Ak Entrepreneurship Week

JA: Design & Prototype
2025-09-30 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Anchorage) | Alaska, AK, United States
Students will learn about the product design and prototype process. Each student will create a product sketch to show the features and explain the purpose of his or her product.

Link to the event will be posted soon

Alaska Angel Conference 2025 Kick-Off Event - Learn what the AAC is all about!
2025-09-30 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for the official kickoff event of the 2025 Alaska Angel Conference with an Angel Investing 101 session led by expert Linda Janes. This engaging session is designed to help you learn about the conference and determine if participating as an investor or entrepreneur is the right fit for you.
You’ll get an introduction to the fundamentals of angel investing, including what investors look for in high-growth, scalable startups, and how the Alaska Angel Conference works to connect entrepreneurs and investors.
This event is open to the public, and we especially encourage prospective investors and entrepreneurs to attend. Whether you’re brand new to angel investing or simply curious about Alaska’s startup ecosystem, this session is your chance to discover how you can get involved.
SIGN UP –>>> HERE

Linda Janes

Managing Director, gBETA

Anchorage Impact Forum
2025-09-30 17:30 - 19:00 | Seed Lab, 111 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, 99501, United States
A panel of local “impact” entrepreneurs,
using profit as a ‘means’ to an end

A panel of speakers that will have the following GOALS:

Goal 1: Educate Anchorage residents about social or ‘impact’ entrepreneurship concepts, pathways, tools, resources
Goal 2: Inspire Anchorage residents through stories of social entrepreneurs in the community
Goal 3: Engage Anchorage residents in a team-based action-oriented workshop to apply the tools to get started to become a social entrepreneur, leading to a potential Social Enterprise Startup Weekend.

The main purpose is to Inspire Anchorage residents through stories of local ‘Impact Entrepreneurs’, each with a 10-15 minute presentation highlighting key moments along their journey, areas of current focus, and bright visions of the future!
These are the speakers:

Yaso Thiru, Worker-owned Cooperative Entrepreneurship

Jess Johson, Blue Market – for-profit

Amy York, Dirty Apron – West Soup Service Project – public-private collaboration

Sara Renard, Seeds of Change – enterprising nonprofit

Lynn Zender, Zender Environmental – enterprising nonprofit

Co-ops & the Alaska Cooperative Development Center
2025-09-30 17:00 - 17:30 | Alaska, AK, United States
What exactly is a Co-op? Explore the dynamic world of cooperatives and learn how they foster community growth and resilience. This On Demand workshop, “Co-ops & the Alaska Cooperative Development Center (ACDC),” will provide a thorough introduction to how co-ops function, the different types of co-ops, and how ACDC supports their development across Alaska.
During this 27-minute On Demand workshop, you will learn:

what a cooperative (co-op) is;
the seven (7) principles of cooperatives;
the various types of co-ops;
examples of different types of co-ops in Alaska and nationwide;
when to consider the cooperative business model;
what makes the co-op model work; and
what ACDC does and how they can help.

QuickBooks Fundamentals E-learning Course
2025-09-30 16:30 - 18:30 | Alaska, AK, United States
Get a quick crash-course (for free) on QuickBooks Online!
QuickBooks Resources for America’s Small Businesses is recommended by the America’s SBDC Financial Tools. The following QuickBooks training modules range from two to thirteen minutes each. You can watch them all, or select just the ones you want to watch.
Module 1 – Course Introduction
Module 2 – Accounting Rules
Module 3 – Introduction to QuickBooks
Module 4 – Creating a QuickBooks Account
Module 5 – Subscribing to QuickBooks
Module 6 – Setting up your Company
Module 7 – Your Account
Module 8 – Importing Data
Module 9 -Creating Customer Records
Module 10 – Invoicing
Module 11 – Other Sales Forms
Module 12 – Currencies
Module 13 – Products and Servcies – Part 1
Module 14 – Products and Servcies – Part 2
Module 15 – Creating Supplier Records
Module 16 – Supplier Transactions – Part 1
Module 17 – Supplier Transactions – Part 2
Module 18 – Supplier Transactions – Part 3
Module 19 – Employees and Payments
Module 20 – Employee Time Tracking
Module 21 – Banking – Part 1
Module 22 – Banking – Part 2
Module 23 – Banking – Part 3
Module 24 – Reconciliation
Module 25 – Taxes – Part 1
Module 26 – Taxes – Part 2
Module 27 – Inventory
Module 28 – Reports
Module 29 – Management Reports
Module 30 – Chart of Accounts
Module 31 – QuickBooks Lab
Module 32 – Summary
____________________________________________Instructions:This is an external link. It is not a production of the Alaska SBDC. Alaska SBDC is not responsible for its content.

Introduction to SBIR/STTR SBIR/STTR/Other Innovation Programs
2025-09-30 15:00 - 15:45 | Alaska, AK, United States
The mission of SBIR/STTR programs is “to support excellence and technological innovation through the investment of Federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy.”
This 40-minute On Demand workshop is designed to help you understand:

What SBIR/STTR programs are.
What benefits the programs bring to small businesses.
How to become a part of this program.

How Graduate Students are Developing Products for a Changing World
2025-09-30 14:00 - 15:00
Come hear about the journeys of two graduate students, who, through working with their advisors on undergraduate research, fell into developing products and working to commercialize what they co-developed.
Danielle Wrenn is pursuing a master’s in biological sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is developing a toolbox to detect antibiotic-resistant water pathogens intended for remote deployment. Current testing often relies on transporting water samples to the lab within a short time frame — difficult in Alaska.
Jason Noel is pursuing a PhD in Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island and is developing a fiber optic reel system compact winch system for live underwater monitoring. He is the science advisor for Juice Robotics, a small Rhode Island startup, and is simultaneously conducting research with the device and on it while working to commercialize the product.
Both students are supported by RISE-UP’s graduate fellowship programs at their respective universities. The program provides financial support and entrepreneurial training to graduate students empowering them to explore the commercial potential of their work and develop ideas into tangible solutions for real-world problems.
RISE-UP (Regional Innovation by Scaling Entrepreneurship via University Partnerships) is a tri-state initiative led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Hawai’i, and the University of Rhode Island. Began in 2022, the collaboration has focused on addressing the shared economic and geographic challenges of Alaska, Hawai’i, and Rhode Island—states characterized relatively by geographic isolation, maritime activities, and a high dependence on imports.
RISE-UP has a variety of programs to support researchers, students, and industry. Our testbed program is open to startups and businesses interested in collaborating on research, prototyping, design, and development.

Register HERE

Vibe Coding: Remind me why I care?
2025-09-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Small Business Development Center – Anchorage, 1901 Bragaw St Suite 199, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States
Build your first site using generative AI

AI makes building more accessible than ever. Using AI to write code is something increasingly referred to as “vibe coding”.

In this workshop, you’ll discover how to use natural language prompts to generate code and quickly build functional, tailored digital tools. We’ll be using Lovable as our platform of choice, and you’ll learn how to shape your applications simply by describing what you want them to do.

This is an introductory workshop, so if you are hearing the term “vibe code” for the first time but want to start using AI to build – this is the perfect place for you.

NOTE: Google Meet link and join over the phone options WILL NOT WORK until the event starts.

Sam Fife
Director of InnovationBetter Business Bureau

Sam Fife has spent over five years working in business innovation at the Better Business Bureau.
His passion is in connecting with good business owners and helping them succeed. Sam brings a background in peacebuilding and conflict resolution with professional experience in three continents.
As an innovation director, he has the opportunity to test out new tools and technologies, including various uses for generative AI and can’t wait to share some powerful yet accessible tools with you all!

Get Clients on Instagram - How to Build a Community That Buys
2025-09-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Alaska, AK, United States
Are you posting on Instagram but not seeing results? If your content isn’t bringing in the right people or any people at all, it may be time to rethink your strategy. Building a true community, not just chasing likes and followers, is the key to turning Instagram engagement into paying clients.
In this webinar, Instagram expert Sue B. Zimmerman will show you how to build and grow an engaged Instagram community. You’ll discover how to use comments, posts, and DMs to connect authentically with your ideal clients, earn their trust, and turn conversations into sales.
Armed with real examples, practical prompts, and a handy checklist, you’ll leave ready to turn Instagram into a tool that drives real business growth.
Learning Objectives:

Find and attract your ideal client with intentional hashtags, optimized bios, and engaging content
Use comments, stories, and shares to build real community without feeling fake or forced
Apply Sue’s proven 3-part DM flow to turn casual chats into paying clients
Model real examples of posts and conversations that converted followers into buyers
Avoid common Instagram mistakes and stay on track with a consistency checklist

REQUIRES REGISTRATION HERE

Sue B. Zimmerman
Business Coach, Sue B. Zimmerman Enterprises

Sue B. Zimmerman is a lifelong Entrepreneur with experience that led to privately coaching hundreds of business owners to find their own traction and success through online marketing and education….
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How to Prepare for a Small Business Loan
2025-09-30 13:00 - 14:00 | The Nave – Weidner Room, 3502 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK, 99503, United States

Increase Sales and Profits with Pricing and Distribution Strategies
2025-09-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Alaska, AK, United States
You’ve developed a wonderful new product or service and understand the costs but how should you price it? This workshop is part of SCORE’s Small Business Essentials series. We start by reviewing different distribution and channel strategies and help you choose the method that best gets your product or service in front of your satisfied customers. The rest of the workshop is focused on pricing, and we start by covering some pricing basics. Then we review a detailed process to determine how you can determine the price of your product. Since pricing, a service is very different than a product, we have a special section the covers the separate process for pricing your services.
SCORE’s Small Business Essentials Workshops prepare individuals to make the right decisions and create actionable plans when starting a small business. Whether you are starting a business on your own (one-person business) or a business with employees, we have the right set of workshops to help you succeed.

REQUIRES REGISTRATION HERE

Bill McDonald
SCORE Volunteer Mentor

Bill has an extensive background leading programs/projects involving strategy, process, operations, and technology. After a ten-year career in manufacturing, wholesale and distribution businesses, Bill worked eleven years for some of the world’s best known management consulting firms such as McKinsey (fellow), AT Kearney, EDS, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He has led several acquisition projects including the pre and post integration phases. In the last twenty-one years he has worked with established and startup businesses on the creating, running, and growing innovative business models. He is a public speaker on these topics. Bill coauthored, with Microsoft, a book outlining the alignment of competitive strategy, business and information technology architectures optimizing business worth. Bill graduated from the University of Dallas with an MBA in General Management and received a BA in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University. Bill has lived in the Seattle Area for the last twenty-eight years with his wife and two daughters.

Lunch and Learn - Sources of Funding
2025-09-30 12:00 - 13:00 | RSD Co-Work, 911 W 8th Ave #101, Anchorage, 99501, United States
An event connectingentrepreneurs,supporting organizationsand investors.
Informal, honest, insightful conversations, around some good food.
As part of Alaska Entrepreneurship Week, join Tech Wildcatters and 49th State Angel Fund at 12:00 PM at Cowork by RSD for lunch and discussion about available sources of funding for startups nationwide and in Alaska.
Join Tech Wildcatters and 49th State Angel Fund to learn more about available sources of funding for startups.
Hope to see you there!

Registration and additional information HERE
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Ricky Tejapaibul
Managing Partner and CEO – Tech Wildcatters

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.
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Alexa Bagamian
Associate, Senior Financial Analyst – Tech Wildcatters

Alexa Bagamian is an Associate at Tech Wildcatters, a venture capital firm headquartered in Dallas and one of the first 15 startup accelerators in the world.
She has been on the planning committee for Alaska Entrepreneurship Week for the past 2 years.
Alexa has an extensive background in financial analysis and modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and marketing in the defense, financial services, and technology industries with Raytheon, Merrill Lynch, and Dun & Bradstreet. Alexa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Northwestern University.
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Calvin Chang
Director – 49the State Angel Fund (49SAF)

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. He 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.

He 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.

Getting Down to Business: Local Rules, Resources, & Readiness
2025-09-30 09:00 - 14:00 | Small Business Development Center – Mat-Su, 201 North Lucille St #2, Wasilla, AK, 99654, United States
Join us on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for “Getting Down to Business: Local Rules, Resources, & Readiness – Wasilla.” This FREE In Person workshop is being offered at the Mat-Su Small Business Development Center (Mat-Su SBDC) Training Room in Wasilla, Alaska, and is moderated by our very own Misty O’Connor, Center Director at the Mat-Su SBDC.
For this engaging and action-packed workshop, Mat-Su Center Director Misty O’Connor has assembled a team of leaders and professionals to answer questions every small business owner has about starting or growing their business, leasing or buying land or a building, and all the nuts and bolts behind the scenes of business operations. This workshop is jam-packed with all the right people to:

Equip new business owners with critical knowledge on zoning, permitting, insurance, financing, and compliance before they launch.
Provide direct access to local leaders and professionals, so participants know who to call and why it matters.
Build a clear roadmap for sequencing startup tasks, avoiding common mistakes that cost time and money.
Connect attendees to the broader business support ecosystem in the Mat-Su Valley.
Encourage community engagement and networking, showing the value of collaboration and membership in organizations like your local Chamber of Commerce.

Meet your Mat-Su Borough Mayor and Planning Department Director. Learn from expert bankers, accountants, insurance agents, and realtors. Spend one-on-one time during our afternoon session meeting our guests and asking them specific questions related to your business.

REGISTER HERE
Additional information HERE
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Valdez Business Builder Workshop - II
2025-09-30 09:00 - 14:00 | Valdez Civic and Convention Center, 314 Clifton Dr, Valdez, 99686, United States
Welcome to the Valdez Business Builder Workshop, where personalized guidance meetings entrepreneurial ambition!
The City of Valdez Economic Development Department is excited to launch its first Valdez Business Builder Workshop!
This FREE two-day workshop is designed to assist local business-owners and entrepreneurs in starting out or scaling up their business ventures. Our workshop features two expert presenters who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business.
With an opportunity to attend 1:1 coaching after each session, you’ll receive tailored advice and support to address your unique challenges and opportunities.
Join us for expert presenters and one-on-one business coaching. (Plus, who can say “no” to free lunch?!)

Intro To Patents: An Introduction to Patents and Business Considerations
2025-09-30 09:00 - 10:00 | Alaska, AK, United States
Join us for a discussion on patents, including the different types of patents, the application process, what to do after a patent is granted (or not granted), the rights of patent owners, and other business considerations.

What is a patent?
Types of patents
The patent application process
I got my patent … now what? Post-grant requirements and considerations
Business resources
Date: Tuesday, September 30th , 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.

*Registration closes at Noon on Monday September 29th, 2025.
REGISTER and additional information HERE

Organizer
Kansas SBDC at WSUksbdc@wichita.edu316-978-3193

Federal Resources Small Businesses Should Know
2025-09-30 08:30 - 09:30 | Alaska, AK, United States
This event is a part of the Federal Resources Small Businesses Should Know Series**
Are you looking for data to help you start or grow a business or understand the business landscape for a region? The U.S. Census Bureau can help!
Learn the tools available to research data and help you make informed decisions about your business.
This session will include an overview of SBA resources and time for Q&A.
Special Guest Speaker:

Caitlyn Sperling – Data Dissemination Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau

**PLEASE NOTE: Most of the information within this series will be applicable to small businesses nationwide, but this series will include localized information for the Houston, TX area as it is hosted by the SBA Houston District Office.

REGISTER and additional information HERE

Organizer
Elizabeth Charleselizabeth.charles@sba.gov

Digital Skills for Everyday Tasks
2025-09-30 07:00 - 08:00 | Alaska, AK, United States
Learn how to manage work and life tasks more effectively using Google tools. Whether you want to build a budget, create a meeting agenda or organize your priorities, these best practices will boost your productivity. The Alaska SBDC partnered with Grow with Google and the Denali Chamber of Commerce to bring you this workshop free of charge.
In this 48-minute webinar, we’ll show you how to:

Use templates in Google Sheets to build a personalized to-do list; and
Use templates in Google Docs to create a meeting agenda.

What's Your Business Really Worth?
2025-09-30 06:00 - 07:00 | Alaska, AK, United States
A Practical Guide to Valuation for Small and Mid-Sized Companies
Are you curious about what your business is really worth—or how to increase its value? Join us for a free virtual workshop with valuation expert Mac Lillard, and gain practical insights that you can put into action immediately.
In this session, you’ll learn:

The Basics of Business Valuation – Understand what drives value and how it’s measured.
The Valuation Process & Methodologies – A clear roadmap from start to finish.
SBA Loans & Financing Considerations – How valuation impacts your access to capital.
Strategies to Drive Value – Practical tips for growing and protecting your business worth.
Tools & Resources – Helpful guides, templates, and resources to make valuation manageable.

Whether you’re preparing to sell, seeking investment, or just want to understand your company’s financial health, this workshop will give you the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions.
Reserve your spot today—your business’s future value starts here!
REGISTER and additional information HERE

Organizer
Andrea Galehouseclemsonsbdc@clemson.edu

Understanding Purchasing & Shared Services Cooperatives
2025-09-29 20:00 - 21:00 | Alaska, AK, United States
Are you looking for a way to pool resources or services with other small businesses to better compete with bigger businesses? This workshop is for you! “Understanding Purchasing & Shared Services Cooperatives” starts with a brief introduction to co-ops generally, and then dives deep into purchasing cooperatives (co-ops) and share services cooperatives (co-ops).
During this 28-minute On Demand workshop, you will learn:

what co-ops are, in general;
the definition and examples of “purchasing cooperatives”;
the definition and examples of “shared services cooperatives”;
the factors of successful cooperatives; and
what the Alaska Cooperative Development Center (ACDC) does and how they can help.

Business Use of Your Home in Alaska
2025-09-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Alaska, AK, United States
Curious about how to turn part of your home into a tax-saving opportunity? Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or remote worker using a home office, understanding how to properly claim deductions for business use of your home can make a significant difference at tax time. Join us for this free On Demand workshop on “Business Use of Your Home in Alaska” with David Higgins, Tax Specialist with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to learn everything you need to know.
David Higgins will walk you through the essential rules, requirements, and opportunities available. You’ll also gain access to helpful downloadable handouts to support your learning and application of these tax strategies.
What you’ll learn during this training:

Simplified Home Office Deduction
Qualifying for business use of the home deduction – Exclusive Use Test
Regular Use Test
Principal Place of Business Test
Activities that don’t disqualify your home office
Meeting Place for Customers Test
Separate Structure Test
Deduction limits
Types of expenses
Expenses related to the business activity in the home
Business Use of the Home Expenses
Deductible expenses
Deduction limits – Gross Income
Example – Determining the home office deduction
What you can’t do
Selling your home when you used it for business
Illegal Tax Avoidance Schemes

Coworking After Hours
2025-09-29 18:00 - 23:59 | Umoja Coworking and Incubator, 3001 Porcupine Dr, Anchorage, 99501, United States
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

Get 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

Noise canceling headphones, coffee, and snacks on us.

Also, we will have a speed mixer scheduled between the 6pm and 9pm each night!

Speed Mixer! 6pm
2025-09-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Umoja Coworking and Incubator, 3001 Porcupine Dr, Anchorage, 99501, United States

JA: Innovative Ideas
2025-09-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Alaska, AK, United States
In this session, students will learn about generating innovative ideas while keeping in mind the market and need. They will examine cutting-edge and innovative new products before brainstorming their own product ideas.

Link to the event will be posted soon

Impact Meets Business
2025-09-29 16:30 - 18:00 | King Street Brewing Co, 9050 King St, Anchorage, Alaska, 99515, United States
A panel of local “impact” entrepreneurs,
using profit as a ‘means’ to an end

A panel of speaker that will have the following GOALS:
Goal 1: Educate Anchorage residents about social or ‘impact’ entrepreneurship concepts, pathways, tools, resources
Goal 2: Inspire Anchorage residents through stories of social entrepreneurs in the community
Goal 3: Engage Anchorage residents in a team-based action-oriented workshop to apply the tools to get started to become a social entrepreneur, leading to a potential Social Enterprise Startup Weekend.

National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps NorthWest Hub
2025-09-29 15:30 - 16:30
Are you a researcher, innovator, or aspiring entrepreneur sitting on a brilliant idea that could change the world? Instead of thinking of what your market needs, you can be out there, engaging with potential customers, unearthing critical insights, and understanding the demand for your innovation. For those looking to validate an idea or iterate to build something people want, customer discovery is a must. This is your feedback loop, if you want your startup to grow and scale.
Come learn more about the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps Northwest Region Hub. The training programs through the Hub team gives you the skills to learn how to validate your assumptions, pivot when necessary, and build a robust pathway from discovery to viable solution. It’s an intensive, hands-on program designed to rocket your groundbreaking concepts from the lab into the real world.

More info & Registration: HERE

For Researchers & StudentsReady to take your idea out of the lab? Join us for a panel on the I-Corps program. This is your chance to learn directly from industry professionals and find out how the Northwest Region Hub can provide you the training to understand end-user needs and expand the impact of your proposed solution

About I-Corps
The I-Corps program is a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and professional development that goes beyond traditional academic training. It’s a chance to take your groundbreaking research or innovative ideas out of the lab and into the real world. By participating, you’ll learn a rigorous, hands-on methodology for customer discovery, which is the process of interviewing potential customers to validate whether your innovation truly solves a problem for them. This training is crucial because it helps you build an evidence-based commercialization strategy and prevents you from spending years developing a product no one wants. The program provides you with access to a network of mentors and industry professionals who can provide invaluable feedback, helping you refine your idea and understand its market potential. As part of the new Northwest Region I-Corps Hub, you also gain access to a larger regional network, increasing your chances of success and providing a clear pathway to follow-on funding, including potential $50,000 grants from the National Science Foundation’s National I-Corps program.

SCORE: When Banks Say No
2025-09-29 14:00 - 16:00
Did your small business loan request get denied? You’re not alone — but a “no” doesn’t have to stop you.

Join funding expert Boyd Karren to learn:
Alternative funding options banks don’t offer
How to find the right loan solution for your business
Steps to secure funding and grow with confidence

Hope. Understanding. Direction. Get the tools to keep moving forward.

————————–

It’s tough for small businesses to get funding. In fact, 80-85% of small business loan requests are denied by banks. So, what’s a small business owner to do when the bank says no? Find alternative funding sources! “When Banks Say No” provides an overview of alternative funding options for small business owners who need money to start, support or grow their businesses.
Takeaways from and Benefits of Attending “When Banks Say No”:
1. Hope! A “no” from the bank is not the end of the road. There are many options available for nearly any business situation.
2. Understanding! We’ll explain many funding options that banks just don’t offer. One might be just what you need!
3. Direction! When you identify one or two loan options that work for you, you can take the steps towards acquiring that money to start or support or grow your business.

Our Presenter, Boyd Karren:
Boyd is “a serial entrepreneur”. He loves the world of small business and believes deeply that small business ownership is the key to strong communities.
Boyd has earned two master’s degrees in business: an MBA from Indiana University, and a Master of Global Management degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
He became a business loan broker and started Otro Financial after experiencing his own difficulties in finding funding for his small business opportunities.
While living in Texas, Boyd had a “Field of Dreams moment” in which the voices in the corn told him to move to Florida, which he did, bringing Otro Financial with him.
Boyd and his wife, Kristi, will celebrate 30 years of marriage this August. They are the parents of four children, and as of last August, they became empty nesters. He is loving this new phase of life while they wait semi-patiently for grandchildren. In his free time, you will find him and his wife enjoying tacos, road trips, or just sitting in chairs at the beach, relaxing.

AKEW Introduction / Kickoff Statewide - online
2025-09-29 13:30 - 15:30 | Alaska, AK, United States
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.
The 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.

To see the recording, click HERE
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Pascual J. Reig
Business Advisor, SBDC
Strategy & Operations Analyst, REFocus
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.
With 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.
Bilingual 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.

Norma M. Lucero
Deputy Director, AGC Alaska

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.
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Ricky Tejapaibul
Managing Partner and CEO
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.
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Peter Webley
Research Professor, Director (Center ICE), and Associate Director of Research (ACUASI) at University of Alaska Fairbanks
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.
I 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.
My 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.
1st Pioneer Awardee from the Arctic Innovation Competition, CBSM, UAF”

Ginny Grabowski
Business Advisor, Anchorage SBDC
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.
Ginny’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.
Ginny’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.
Ginny 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.

Sandy Hussain
Juneau Center Director
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.
Sandy 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.
A 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.

Kelly Ann Cavaretta
Seward Business Advisor, SBDC

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.

In 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.

PRNsis Bay
Owner Diamond VIP Services

PRNsis Bay, leads a multifaceted career dedicated to entertainment, community engagement, and making a positive impact.
She 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.
PRNsis 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.

Schedule C and Other Small Business Taxes
2025-09-29 12:00 - 13:15 | Alaska, AK, United States
Do you know how to report your business income and maximize deductions on your tax return?

This FREE Live Webinar on “Schedule C and Other Small Business Taxes” is designed for sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and gig economy workers. This session will walk you through the process of reporting income and expenses using IRS Schedule C, and highlight other key small business tax considerations.
Presented by David Higgins, Tax Specialist at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), this workshop offers a step-by-step guide to completing Schedule C and understanding which expenses are deductible. You’ll also learn about important updates from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, how to handle bartering income, and how certain deductions flow to your individual tax return.
If you’re a small business owner preparing for tax season, this training will help you report income accurately and take advantage of the deductions available to you.
Topics covered in this training include:

Understanding the Qualified Business Income (Section 199A) Deduction.
Completing Schedule C, Part I:

Gross Receipts.
Returns and Allowances.
Cost of Goods Sold.
Gross Profit and Gross Income.
Bartering income.

Completing Schedule C, Part II:

Car and Truck Expenses.
Depreciation and expensing under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Legal, professional, and office expenses.
Supplies.
Travel, meals, and entertainment.

Calculating Net Profit or Loss.
Reporting possible deductions on Form 1040.

More info & registration: HERE

David Higgins
Tax Specialist at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

David Higgins works for the IRS in the Communications and Liaison Division as a Tax Specialist in Seattle, WA. David serves as the primary IRS contact to community, industry, and business organizations throughout Washington and Alaska. David educates on a variety of tax topics to all taxpayer communities, including employers, community groups, small business resource partners and tax practitioner organizations.
David began his career with the Internal Revenue Service in 2010 in Taxpayer Service, education, compliance, and tax law. Before joining the IRS, David served in the US Census providing outreach to community groups.

Starting a Business
2025-09-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Small Business Development Center – Anchorage, 1901 Bragaw St Suite 199, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States
Are you thinking about starting your own business?
This workshop was designed just for you!

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:

business licensing;
legal forms of business;
business record-keeping;
hiring employees;
business planning; and
access to financing.

More info: HERE

Ginny Grabowski
Alaska SBDC Business Advisor

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.
Ginny’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.
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AKEW Introduction / Kickoff Anchorage
2025-09-29 11:30 - 13:00 | Petroleum Club of Anchorage, 3301 C St., Ste. 120, Anchorage, AK, 99503, United States
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.
The 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.
FOR IN PERSON, register –> here
Facebook event –> here
The URL for virtual meeting is at the bottom of the page.

Event organized by

Event sponsored by
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Pascual J. Reig
Business Advisor, SBDCStrategy & Operations Analyst, REFocus

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.
With 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.
Bilingual 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.

Norma M. Lucero
Deputy Director, AGC Alaska

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.
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Ricky Tejapaibul
Managing Partner and CEO

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.

Ginny Grabowski
Business Advisor, Anchorage SBDC

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.
Ginny’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.
Ginny’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.
Ginny 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.

Nolan Klouda

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.
He lives in Anchorage with his partner, Michelle, and two children: Cecilia and Winston.

Calvin Chang
Director 49 State Angel Fund

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.

He 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.

He 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.
