, AKEW provides a delivery mechanism for programs that government agencies already fund but struggle to distribute beyond Anchorage.
The City Lead model ensures that entrepreneurship support reaches Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Mat-Su, Valdez, and rural communities. For government partners focused on equitable economic development, AKEW is infrastructure, not just an event.
To discuss partnership opportunities, email contact@akew.org with subject line “Government Partnership.”
Why Government Support Matters
Economic Growth
Government support for entrepreneurship initiatives drives economic development and creates sustainable business opportunities across Alaska.
Job Creation
Supporting entrepreneurs creates quality jobs and reduces unemployment. A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem strengthens Alaska's workforce.
Community Resilience
Local businesses strengthen communities. Government partnership ensures every region of Alaska has access to entrepreneurial resources and support.
Official Endorsements
Governor's Proclamation
Alaska Entrepreneurship Week has received official recognition and support from the Governor's office.
View Proclamation"Supporting Alaska's Entrepreneurs"
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[Official Name]
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"Strengthening Our Economy"
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[Official Name]
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"Investing in Alaska's Future"
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[Official Name]
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"Community-Focused Leadership"
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Impact by the Numbers
Events
Across Alaska
Communities
Represented
Participants
Engaged
Organizations
Participating
Request an Endorsement
We welcome support from government officials, elected representatives, and community leaders. Download our letter template or submit an endorsement request below.
This form opens in a new window.
Request EndorsementAdvocacy Toolkit
Resources for elected officials and government partners to support AKEW.
Talking Points PDF
Key messages about entrepreneurship, economic development, and job creation in Alaska.
DownloadSample Endorsement Letter
Customizable template for officials to provide formal endorsement of AKEW.
DownloadSponsor Prospectus
Comprehensive sponsorship guide with tier benefits, audience profile, and partnership opportunities.
DownloadVolunteer Handbook
Complete guide for AKEW volunteers with roles, expectations, training, and event-day procedures.
DownloadFor Elected Officials
- Host a Session: Share your expertise and policy perspective with entrepreneurs during AKEW week.
- Provide a Proclamation: Declare official support for Alaska Entrepreneurship Week in your jurisdiction.
- Attend an Event: Join us at one of our sessions to connect with business leaders and entrepreneurs in your community.
- Connect Constituents with Resources: Help connect your constituents with AKEW resources, grants, mentoring, and business support programs.