BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ak Entrepreneurship Week - ECPv6.15.19//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://akew.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ak Entrepreneurship Week REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Anchorage BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20240310T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20241103T100000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20250309T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20251102T100000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20260308T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20261101T100000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T130000 DTSTAMP:20260408T123658 CREATED:20250828T222309Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250928T001111Z UID:10000029-1759145400-1759150800@akew.org SUMMARY:AKEW Introduction / Kickoff Anchorage DESCRIPTION:Alaska Entrepreneurship Week (AKEW) designed by and for Alaska’s entrepreneurs\, the week brings together founders\, students\, investors\, and support organizations to share knowledge\, build connections\, and spark new opportunities. From workshops and panels to networking mixers and pitch competitions\, AKEW highlights the energy of Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the vital role it plays in shaping the state’s economic future. \nThe statewide Kickoff Event marks the official launch of the week\, setting the tone for days of collaboration and inspiration. This presentation brings together leaders\, partners\, and community members from across Alaska to unveil the vision for AKEW\, spotlight featured events\, and recognize the people driving entrepreneurial growth across the state. Attending the kickoff ensures you’re at the center of the conversation and connected to the many opportunities unfolding throughout the week. \nFOR IN PERSON\, register –>  here \nFacebook event  –>  here \nThe URL for virtual meeting is at the bottom of the page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event organized by  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event sponsored by \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pascual J. Reig\nBusiness Advisor\, SBDCStrategy & Operations Analyst\, REFocus \n \n \n \n \n \n Pascual J. Reig is a business strategy and operations consultant at REFocus\, and an innovation leader known for helping organizations grow\, optimize\, and adapt. In his role as an advisor with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC)\, he works closely with entrepreneurs\, small business owners\, and support organizations across Alaska to strengthen operations\, unlock funding opportunities\, and build strategic clarity. \nWith a professional background that spans engineering\, real estate\, construction\, and consulting\, Pascual brings a cross-sector\, systems-thinking approach to every project\, and he did the same upon arrival in Alaska over a decade ago: he has played a key role in several high-impact initiatives\, including the revitalization of Alaska Entrepreneurship Week (AKEW) and the founding of Launch:Alaska\, where he served on the inaugural Board of Directors. \nBilingual and globally minded\, Pascual combines U.S. and European experience\, drawing on insights from technical industries\, customer service\, and his close connections to medical professionals in Spain. Whether building innovation programs\, designing AI-assisted business roadmaps\, or advising rural entrepreneurs\, Pascual approaches each challenge with creativity\, pragmatism\, and a commitment to meaningful impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Norma M. Lucero\nDeputy Director\, AGC Alaska \n \n \n \n \n \n Norma M. Lucero serves as the Deputy Director of The Associated General Contractors of Alaska. Norma joined AGC AK from the Small Business Administration\, where she served as the Economic Development Specialist / Public Information Officer\, leading the SBA in its mission to empower individuals to start\, grow\, expand\, and recover their business.Prior to that\, Norma played an instrumental role as the Statewide DBE and OJT Program Manager at the State of Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights Office in revamping and transforming business and workforce development initiatives into programs of excellence and and program templates for best practices at the national level.Norma enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors with her family\, traveling and mentoring youth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ricky Tejapaibul\nManaging Partner and CEO\n \n \n \n \n \n Ricky Tejapaibul is the Managing Partner and CEO of Tech Wildcatters\, a venture capital firm headquartered in Dallas and one of the first 15 startup accelerators in the world.Ricky has been active in Alaska’s startup ecosystem for the past 4 years and now leads Tech Wildcatters’s expansion into Alaska. He has been on the planning committee for Alaska Entrepreneurship Week for the past 3 years. Ricky is an active angel investor\, entrepreneur\, startup mentor\, and has worked in various roles including management consulting\, investment banking\, and corporate finance for companies in the Fortune 500. Ricky earned multiple master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University including an MBA and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ginny Grabowski\nBusiness Advisor\, Anchorage SBDC \n \n \n \n \n \n Ginny has been navigating the waters of entrepreneurship and small-business ownership for over 20 years. She is committed to empowering others and is excited to be working to further the SBDC’s mission to help small businesses grow throughout Alaska. \nGinny’s background is in the health and wellness sector. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion she has expertise in creating and scaling businesses that promote health and wellness. Her strengths are strategic partnership management\, client engagement and creating community through workshops\, training\, and the development of health programs. \nGinny’s ventures have emphasized the importance of a user-centric approach\, leveraging technology through website development\, social media marketing\, and app development to enhance customer experience and engagement. \nGinny arrived in Alaska in 2002 and lost her heart to Alaska while working in the tourist industry in and around Denali National Park. In her downtime you’ll find her running\, cycling\, skiing\, or dancing to live music with her husband all over Southcentral Alaska. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nolan Klouda\n \n \n \n \n \n Nolan Klouda is the Policy Director for the office of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. In that capacity\, his portfolio includes state and federal relations\, economic development\, housing\, and fiscal policy. \nHe lives in Anchorage with his partner\, Michelle\, and two children: Cecilia and Winston. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Calvin Chang\nDirector 49 State Angel Fund \n \n \n \n \n \n Calvin Chang leads the 49the State Angel Fund (49SAF) as its Director\, focusing on growing the investment portfolio’s success in Alaska and beyond. He also leads the Anchorage C-PACER clean energy and resilience financing program.\n \nHe holds a master’s degree from Yale University\, a bachelor’s degree cum laude from Bucknell University\, and a Russian Regional Studies Certificate from Moscow International University.\n \nHe currently serves as the Secretary of the Alaska Investor Network (AIN) Board\, an ex-officio member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors\, and chairs the Chamber’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) Executive Board.  URL:https://akew.org/event/akew-anchorage-introduction-kickoff LOCATION:Petroleum Club of Anchorage\, 3301 C St.\, Ste. 120\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99503\, United States CATEGORIES:1. Idea,2. Pre-Profit,3. Profit,4. Growth,5. Exit,Business Stage,Community & Culture-Focused,Hybrid,In-Person,Networking & Community,Networking, Mixers & Social,Online (Virtual),Panels & Fireside Chats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kick-off-Anchorage2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Alaska Entrepreneurship Week Team":MAILTO:contact@akew.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T130000 DTSTAMP:20260408T123658 CREATED:20250828T012519Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T020256Z UID:10000012-1759147200-1759150800@akew.org SUMMARY:Starting a Business DESCRIPTION:Are you thinking about starting your own business?   \nThis workshop was designed just for you! \n \n \n \n \n \n During this FREE “Starting a Business\,” workshop\, Anchorage SBDC Business Advisor\, Ginny Grabowski\, will discuss the initial steps and considerations for starting a small business\, such as: \n\nbusiness licensing;\nlegal forms of business;\nbusiness record-keeping;\nhiring employees;\nbusiness planning; and\naccess to financing.\n\n  \nMore info: HERE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ginny Grabowski\nAlaska SBDC  Business Advisor \n \n \n \n \n \n Ginny has been navigating the waters of entrepreneurship and small-business ownership for over 20 years. She is committed to empowering others and is excited to be working to further the SBDC’s mission to help small businesses grow throughout Alaska. \nGinny’s background is in the health and wellness sector. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion she has expertise in creating and scaling businesses that promote health and wellness. Her strengths are strategic partnership management\, client engagement and creating community through workshops\, training\, and the development of health programs. \n[more] URL:https://akew.org/event/starting-a-business LOCATION:Small Business Development Center – Anchorage\, 1901 Bragaw St Suite 199\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99508\, United States CATEGORIES:1. Idea,2. Pre-Profit,3. Profit,Funding,In-Person,Workshops & Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sbdc.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T153000 DTSTAMP:20260408T123658 CREATED:20250903T022324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T235802Z UID:10000032-1759152600-1759159800@akew.org SUMMARY:AKEW Introduction / Kickoff Statewide - online DESCRIPTION:Alaska Entrepreneurship Week (AKEW) designed by and for Alaska’s entrepreneurs\, the week brings together founders\, students\, investors\, and support organizations to share knowledge\, build connections\, and spark new opportunities. From workshops and panels to networking mixers and pitch competitions\, AKEW highlights the energy of Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the vital role it plays in shaping the state’s economic future. \nThe statewide Kickoff Event marks the official launch of the week\, setting the tone for days of collaboration and inspiration. This presentation brings together leaders\, partners\, and community members from across Alaska to unveil the vision for AKEW\, spotlight featured events\, and recognize the people driving entrepreneurial growth across the state. Attending the kickoff ensures you’re at the center of the conversation and connected to the many opportunities unfolding throughout the week. \n  \nTo see the recording\, click HERE \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pascual J. Reig\nBusiness Advisor\, SBDC\nStrategy & Operations Analyst\, REFocus\n \n \n \n \n \n Pascual J. Reig is a business strategy and operations consultant at REFocus\, and an innovation leader known for helping organizations grow\, optimize\, and adapt. In his role as an advisor with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC)\, he works closely with entrepreneurs\, small business owners\, and support organizations across Alaska to strengthen operations\, unlock funding opportunities\, and build strategic clarity. \nWith a professional background that spans engineering\, real estate\, construction\, and consulting\, Pascual brings a cross-sector\, systems-thinking approach to every project\, and he did the same upon arrival in Alaska over a decade ago: he has played a key role in several high-impact initiatives\, including the revitalization of Alaska Entrepreneurship Week (AKEW) and the founding of Launch:Alaska\, where he served on the inaugural Board of Directors. \nBilingual and globally minded\, Pascual combines U.S. and European experience\, drawing on insights from technical industries\, customer service\, and his close connections to medical professionals in Spain. Whether building innovation programs\, designing AI-assisted business roadmaps\, or advising rural entrepreneurs\, Pascual approaches each challenge with creativity\, pragmatism\, and a commitment to meaningful impact.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Norma M. Lucero\nDeputy Director\, AGC Alaska\n \n \n \n \n \n Norma M. Lucero serves as the Deputy Director of The Associated General Contractors of Alaska. Norma joined AGC AK from the Small Business Administration\, where she served as the Economic Development Specialist / Public Information Officer\, leading the SBA in its mission to empower individuals to start\, grow\, expand\, and recover their business.Prior to that\, Norma played an instrumental role as the Statewide DBE and OJT Program Manager at the State of Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights Office in revamping and transforming business and workforce development initiatives into programs of excellence and and program templates for best practices at the national level.Norma enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors with her family\, traveling and mentoring youth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ricky Tejapaibul\nManaging Partner and CEO\n \n \n \n \n \n Ricky Tejapaibul is the Managing Partner and CEO of Tech Wildcatters\, a venture capital firm headquartered in Dallas and one of the first 15 startup accelerators in the world.\nRicky has been active in Alaska’s startup ecosystem for the past 4 years and now leads Tech Wildcatters’s expansion into Alaska. He has been on the planning committee for Alaska Entrepreneurship Week for the past 3 years. Ricky is an active angel investor\, entrepreneur\, startup mentor\, and has worked in various roles including management consulting\, investment banking\, and corporate finance for companies in the Fortune 500. Ricky earned multiple master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University including an MBA and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peter Webley\nResearch Professor\, Director (Center ICE)\, and Associate Director of Research (ACUASI) at University of Alaska Fairbanks\n \n \n \n \n \n In Peter’s words “I have a passion for business development and technology transfer from an academic environment into the private sector. I am a Research Professor of Remote Sensing as well as the Associate Director of Research at the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI)\, Geophysical Institute\, UAF. As well as Interim Director of UAF’s Center for Innovation\, Commercialization\, and Entrepreneurship (Center-ICE) and lead the instruction of the NSF funded I-Corps site program as well as managing the summer-based Students to Startups program. \nI was the Vice-President of UAF’s first start-up\, V-ADAPT\, Inc.\, formed in 2013 and have successfully licensed intellectual property\, been awarded small business innovation research projects and a US patent as well as been inducted into the State of Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame 2016 – 2017 class. \nMy research interests include volcanic ash cloud modeling\, use of unmanned aircraft systems for geoscience applications\, connecting emergency managers with real-time remote sensing data\, developing decision support tools\, real-time monitoring of volcanic activity\, and remote sensing of volcanic processes. My aim is to provide tools and products for hazard assessment and risk mitigation. \n1st Pioneer Awardee from the Arctic Innovation Competition\, CBSM\, UAF”\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ginny Grabowski\nBusiness Advisor\, Anchorage SBDC\n \n \n \n \n \n Ginny has been navigating the waters of entrepreneurship and small-business ownership for over 20 years. She is committed to empowering others and is excited to be working to further the SBDC’s mission to help small businesses grow throughout Alaska. \nGinny’s background is in the health and wellness sector. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion she has expertise in creating and scaling businesses that promote health and wellness. Her strengths are strategic partnership management\, client engagement and creating community through workshops\, training\, and the development of health programs. \nGinny’s ventures have emphasized the importance of a user-centric approach\, leveraging technology through website development\, social media marketing\, and app development to enhance customer experience and engagement. \nGinny arrived in Alaska in 2002 and lost her heart to Alaska while working in the tourist industry in and around Denali National Park. In her downtime you’ll find her running\, cycling\, skiing\, or dancing to live music with her husband all over Southcentral Alaska.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sandy Hussain\nJuneau Center Director\n \n \n \n \n \n Sandy Hussain has over a decade of experience as an entrepreneur in the retail and technology sectors. As the founder and CEO of Fashion Digital\, she led a premier thought leadership conference series in New York\, Los Angeles\, and LA. \nSandy thrives on helping businesses grow and scale\, specializing in digital marketing\, e-commerce\, startups\, business development\, fundraising\, and entrepreneurship. She holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in International Politics from Bryn Mawr College. \nA passionate lifelong traveler and explorer\, Sandy has lived in dynamic cities like New York\, London\, Boston\, Philadelphia\, San Diego\, and Los Angeles before making her home in Juneau\, Alaska.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Ann Cavaretta\nSeward Business Advisor\, SBDC \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Ann supports entrepreneurs in Seward by offering guidance in startup strategy\, growth planning\, and sustainable operations. She earned her MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2025\, further deepening her expertise in business strategy\, leadership\, and economic development.\n  \nIn addition to her advisory role at SBDC\, Kelly Ann is a commercial real estate investor\, committed to building community-oriented spaces and supporting local economic resilience.  Kelly Ann is the founder and owner of Salted Roots\, a boutique hospitality brand with locations in both Seward and Anchorage. She also owns and operates the Flamingo Cocktail Lounge\, a vibrant downtown Seward commercial building with a full-service restaurant and residential tenants.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRNsis Bay\nOwner Diamond VIP Services \n \n \n \n \n \n PRNsis Bay\, leads a multifaceted career dedicated to entertainment\, community engagement\, and making a positive impact. \nShe has been in business since 2016 and over the years has established herself in the community and abroad as an executive media producer\, brand ambassador\, Red Carpet hostess\, TV show personality\, and Emcee hosting events.  \nPRNsis Bay’s public figure brand along with so many multifaceted endeavors and collaborations\, offers all of the projects she is a part of the benefit of a comprehensive array of skills including community outreach\, entertainment\, as well as promotional and marketing experience and services. URL:https://akew.org/event/akew-statewide-introduction-kickoff-online LOCATION:Alaska\, AK\, United States CATEGORIES:1. Idea,2. Pre-Profit,3. Profit,4. Growth,5. Exit,Business Stage,Community & Culture-Focused,Hybrid,In-Person,Networking & Community,Networking, Mixers & Social,Online (Virtual),Panels & Fireside Chats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2025-02_07_30-PM.png ORGANIZER;CN="Alaska Entrepreneurship Week Team":MAILTO:contact@akew.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T123658 CREATED:20250916T221413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T221626Z UID:10000423-1759168800-1759179600@akew.org SUMMARY:Speed Mixer! 6pm DESCRIPTION:We know everyone doesn’t fit into the 9-5 so Umoja is opening its door to cater to the mad scientist that is BUILDING A BUSINESS\n\nGet work done during extended hours in a schedule that suits you FOR FREE. Come solo or bring your business partner and find a work station\n\nNoise canceling headphones\, coffee\, and snacks on us.\n\nAlso\, we will have a speed mixer scheduled between the 6pm and 9pm each night! URL:https://akew.org/event/speed-mixer-6pm/2025-09-29 LOCATION:Umoja Coworking and Incubator\, 3001 Porcupine Dr\, Anchorage\, 99501\, United States CATEGORIES:1. Idea,2. Pre-Profit,3. Profit,4. Growth,5. Exit,In-Person,Networking & Community,Networking, Mixers & Social ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/umoja.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Umoja Coworking and Incubator":MAILTO:umojacoworking@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20250929T235900 DTSTAMP:20260408T123658 CREATED:20250916T215408Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T215750Z UID:10000055-1759168800-1759190340@akew.org SUMMARY:Coworking After Hours DESCRIPTION:We know everyone doesn’t fit into the 9-5 so Umoja is opening its door to cater to the mad scientist that is BUILDING A BUSINESS\n \nGet work done during extended hours in a schedule that suits you FOR FREE. Come solo or bring your business partner and find a work station\n \nNoise canceling headphones\, coffee\, and snacks on us.\n \nAlso\, we will have a speed mixer scheduled between the 6pm and 9pm each night! URL:https://akew.org/event/coworking-after-hours/2025-09-29 LOCATION:Umoja Coworking and Incubator\, 3001 Porcupine Dr\, Anchorage\, 99501\, United States CATEGORIES:1. Idea,2. Pre-Profit,3. Profit,4. Growth,5. Exit,Creative & Experiential,In-Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/umoja.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Umoja Coworking and Incubator":MAILTO:umojacoworking@gmail.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR