Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AKEW: attending, hosting, sponsoring, volunteering, and more.
General Questions
What is Alaska Entrepreneurship Week (AKEW)?
AKEW is Alaska’s annual entrepreneurial fair: a statewide, volunteer-led initiative that assembles the full entrepreneurship support system into one coordinated week. AKEW does three things: showcases what exists in Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, fills the gaps where resources are missing, and delivers the complete ecosystem to every community through City Leads in 7+ regions. It is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the organizations that support them.
When is AKEW 2026?
September 14-18, 2026. Events run throughout the week, with some organizers hosting pre-week and post-week activities as well.
Where does AKEW take place?
Across all of Alaska. Events are hosted in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai Peninsula, Mat-Su Valley, Valdez/Cordova, Southeast Alaska, and rural communities. Most events are virtual or hybrid, making them accessible from anywhere in the state.
Is AKEW free to attend?
Most AKEW events are free. Individual event hosts set their own pricing, but the vast majority choose to offer free admission. Check each event listing for details.
Who organizes AKEW?
AKEW is organized entirely by volunteers. There is zero paid staff. Statewide Co-Chairs Pascual J. Reig-Munoz and Norma M. Lucero coordinate the initiative on a volunteer basis with no compensation. They are supported by City Leads in 7+ regions (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Mat-Su, Valdez, and rural Alaska) who organize events and outreach in their communities. All events and use of the AKEW name require written Co-Chair approval. Funding comes from sponsorships and donations. See the Governance page for full details on how AKEW is structured and led.
What happened to “Alaska Startup Week”?
AKEW was previously known as Alaska Startup Week. The name was expanded to “Entrepreneurship Week” to better reflect the broader community of small business owners, established entrepreneurs, and support organizations across Alaska.
For Event Attendees
How do I find and register for events?
Visit our Events Calendar to browse all scheduled events. Each listing includes date, time, format (virtual/in-person), and registration details. Events are powered by The Events Calendar and can be filtered by date, category, and location.
Do I need to be an entrepreneur to attend?
No. AKEW welcomes anyone interested in Alaska’s business ecosystem: aspiring entrepreneurs, students, mentors, investors, educators, government officials, and support organization staff. There is something for every interest and experience level.
Are events virtual or in-person?
Both. AKEW prioritizes virtual events to maximize statewide accessibility, but many hosts also offer in-person or hybrid sessions. Each event listing specifies the format.
Can I attend events from prior years?
Some past events have recordings available through the Resources section. Check back as AKEW grows its library of on-demand content.
For Event Hosts and Organizers
How do I host an event during AKEW?
Visit Host an Event to learn more. Submit an event through our calendar at /events/community/add/. Events are reviewed and approved by the AKEW team. There is zero cost to host a virtual event.
What types of events can I host?
Workshops, panel discussions, fireside chats, pitch competitions, networking mixers, demo days, keynotes, mentoring sessions, hackathons, and educational seminars. If it supports entrepreneurs or the entrepreneurial ecosystem, it belongs at AKEW.
Does AKEW provide Zoom or other platforms?
AKEW can provide Zoom accounts for virtual events on a limited basis. Most hosts use their own preferred platform (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams). AKEW handles promotion; hosts handle delivery.
What does AKEW provide to event hosts?
Centralized promotion across all AKEW channels (website, email newsletter, social media), listing on the AKEW calendar, co-branding materials, and post-event analytics. Download the Event Organizer Guide (PDF) for complete details.
What is a City Lead?
City Leads are local AKEW champions who coordinate events and outreach in their community. They recruit event hosts, liaise with the statewide team, and ensure their region is represented during the week. The City Lead model is how AKEW delivers the ecosystem beyond Anchorage. Download the City Lead Guide (PDF) for details.
For Sponsors
How can my organization sponsor AKEW?
Visit Become a Sponsor to learn about sponsorship tiers ranging from Community ($1,000+) to Title ($10,000+). Download the Sponsor Prospectus (PDF) or email contact@akew.org.
What do sponsors receive?
Benefits vary by tier and include: logo placement on the AKEW website and marketing materials, social media recognition, email newsletter features, speaking opportunities, event passes, and access to the AKEW network. Sponsors reach 1,000+ engaged entrepreneurs and decision-makers statewide.
Can I provide in-kind sponsorship?
Yes. In-kind sponsors contribute venues, food, technology, or services instead of cash. In-kind sponsors receive recognition on the AKEW website and event materials. Contact contact@akew.org to discuss options.
For Volunteers
How do I volunteer for AKEW?
Visit Volunteer and fill out the sign-up form. Volunteers can help with event coordination, marketing, technical support, speaker liaison, logistics, outreach, photography, and translation services.
How much time does volunteering require?
It depends on the role. Some roles need just 1-3 hours per week; others (like event coordination) may need 8-15 hours during AKEW week. Availability options include: before AKEW, during AKEW, after AKEW, and year-round. Download the Volunteer Handbook (PDF) for full details.
For Government Partners
How can government officials support AKEW?
Visit Government Partners for options including: providing an official proclamation, hosting a session, attending events, endorsing AKEW, and connecting constituents with resources. Download Talking Points (PDF) and the Endorsement Request Letter (PDF).
Has AKEW received a Governor’s Proclamation?
Yes. Alaska Entrepreneurship Week has received official recognition from the Governor’s office. View the proclamation here.
2026 Partners and Awards
Who are the 2026 strategic partners?
AKEW 2026 features strengthened partnerships with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides free business advising statewide, and Junior Achievement of Alaska, which brings youth entrepreneurship programs and student pitch competitions. Both organizations will host events during AKEW week.
What is the Allan Johnston “Chief Encouragement Officer” Award?
This award recognizes individuals who give more than they receive in supporting Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Nominations open April 1, 2026. Visit the award page to learn about criteria and the nomination process.