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DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260914T150000
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UID:10000497-1789398000-1789403400@akew.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses - Kodiak
DESCRIPTION:Discover practical ways to use AI to save time\, increase productivity\, and grow your business! \nJoin us on Monday\, September 14\, 2026\, for this FREE In-Person workshop in Kodiak on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak” at the Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, presented by Ginny Grabowski\, Anchorage Business Advisor at the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC). Dinner will be provided! \nArtificial Intelligence is changing the way businesses operate – but you don’t need to be a technology expert to benefit from it. This hands-on workshop introduces today’s most useful AI tools and demonstrates how entrepreneurs can use them to write marketing content\, conduct research\, develop business plans\, organize workflows\, automate repetitive tasks\, and improve productivity. You’ll also learn the differences between AI assistants and AI agents\, how to write effective prompts\, and the ethical and legal considerations every business owner should understand. \nDuring this workshop\, you’ll learn how to: \nUnderstand what AI is and how it applies to small businesses.\nCompare popular AI tools including ChatGPT\, Claude\, Gemini\, Copilot\, Perplexity\, Canva\, and others.\nWrite prompts that produce higher-quality results.\nUse AI to create marketing content\, business plans\, meeting notes\, research summaries\, and standard operating procedures.\nLearn how AI assistants and AI agents differ—and when to use each.\nAvoid common AI mistakes\, verify AI-generated information\, and protect confidential business information.\nSee demonstrations you can immediately apply to your business. \nABOUT THE PRESENTER: \nGinny Grabowski\, Anchorage Business Advisor\, Alaska SBDC. Ginny has more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner and is passionate about helping Alaska’s small businesses grow through the Alaska SBDC. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion\, she specializes in building and scaling health and wellness businesses\, strategic partnerships\, client engagement\, and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience. An Alaska resident since 2002\, she enjoys running\, cycling\, skiing\, and dancing to live music with her husband. \nRESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR ALL FOUR WORKSHOPS BEING HELD IN KODIAK: \nMonday\, Sept. 14\, 2026\, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak\nMonday\, Sept. 14\, 2026\, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Marketing that Works: Practical Strategies for Growing Your Business – Kodiak\nTuesday\, Sept. 15\, 2026\, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Financial Projections: Building a Strong Business Foundation – Kodiak\nTuesday\, Sept. 15\, 2026\, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak (repeated) \nLOCATION: Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, Bear Room (2nd floor)\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, Alaska 99615. \nThis workshop is provided to you for free\, thanks to the generous contribution from the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and support from the Kodiak Area Native Association and Koniag! \n____________________________________________
URL:https://akew.org/event/artificial-intelligence-ai-for-small-businesses-kodiak
LOCATION:Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, AK\, 99615\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Artificial-Intelligence-AI-for-Small-Businesses-Kodiak-THUMBNAIL-09-14-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260914T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260914T190000
DTSTAMP:20260817T235207Z
CREATED:20260817T235207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T235207Z
UID:10000496-1789407000-1789412400@akew.org
SUMMARY:Marketing that Works: Practical Strategies for Growing Your Business - Kodiak
DESCRIPTION:Create a marketing plan that helps customers find you\, trust you\, and keep coming back! \nJoin us on Monday\, September 14\, 2026\, for this FREE In-Person workshop in Kodiak on “Marketing that Works: Practical Strategies for Growing Your Business – Kodiak” at the Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, presented by Ginny Grabowski\, Anchorage Business Advisor at the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC). Dinner will be provided! \nMarketing is much more than social media. In this practical workshop\, you’ll learn how successful small businesses combine direct marketing\, digital marketing\, public relations\, relationship building\, and customer service into a cohesive marketing strategy. Through real Alaska business examples\, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can implement immediately – regardless of your budget. \nDuring this workshop\, you’ll learn how to: \nBuild a marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals.\nUnderstand the difference between marketing strategies and tactics.\nImprove your website\, branding\, and customer messaging.\nIncrease your visibility through search engines and AI-powered search optimization.\nCreate effective social media\, email marketing\, and paid advertising campaigns.\nDevelop public relations opportunities through community partnerships\, sponsorships\, and media outreach.\nStrengthen customer relationships with loyalty programs\, referrals\, and personalized communication.\nBuild a practical marketing calendar that turns ideas into consistent action.\nLearn low-cost marketing techniques specifically suited for small businesses and rural communities. \nABOUT THE PRESENTER: \nGinny Grabowski\, Anchorage Business Advisor\, Alaska SBDC. Ginny has more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner and is passionate about helping Alaska’s small businesses grow through the Alaska SBDC. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion\, she specializes in building and scaling health and wellness businesses\, strategic partnerships\, client engagement\, and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience. An Alaska resident since 2002\, she enjoys running\, cycling\, skiing\, and dancing to live music with her husband. \nRESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR ALL FOUR WORKSHOPS BEING HELD IN KODIAK: \nMonday\, Sept. 14\, 2026\, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak\nMonday\, Sept. 14\, 2026\, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Marketing that Works: Practical Strategies for Growing Your Business – Kodiak\nTuesday\, Sept. 15\, 2026\, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Financial Projections: Building a Strong Business Foundation – Kodiak\nTuesday\, Sept. 15\, 2026\, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak (repeated) \nLOCATION: Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, Bear Room (2nd floor)\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, Alaska 99615. \nThis workshop is provided to you for free\, thanks to the generous contribution from the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and support from the Kodiak Area Native Association and Koniag! \n____________________________________________
URL:https://akew.org/event/marketing-that-works-practical-strategies-for-growing-your-business-kodiak
LOCATION:Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, Bear Room (2nd floor)\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, Alaska 99615\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, AK\, 99615\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Marketing-that-Works-Practical-Strategies-for-Growing-Your-Business-Kodiak-THUMBNAIL.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T123000
DTSTAMP:20260817T235601Z
CREATED:20260817T235601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T235601Z
UID:10000501-1789470000-1789475400@akew.org
SUMMARY:Financial Projections: Building a Strong Business Foundation - Kodiak
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to create realistic financial projections that support better business decisions and funding opportunities! \nJoin us on Tuesday\, September 15\, 2026\, for this FREE In-Person workshop in Kodiak on “Financial Projections: Building a Strong Business Foundation – Kodiak” at the Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, presented by Ginny Grabowski\, Anchorage Business Advisor at the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC). Lunch will be provided! \nStrong financial projections are more than a requirement for lenders – they’re one of the best tools for evaluating whether your business idea is financially viable. This workshop walks participants through the key components of financial projections\, including revenue forecasting\, cost of goods sold\, operating expenses\, payroll\, cash flow\, break-even analysis\, and financial stress testing. Whether you’re launching a new business or expanding an existing one\, you’ll gain practical skills for building financial confidence. \nDuring this workshop\, you’ll learn how to: \nUnderstand the purpose of financial projections for loans\, grants\, and business planning.\nEstimate startup costs\, operating expenses\, and industry-specific costs.\nBuild realistic sales and revenue forecasts.\nCalculate Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)\, gross profit\, and net income.\nPlan for payroll\, owner’s compensation\, and cash flow management.\nConduct break-even and financial stress-test analyses.\nIdentify reliable data sources\, including IBISWorld\, Vertical IQ\, and ProfitCents\, to support your assumptions. \nABOUT THE PRESENTER: \nGinny Grabowski\, Anchorage Business Advisor\, Alaska SBDC. Ginny has more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner and is passionate about helping Alaska’s small businesses grow through the Alaska SBDC. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion\, she specializes in building and scaling health and wellness businesses\, strategic partnerships\, client engagement\, and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience. An Alaska resident since 2002\, she enjoys running\, cycling\, skiing\, and dancing to live music with her husband. \nRESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR ALL FOUR WORKSHOPS BEING HELD IN KODIAK: \nMonday\, Sept. 14\, 2026\, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak\nMonday\, Sept. 14\, 2026\, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Marketing that Works: Practical Strategies for Growing Your Business – Kodiak\nTuesday\, Sept. 15\, 2026\, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Financial Projections: Building a Strong Business Foundation – Kodiak\nTuesday\, Sept. 15\, 2026\, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak (repeated) \nLOCATION: Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, Bear Room (2nd floor)\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, Alaska 99615. \nThis workshop is provided to you for free\, thanks to the generous contribution from the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and support from the Kodiak Area Native Association and Koniag! \n____________________________________________
URL:https://akew.org/event/financial-projections-building-a-strong-business-foundation-kodiak
LOCATION:Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, AK\, 99615\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Financial-Projections-Building-a-Strong-Business-Foundation-Kodiak-THUMBNAIL.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T130000
DTSTAMP:20260817T235112Z
CREATED:20260817T235112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T235112Z
UID:10000498-1789471800-1789477200@akew.org
SUMMARY:Funding Your Business: Navigating the SBA 7(a) Loan Program with Confidence! - Juneau
DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to grow your business but unsure how to finance your next steps? \nWhether you’re launching a startup\, purchasing an existing business\, buying commercial real estate\, investing in equipment\, or looking for working capital\, the SBA 7(a) Loan Program can be a powerful financing tool – but understanding how it works is key. Alaska Growth Capital and the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) have partnered to offer you this free workshop to help you navigate the SBA 7(a) Loan Program and help you understand what lenders look for when evaluating loan applications. \nJoin us on Tuesday\, Sept 15\, 2026\, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Juneau Small Business Development Center (Juneau SBDC) for “Funding Your Business: Navigating the SBA 7(a) Loan Program with Confidence!” presented by Julie Woodworth\, Senior VP and Lending Manager\, and Jennifer Snograss\, Loan Officer – both with Alaska Growth Capital. \nDuring this workshop\, you’ll learn: \nHow the SBA 7(a) Loan Program can be used for startups\, business acquisitions\, commercial real estate\, equipment purchases\, and working capital \nHow lenders evaluate loan requests and what factors influence approval \nWhat you can do before applying to improve your chances of securing financing \nCommon mistakes borrowers make – and how to avoid them \nThe resources available through Alaska Growth Capital and the Alaska SBDC to help you prepare for financing \nWhether you’re just beginning to explore financing or preparing to apply for a loan\, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the SBA 7(a) Loan Program and the steps you can take to become a stronger loan candidate. \nABOUT THE PRESENTERS: \nJulie Woodworth\, Senior VP and Lending Manager\, Alaska Growth Capital. Julie Woodworth joined Alaska Growth Capital in 2019 as Senior Vice President and Lending Manager\, overseeing lending operations and leading the loan and servicing teams. A lifelong Alaskan since 1985\, she brings more than 31 years of banking experience\, including leadership roles with National Bank of Alaska and First National Bank of Alaska\, and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. She has also served on numerous community and nonprofit boards throughout Alaska. \nJennifer Snodgrass\, Loan Officer\, Alaska Growth Capital. Jennifer Snodgrass has been a Loan Officer at Alaska Growth Capital since 2018. An Alaska native\, she brings 19 years of banking experience spanning commercial lending\, underwriting\, treasury management\, and business banking\, with previous roles at Wells Fargo and First National Bank of Alaska. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration from Whitworth University and is active in the Anchorage community through Anchorage East Rotary. \nLOCATION: Juneau SBDC\, Suite 100\, 3030 Vintage Blvd.\, Juneau\, Alaska 99801 \nThis workshop is provided to you for FREE thanks to the generous contribution provided by Alaska Growth Capital! \n____________________________________________
URL:https://akew.org/event/funding-your-business-navigating-the-sba-7a-loan-program-with-confidence-juneau
LOCATION:Small Business Development Center – Juneau\, 3030 Vintage Blvd\, Juneau\, 99801-7100\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Funding-Your-Business-Navigating-the-SBA-7a-Loan-Program-with-Confidence-Juneau-THUMBNAIL.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T130000
DTSTAMP:20260812T230909Z
CREATED:20250829T035114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T230909Z
UID:10000015-1789473600-1789477200@akew.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn - Sources of Funding
DESCRIPTION:[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 0%|#e7edf9 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end=”#e7edf9″ custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”100px||100px|” custom_padding_tablet=”130px||130px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”title and illustration” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider color=”#4646c4″ divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”90px” max_width_tablet=”12%” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_margin=”|||” animation_style=”flip” animation_delay=”50ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”25px|||” animation_style=”flip” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”100ms” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] \nAn event connecting\nentrepreneurs\,\nsupporting organizations\nand investors. \nInformal\, honest\, insightful conversations around some good food. \nAs part of Alaska Entrepreneurship Week\, join Tech Wildcatters at 12:00 PM at Cowork by RSD for lunch and discussion about available sources of funding for startups nationwide and in Alaska. \nJoin Tech Wildcatters to learn more about available sources of funding for startups. \nHope to see you there! \n  \nRegistration and additional information HERE (Comming soon!) \n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Speakers” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”90px||90px|” animation_style=”zoom” animation_intensity_zoom=”10%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3\,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”40px|0px|40px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ricky-Tejapaibul.png” title_text=”Ricky Tejapaibul” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”90px|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” always_center_on_mobile=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_orientation=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickyteja/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#181819″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]linkedin[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#7e7f93″ text_font_size=”18px” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Merriweather|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4646c4″ header_3_font_size=”36px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” link_option_url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/allancarraway/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] \nRicky Tejapaibul\nManaging Partner and CEO – Tech Wildcatters \n[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] \nRicky 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[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3\,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”40px|0px|40px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alexa.jpg” title_text=”Alexa” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”90px|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” always_center_on_mobile=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_orientation=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-bagamian/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#181819″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]linkedin[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#7e7f93″ text_font_size=”18px” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Merriweather|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4646c4″ header_3_font_size=”36px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” link_option_url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/allancarraway/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] \nAlexa Bagamian\nAssociate\, Senior Financial Analyst – Tech Wildcatters \n[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] \nAlexa 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. \nShe has been on the planning committee for Alaska Entrepreneurship Week for the past 2 years. \nAlexa 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. \n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3\,2_3″ admin_label=”Calvin” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”40px|0px|40px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Calvin-C.-Headshots-0139_websize-1.jpg” title_text=”Calvin C.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”90px|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” always_center_on_mobile=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_orientation=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinkcchang/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#181819″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]linkedin[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#7e7f93″ text_font_size=”18px” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Merriweather|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4646c4″ header_3_font_size=”36px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” link_option_url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/allancarraway/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] \n[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
URL:https://akew.org/event/lunch-and-learn-2
LOCATION:RSD Co-Work\, 911 W 8th Ave #101\, Anchorage\, 99501\, United States
CATEGORIES:1. Idea,2. Pre-Profit,3. Profit,4. Growth,5. Exit,Creative & Experiential,Funding,In-Person,Inspiration & Stories,Networking & Community,Networking, Mixers & Social,Panels & Fireside Chats,Storytelling & Founder Journeys
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TechW.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tech Wildcatters":MAILTO:info@techwildcatters.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T170000
DTSTAMP:20260818T001039Z
CREATED:20260809T004026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T001039Z
UID:10000482-1789486200-1789491600@akew.org
SUMMARY:Emotional ROI: A workshop on emotional intelligence for entrepreneurs.
DESCRIPTION:This 90-minute workshop looks at the four things that quietly drive every business decision: self-awareness\, self-regulation\, reading people\, and managing relationships. Through a hands-on “Emotional ROI Audit\,” you’ll map a real recent decision\, spot where the emotional signal got missed\, and leave with something you can actually use in your next hard conversation. Built for entrepreneurs\, small business owners\, and anyone building something of their own\, a practical look at the skill nobody puts on a pitch deck. \nAsk any founder how their revenue’s doing and they’ll rattle off numbers without blinking. Ask how they’re actually doing\, how they handled that blowup with a cofounder\, or the moment they almost fired someone out of frustration\, and you’ll get a shrug. We track financial ROI obsessively and ignore the emotional one completely. That’s a problem\, because the emotional side is usually what determines whether the financial side even survives. In this workshop\, we’ll dig into your own recent decisions in small groups\, spot where the emotional signal got missed\, and walk out with something you can actually use next time you’re in a hard conversation. If you’ve ever made a call you regretted because you were tired\, defensive\, or just not paying attention to what was really going on\, this is for you.
URL:https://akew.org/event/emotional-roi-a-workshop-on-emotional-intelligence-for-entrepreneurs
LOCATION:Small Business Development Center – Anchorage\, 1901 Bragaw St Suite 199\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99508\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person,Workshops & Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Emotional-ROI.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Cura Counseling and Consulting LLC":MAILTO:Morgan@curacounseling.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260915T190000
DTSTAMP:20260817T235813Z
CREATED:20260817T235813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T235813Z
UID:10000503-1789493400-1789498800@akew.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses - Kodiak
DESCRIPTION:Discover practical ways to use AI to save time\, increase productivity\, and grow your business! \nJoin us on Tuesday\, September 15\, 2026\, for this FREE In-Person workshop in Kodiak on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak” at the Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, presented by Ginny Grabowski\, Anchorage Business Advisor at the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC). \nArtificial Intelligence is changing the way businesses operate – but you don’t need to be a technology expert to benefit from it. This hands-on workshop introduces today’s most useful AI tools and demonstrates how entrepreneurs can use them to write marketing content\, conduct research\, develop business plans\, organize workflows\, automate repetitive tasks\, and improve productivity. You’ll also learn the differences between AI assistants and AI agents\, how to write effective prompts\, and the ethical and legal considerations every business owner should understand. \nDuring this workshop\, you’ll learn how to: \nUnderstand what AI is and how it applies to small businesses.\nCompare popular AI tools including ChatGPT\, Claude\, Gemini\, Copilot\, Perplexity\, Canva\, and others.\nWrite prompts that produce higher-quality results.\nUse AI to create marketing content\, business plans\, meeting notes\, research summaries\, and standard operating procedures.\nLearn how AI assistants and AI agents differ—and when to use each.\nAvoid common AI mistakes\, verify AI-generated information\, and protect confidential business information.\nSee demonstrations you can immediately apply to your business. \nABOUT THE PRESENTER: \nGinny Grabowski\, Anchorage Business Advisor\, Alaska SBDC. Ginny has more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner and is passionate about helping Alaska’s small businesses grow through the Alaska SBDC. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion\, she specializes in building and scaling health and wellness businesses\, strategic partnerships\, client engagement\, and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience. An Alaska resident since 2002\, she enjoys running\, cycling\, skiing\, and dancing to live music with her husband. \nRESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR ALL FOUR WORKSHOPS BEING HELD IN KODIAK: \nMonday\, Sept. 14\, 2026\, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak\nMonday\, Sept. 14\, 2026\, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Marketing that Works: Practical Strategies for Growing Your Business – Kodiak\nTuesday\, Sept. 15\, 2026\, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Financial Projections: Building a Strong Business Foundation – Kodiak\nTuesday\, Sept. 15\, 2026\, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses – Kodiak (repeated) \nLOCATION: Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, Bear Room (2nd floor)\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, Alaska 99615. \nThis workshop is provided to you for free\, thanks to the generous contribution from the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and support from the Kodiak Area Native Association and Koniag! \n____________________________________________
URL:https://akew.org/event/artificial-intelligence-ai-for-small-businesses-kodiak-2
LOCATION:Kodiak Marketplace Event Center\, Bear Room (2nd floor)\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, Alaska 99615\, 111 W. Rezanof Drive\, Kodiak\, AK\, 99615\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Artificial-Intelligence-AI-for-Small-Businesses-Kodiak-THUMBNAIL-09-15-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260916T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260916T130000
DTSTAMP:20260818T000104Z
CREATED:20260818T000104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T000104Z
UID:10000504-1789552800-1789563600@akew.org
SUMMARY:Wasilla Business Licensing and Sales Tax Compliance - Wasilla
DESCRIPTION:Unsure how licensing and sales tax work in Wasilla? \nJoin us on Wednesday\, September 16\, 2026\, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Mat-Su Small Business Development Center (Mat-Su SBDC) Office in Wasilla for “Wasilla Business Licensing and Sales Tax Compliance\,” presented by Maureen Graham\, Sales Tax Accountant/Auditor at the City of Wasilla. During this FREE three-hour In-Person workshop in Wasilla\, you’ll learn how licensing and taxes work in Wasilla. \nBy participating in this workshop\, you will: \nGain clarity on licensing and tax requirements in Wasilla\, including how they apply to your specific business. \nUnderstand sales tax\, exemptions\, and other local revenue taxes to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes. \nConnect directly with your local Sales Tax Accountant to ask questions and get practical\, real-time guidance specific to your business. \nWe are very excited to offer you this informative workshop covering licensing\, sales tax\, tax exemptions\, and compliance with the City of Wasilla. Maureen Graham will be on-site to present and provide answers to your questions about licensing and taxes. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and clarify any uncertainties around sales tax in Wasilla. \nABOUT THE PRESENTER: \nMaureen Graham\, Sales Tax Accountant & Auditor\, City of Wasilla. Maureen serves as the Sales Tax Accountant and Auditor for the City of Wasilla\, bringing over 25 years of hands-on experience in local tax and licensing administration. Her career began with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Finance Department\, where she held various roles\, including managing the transient accommodations (bed) tax and overseeing business licensing. In 2006\, she transitioned to the City of Wasilla\, focusing on sales tax administration. In 2015\, Maureen stepped into the newly created position of Sales Tax Accountant and Auditor\, where she helped launch an audit and education program designed specifically for the City of Wasilla. During the formation of the Alaska Remote Sellers Sales Tax Commission (ARSSTC) in 2020\, Maureen served on the drafting committee and currently leads as Chair of the Policy Committee. Her work has given her extensive insight into local tax issues throughout Alaska\, and she is passionate about helping businesses and communities navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape. She also enjoys sharing practical insights that help businesses thrive. \nLOCATION: Mat-Su Small Business Development Center (Mat-Su SBDC)\, Suite 2A (2nd floor of KeyBank building)\, 201 N. Lucille Street\, Wasilla\, Alaska 99654. Please park in the parking lot adjacent to Lucille Street and use the EAST entrance to the KeyBank Building. \nThis workshop is brought to you for FREE thanks to the partnership with the City of Wasilla! \n____________________________________________
URL:https://akew.org/event/wasilla-business-licensing-and-sales-tax-compliance-wasilla
LOCATION:Small Business Development Center – Mat-Su\, 201 North Lucille St #2\, Wasilla\, AK\, 99654\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Wasilla-Business-Licensing-and-Sales-Tax-Compliance-Wasilla-THUMBNAIL.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T170000
DTSTAMP:20260811T215419Z
CREATED:20260811T215419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T215419Z
UID:10000485-1789632000-1789664400@akew.org
SUMMARY:AKMA Manufacturing Mixer
DESCRIPTION:This event is an opportunity to celebrate Mountain Dog\, the 2025 Made in Alaska Manufacturer of the Year\, while connecting with manufacturers\, makers\, entrepreneurs\, suppliers\, and industry partners from across the state. You’ll hear Mountain Dog’s story\, get a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens\, and meet others who are passionate about building and making products in Alaska. \nWhether you’re an established manufacturer\, just getting started\, or simply curious about Alaska’s manufacturing community\, we’d love to have you join us. \nWhat to Expect\n🤝 Connect with Alaska’s manufacturing community\n🎤 Hear Mountain Dog’s story\, learn from their journey\, and tour their facility\n💬 Build new relationships with fellow makers\, manufacturers\, and industry partners \nVenue: Mountain Dog\nBusiness Showcase: TBD \nRegistration\nIn celebration of Alaska Entrepreneurship Week\, this event is free and open to everyone!\nRegistration is still required so we can plan for attendance. \nInterested in Sponsoring an AKMA Mixer?\nSponsoring a mixer is a great way to connect with Alaska’s manufacturing community while supporting the growth of local industry.\n👉 To learn more or reserve a future mixer\, contact us at connect@akmfg.org
URL:https://akew.org/event/akma-manufacturing-mixer/2026-09-17/1
LOCATION:AK
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Email-Banners-Presentation-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alaska Manufacturing Association":MAILTO:connect@akmfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T113000
DTSTAMP:20260818T000603Z
CREATED:20260817T234938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T000603Z
UID:10000495-1789639200-1789644600@akew.org
SUMMARY:How To Prepare For A Small Business Loan
DESCRIPTION:Thinking about applying for a small business loan but not sure where to start? \nThis interactive workshop will walk you through the lending process and help you prepare a stronger loan application. Learn what lenders look for\, the documents you’ll need\, how your credit and financials impact loan decisions\, and common mistakes that can delay funding. \nWhether you’re starting a new business or looking to grow an existing one\, you’ll leave with practical tips\, a preparation checklist\, and the confidence to approach financing opportunities with a clear plan. \nPerfect for: Entrepreneurs\, start-ups\, and small business owners seeking financing for growth\, equipment\, working capital\, or business expansion.
URL:https://akew.org/event/how-to-prepare-for-a-small-business-loan-2
LOCATION:The Nave – Weidner Room\, 3502 Spenard Road\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99503\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-Preparing-for-a-Small-business-loan-AKEW.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T150000
DTSTAMP:20260818T000823Z
CREATED:20260818T000823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T000823Z
UID:10000505-1789651800-1789657200@akew.org
SUMMARY:Emotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs - Anchorage
DESCRIPTION:Many entrepreneurs are taught to set emotions aside in the name of professionalism. This workshop on emotional intelligence (E.I.) takes a different approach by showing you how emotions can be valuable information that helps you make better business decisions. \nJoin us on Thursday\, Sept. 17\, 2026\, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 p.m. at the Alaska SBDC Training Room in Anchorage for “Emotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs – Anchorage” presented by Morgan Wallbrown\, MA\, LPCC\, & Founder of Cura Counseling & Consulting\, LLC. This In-Person workshop focuses on practicing the skills you learned in the Emotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs On-Demand Workshop Series (see links below). While the On-Demand workshop series covers the concepts\, this In-Person workshop allows you to practice and build the skills through guided activities. You’ll have an opportunity to apply these skills to real business situations\, including situations in your own business! You’ll leave with a personalized plan for integrating these skills into your daily decision-making\, leadership style\, and even self-care. \nWhat you’ll learn during this workshop: \nYou’ll get to apply what you learned in the Emotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs: On-Demand Workshop Series (see links below)\, and you’ll get to test your skills on a current business challenge or decision you’re facing. \nYou’ll get to practice at least two emotional intelligence tools. By practicing in real time\, you’ll be building the muscle memory needed to apply these skills in real-life decision-making scenarios. \nFinally\, you’ll leave with a personalized integration plan that identifies specific ways to apply emotional intelligence skills. \nABOUT THE PRESENTER: \nMorgan Wallbrown\, MA\, LPCC\, & Founder of Cura Counseling & Consulting\, LLC. Morgan is a licensed mental health counselor in Alaska and Ohio; a doctoral candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Kent State; a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Louisiana Monroe; and the founder of Cura Counseling & Consulting\, LLC\, based in Eagle River. Morgan helps entrepreneurs and professionals build self-awareness\, strengthen emotional intelligence\, and navigate the challenges of growth and burnout. Using a practical\, evidence-based approach\, she helps clients identify their strengths\, develop new skills\, and create meaningful change. Morgan brings her experience as a clinician\, educator\, and researcher to help participants better understand the connection between emotions\, mindset\, and business success. \nLOCATION: Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC)\, 1901 Bragaw Street\, Suite 199\, BEI Training Room\, Anchorage\, AK 99508 \nLINKS TO THE ON-DEMAND WORKSHOP SERIES: \nEmotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs – Part 1: What Is Emotional Intelligence (E.I.)? (18 min.) \nEmotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs – Part 2: Why It Matters for Business (16 min.) \nEmotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs – Part 3: How to Use E.I. in Real Life (22 min) \nEmotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs – Part 4: Practicing E.I. Skills (17 min.) \n____________________________________________
URL:https://akew.org/event/emotional-intelligence-for-entrepreneurs-anchorage
LOCATION:Small Business Development Center – Anchorage\, 1901 Bragaw St Suite 199\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99508\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Emotional-Intelligence-for-Entrepreneurs-Anchorage-THUMBNAIL.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T190000
DTSTAMP:20260811T215419Z
CREATED:20260811T215419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T215419Z
UID:10000486-1789660800-1789671600@akew.org
SUMMARY:AKMA Manufacturing Mixer
DESCRIPTION:This event is an opportunity to celebrate Mountain Dog\, the 2025 Made in Alaska Manufacturer of the Year\, while connecting with manufacturers\, makers\, entrepreneurs\, suppliers\, and industry partners from across the state. You’ll hear Mountain Dog’s story\, get a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens\, and meet others who are passionate about building and making products in Alaska. \nWhether you’re an established manufacturer\, just getting started\, or simply curious about Alaska’s manufacturing community\, we’d love to have you join us. \nWhat to Expect\n🤝 Connect with Alaska’s manufacturing community\n🎤 Hear Mountain Dog’s story\, learn from their journey\, and tour their facility\n💬 Build new relationships with fellow makers\, manufacturers\, and industry partners \nVenue: Mountain Dog\nBusiness Showcase: TBD \nRegistration\nIn celebration of Alaska Entrepreneurship Week\, this event is free and open to everyone!\nRegistration is still required so we can plan for attendance. \nInterested in Sponsoring an AKMA Mixer?\nSponsoring a mixer is a great way to connect with Alaska’s manufacturing community while supporting the growth of local industry.\n👉 To learn more or reserve a future mixer\, contact us at connect@akmfg.org
URL:https://akew.org/event/akma-manufacturing-mixer/2026-09-17/2
LOCATION:AK
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Email-Banners-Presentation-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alaska Manufacturing Association":MAILTO:connect@akmfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260917T200000
DTSTAMP:20260815T002931Z
CREATED:20260815T001543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260815T002931Z
UID:10000494-1789666200-1789675200@akew.org
SUMMARY:Anchorage Impact Forum 2 - Civic Engagement
DESCRIPTION:Coming Soon!
URL:https://akew.org/event/anchorage-impact-forum-2-civic-engagement
LOCATION:UAA Recital Hall\, 3700 Alumni Dr\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99508\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260918T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260918T140000
DTSTAMP:20260813T003953Z
CREATED:20260807T120052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T003953Z
UID:10000483-1789730100-1789740000@akew.org
SUMMARY:Alaska Entrepreneurship Future: 2026 Legislators Forum
DESCRIPTION:Public Leadership Perspectives on Strengthening Alaska’s Entrepreneurial Fabric\n  \nWhat does Alaska’s entrepreneurial community need from public leadership\, and what can government realistically do?\nEntrepreneurs and small businesses do not operate in isolation. Their ability to start\, grow\, hire\, invest\, innovate\, commercialize new ideas\, and remain in Alaska is influenced by public policy\, regulation\, infrastructure\, workforce development\, education\, research\, procurement\, taxation\, access to capital\, public investment\, and economic-development priorities. \nThat makes public leadership an important part of Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. \nSession I of the Alaska Entrepreneurship Week Finale brings together current elected officials and candidates for elected office for a structured\, nonpartisan conversation focused specifically on entrepreneurship\, small business\, innovation\, and Alaska’s economic future. \nThe purpose is not simply to hear campaign positions. The purpose is for candidates to express their point of view regarding entrepreneurship and how they look to implement changes if they are elected. \nThe central questions\n\nWhat is government seeing from its side of the entrepreneurial ecosystem?\nWhat can public institutions realistically do to strengthen entrepreneurship and small business?\nWhat can they not do?\nWhere do statutory\, budgetary\, regulatory\, administrative\, or institutional constraints limit progress?\nWhich existing policies\, programs\, or approaches should be reinforced?\nWhat should change?\nWhat approaches do Alaska’s current and prospective public leaders believe should be pursued next?\n\nMore Than a Candidate Forum\nThe 2026 election creates an important opportunity to hear from candidates\, but the value of Session I goes beyond the election. \nCurrent elected officials are also being invited whether or not they are seeking reelection. Their experience in the Alaska House\, Alaska Senate\, municipal assemblies and councils\, and other public bodies provides insight into how government actually works\, including: \n\nWhat government has authority to change\nWhat requires legislation\nWhat can be addressed administratively\nWhat requires appropriations or additional funding\nWhat local government can address that state government cannot\nWhere federal requirements limit available options\nWhich policies or programs have already been attempted\, what worked\, and what did not\nWhy seemingly straightforward solutions sometimes become difficult to implement\n\nThis Is Not a Campaign Rally\nSession I is a nonpartisan civic and economic-development discussion. The purpose is not to promote candidates\, political parties\, or electoral outcomes. It is to understand how current and prospective public leaders view entrepreneurship and small business in Alaska. \nParticipants will be encouraged to move beyond general statements about “supporting small business” and discuss the actual conditions affecting entrepreneurs. The objective is not to determine who “wins” the conversation. It is to provide useful information\, institutional context\, policy perspectives\, and potential solutions that Alaska’s entrepreneurial community can carry forward into the afternoon Community Stakeholders Session. \n  \nThe Conversation\nDiscussion may include entrepreneurship and small-business formation and growth\, access to capital and investment\, early-stage and growth-stage financing\, innovation and technology commercialization\, workforce development and talent retention\, rural entrepreneurship and economic development\, infrastructure and connectivity\, healthcare innovation\, energy and emerging industries\, regulation and administrative burden\, state and municipal procurement\, government contracting opportunities for Alaska businesses\, research and university-industry collaboration\, economic diversification\, business attraction and retention\, entrepreneurial education\, public-private collaboration\, and Alaska’s economic competitiveness over the next decade. \nThe discussion will focus not only on proposed solutions\, but also on implementation realities. A policy idea may require legislation. A program may already exist but be difficult to access. A regulatory barrier may originate at a different level of government than expected. A funding source may have restrictions that make an otherwise attractive solution impossible. A successful program may need reinforcement rather than replacement. Understanding those distinctions is part of the purpose of the session. \n  \nWhy Attend\nEntrepreneurs and small-business owners hear directly how public leaders understand the barriers encountered when starting\, operating\, and growing businesses in Alaska. \nInvestors and lenders gain insight into public-policy priorities that may influence investment\, capital formation\, regulation\, infrastructure\, workforce availability\, and business growth. \nInnovators and researchers hear how current and prospective public leaders approach commercialization\, research\, emerging technologies\, public-private partnerships\, and innovation-driven economic development. \nEconomic development and support organizations better understand the capabilities and limitations of public institutions and where stronger coordination with government may be possible. \nGovernment and public-sector participants hear directly from entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners while contributing institutional knowledge that is difficult to obtain through traditional policy channels. \n  \nEvent Schedule\n11:15 AM to 12:00 PM. Doors Open and Pre-Event Networking. Meet entrepreneurs\, business leaders\, investors\, public officials\, candidates\, economic-development organizations\, support organizations\, and other members of Alaska’s entrepreneurial community. \n12:00 PM to 12:10 PM. Welcome and Context. AKEW organizers introduce the objectives of the day\, explain the role of public leadership within Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem\, and establish the ground rules for the discussion. \n12:10 PM to 1:30 PM. Public Leadership and Candidate Forum with Buffet Lunch. Current elected officials and candidates participate in a moderated conversation focused on entrepreneurship\, small business\, innovation\, investment\, workforce\, commercialization\, public-policy capabilities and constraints\, and Alaska’s long-term economic competitiveness. \n1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Closing\, Networking\, and Transition. The formal Session I discussion concludes and the conversation transitions toward the afternoon Community Stakeholders Session. \n  \nWho Is Being Invited\nCurrent elected officials\, including members of the Alaska House\, Alaska Senate\, municipal assemblies and councils\, and other relevant public bodies. \nCandidates for elected office\, including candidates for Governor\, Lieutenant Governor\, Alaska House\, and Alaska Senate. \nCurrent officials do not need to be candidates for reelection to participate. Their relevance comes from the institutional experience and perspective associated with the offices they currently hold. Confirmed participants will be added to this page as participation is finalized. \nFor participation information: contact@akew.org \n  \nSession I and Session II Are Designed to Work Together\nSession I: Public Leadership Perspective. Current elected officials and candidates provide input from the governmental and public-policy side of Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. \nSession II: Community Stakeholder Integration. The afternoon brings entrepreneurs\, investors\, lenders\, educators\, researchers\, nonprofits\, government representatives\, economic-development organizations\, advisors\, business leaders\, and other stakeholders together to combine that input with the community’s own experience. \nSession I provides input. Session II integrates it. \n  \nRegistration\nIn-person seating is intentionally limited. Advance registration is required. Only 40 community registrations are available for the in-person program. \nSession I and Buffet Lunch\, $50 per person\, includes admission to Session I\, buffet lunch\, pre-event networking\, post-session networking\, and access to participating public leaders and Alaska’s entrepreneurial community. \nFull Friday Program\, $75 per person\, includes Session I\, buffet lunch\, the Session II Community Stakeholders Session\, dinner\, and networking throughout the day. To register for the full day\, add both the Session I and Session II registrations to your cart and the $25 Full Friday saving is applied automatically at checkout. \nRegistration deadline: Monday\, September 7\, 2026\, or before available community registrations are filled\, whichever occurs first. \nParts of the program will also be accessible remotely through Google Meet. A free virtual registration is available below. \nAll registrations are final. No refunds are offered. \nAttend virtually for FREE: \n\n\nVideoconference:\nmeet.google.com/kxc-nspp-bjf \nID: kxc-nspp-bjf\n\ntel.meet/kxc-nspp-bjf\nPin: 7899601984545\n\n(US) +1 617-675-4444\nPin: 7899601984545\n\n\n\n  \nSponsor-Supported Tickets\nThanks to AKEW sponsors\, a limited number of complimentary registrations are available for members of Alaska’s entrepreneurial community for whom registration cost would otherwise create a barrier. Sponsor-supported registration may be requested for Session I\, Session II\, or the full Friday program. An application is required. Availability is limited\, and submitting an application does not guarantee a ticket. \nApply for a sponsor-supported registration \nThe application is deliberately demanding and takes most people twenty to thirty minutes to complete. It cannot be saved and resumed. Organizers review each application individually and may request more information before deciding. Applying does not guarantee a registration. \n  \nThank You to Our Sponsors\nAKEW’s September 18 programming is made possible with support from organizations investing in Alaska’s entrepreneurial community. \nTech Wildcatters\nAK Coffee Company\nREFocus \nSponsorships Are Still Available\nOrganizations interested in supporting Alaska’s entrepreneurial community can still participate as sponsors. Sponsorship can also help expand access by providing sponsor-supported registrations for entrepreneurs and community members who otherwise may not be able to participate. \nSponsorship does not provide influence over candidate invitations\, questions\, moderator selection\, speaking opportunities\, or forum content. \nBecome a sponsor. Email contact@akew.org \n  \nNonpartisan Forum Notice\nAlaska Entrepreneurship Week is presenting Session I as a nonpartisan civic and economic-development forum. AKEW does not endorse\, support\, oppose\, or recommend any candidate or political party. The appearance\, participation\, absence\, statements\, biography\, or identity of a candidate or public official should not be interpreted as an endorsement or preference by AKEW\, its organizers\, sponsors\, participating organizations\, or event host. \nCurrent elected officials are invited because the governmental offices they hold provide relevant institutional knowledge and perspective concerning Alaska’s entrepreneurial environment. Candidates participate to explain their approaches to the same entrepreneurship and economic-development issues. \nNo political fundraising\, solicitation of campaign contributions\, or campaign advocacy is permitted as part of the forum. Questions will be moderated by AKEW organizers and focused on entrepreneurship\, small business\, innovation\, economic development\, and related public-policy issues. Views expressed by participants are their own. \n  \nAbout Alaska Entrepreneurship Week\nAlaska Entrepreneurship Week is a statewide\, volunteer-led initiative designed to spotlight\, support\, and strengthen entrepreneurship across Alaska. AKEW brings entrepreneurs\, small-business owners\, mentors\, investors\, educators\, support organizations\, government partners\, and other members of Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem together through events\, conversations\, shared promotion\, and statewide coordination. \n  \nEncourage   –   Leverage   –   Connect.
URL:https://akew.org/event/candidateforum
LOCATION:Petroleum Club of Anchorage\, 3301 C St.\, Ste. 120\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99503\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Session-I_small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260918T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260918T220000
DTSTAMP:20260812T221316Z
CREATED:20260809T001342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T221316Z
UID:10000484-1789743600-1789768800@akew.org
SUMMARY:Alaska Entrepreneurship Community Stakeholders Session
DESCRIPTION:From Assessment to Action: Strengthening Alaska’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem\nFriday\, September 18\, 2026\nPetroleum Club of Anchorage\n3301 C Street\, Anchorage\, Alaska \nSession I brings the public-leadership perspective into the conversation. Session II brings the whole entrepreneurial ecosystem to the table.\nThroughout Alaska Entrepreneurship Week\, entrepreneurs\, business owners\, investors\, lenders\, educators\, researchers\, economic development organizations\, nonprofits\, government representatives\, advisors\, and other members of Alaska’s entrepreneurial community will have exchanged ideas about what is working\, what is changing\, and where barriers remain. \nEarlier on Friday\, Session I adds another important perspective. Current elected officials and candidates discuss entrepreneurship and small business from the public-policy side of the ecosystem: what government can do\, what it cannot do\, what has already been attempted\, what institutional or policy constraints exist\, and what approaches they believe could strengthen Alaska’s entrepreneurial environment. \nSession II brings those perspectives together. This facilitated working session combines what was heard during Session I with the experience accumulated by Alaska’s entrepreneurial community throughout the week\, throughout the year\, and through the direct experience of the people building\, funding\, supporting\, regulating\, researching\, educating\, and advising Alaska businesses. \nThe objective is to develop a more complete picture of where Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem stands today and determine what should happen next. \n  \nThree Questions\nWhere are we now?\nWhat is actually working? Where are entrepreneurs and small businesses struggling? Where are resources reaching businesses effectively\, and where are they not? Where are organizations collaborating successfully? Where are gaps\, fragmentation\, unnecessary complexity\, or duplication creating problems? \nWhere should we be?\nWhat should a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Alaska actually look like? What capabilities should exist? What should entrepreneurs be able to access more easily? What existing programs\, relationships\, policies\, organizations\, or resources should be reinforced? What is missing? \nHow do we get there?\nWhich problems can realistically be addressed? What should be improved\, reinforced\, connected\, built\, simplified\, or reconsidered? And\, most importantly: who is willing and able to take the next step? \n  \nThis Is a Working Session\nThis is not another panel. It is not an organizational showcase. It is not a political debate. And it is not intended to produce another general conclusion that Alaska needs “more collaboration.” \nParticipants will be encouraged to identify specific problems\, challenge assumptions\, contribute direct experience\, examine why existing approaches succeed or fail\, and develop practical next steps where possible. \nThe objective is not artificial consensus. Different parts of Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem see different pieces of the same system\, and those differences are valuable. An entrepreneur may experience a problem one way. A lender may see a different constraint. An investor may identify a different risk. A government official may know that a proposed solution requires statutory authority. An agency representative may know that funding already exists but cannot legally be used in the proposed manner. A university or researcher may identify capabilities that businesses do not know exist. An economic development organization may see the same problem occurring repeatedly across dozens of businesses. \nThe purpose of putting these perspectives together is to understand the system\, not simply the individual pieces. \n  \nWhat Will We Examine?\nThe discussion may include entrepreneurship and small-business formation and growth\, access to capital and investment\, early-stage and growth-stage financing gaps\, innovation and technology commercialization\, workforce development and talent retention\, rural entrepreneurship and regional access to resources\, infrastructure and connectivity\, government procurement and contracting\, regulation and administrative barriers\, research and university-industry collaboration\, healthcare\, energy\, technology and emerging industries\, entrepreneurial education and mentorship\, business assistance and technical support\, coordination among entrepreneurship-support organizations\, resource visibility and accessibility\, economic diversification\, attracting and retaining entrepreneurs and businesses\, the roles of state\, federal\, municipal\, private-sector\, university and nonprofit actors\, and opportunities for stronger collaboration across the ecosystem. \n  \nWho Should Participate?\nSession II is intended for people who actively participate in some part of Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. That includes entrepreneurs and small-business owners who experience the system directly\, investors and lenders who understand the realities of capital deployment\, risk\, and business readiness\, government officials and public-sector professionals who understand governmental authority\, policy\, programs\, implementation\, procurement\, regulation\, funding\, and institutional constraints\, economic development and entrepreneurship-support organizations that work directly with businesses and communities\, universities\, researchers\, educators\, and commercialization professionals\, nonprofit and community organizations\, and advisors\, mentors\, professional-service providers\, and industry leaders. \n  \nParticipation Is Based on Stakeholder Role\nThe afternoon session is not a candidate forum. Participation is based on the experience\, expertise\, or stakeholder role a participant brings to Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. \nIndividuals who are also candidates for elected office may participate when they independently hold a relevant role within Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Candidate status is not a basis for participation in Session II. \nCampaign advocacy\, electoral appeals\, political fundraising\, requests for political support\, comparisons between candidates\, or statements intended to promote or oppose a candidate are outside the scope of this session. Policy disagreement is welcome. Political campaigning is not. \n  \nRules of Engagement\nProblems before promotion. This is not an opportunity to deliver an organizational sales pitch. Programs and organizations should be discussed when they are relevant to understanding a problem\, resource\, solution\, gap\, or opportunity. \nExperience before generalization. Specific examples\, evidence\, observed patterns\, and direct experience are more useful than broad assumptions. \nUnderstand before solving. Some apparent problems are symptoms of something else. Before proposing another program\, funding source\, organization\, or initiative\, the session will seek to understand what is creating the underlying problem. \nStrengthen what already works. Not every solution requires something new. Where things are working\, the question becomes how they can be reinforced\, expanded\, connected\, or made easier to access. \nIdentify duplication and gaps. Alaska may simultaneously have multiple resources addressing one need while another need remains largely unserved. The session should make both visible. \nPolicy disagreement is welcome. Substantive disagreement can improve the analysis. The objective is a better understanding of the available choices\, constraints\, and consequences. \nDiscussion should lead somewhere. Where practical\, significant issues should conclude with something more specific than “we should work together.” \n  \nSession Schedule\n3:00 PM to 3:15 PM. Welcome\, Objectives\, and Ground Rules. Framing of the session\, how Session I input will be used\, and how the working discussion will run. \n3:15 PM to 4:30 PM. Where Are We Now. Facilitated assessment of current ecosystem conditions\, what is working\, and where entrepreneurs and small businesses are struggling. \n4:30 PM to 4:45 PM. Break. \n4:45 PM to 6:00 PM. Where Should We Be. What a stronger Alaska entrepreneurial ecosystem should look like\, which capabilities should exist\, and what is missing. \n6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. How Do We Get There. Priorities\, practical next steps\, what can be started now\, what requires longer-term work\, and who is positioned to help. \n7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Dinner and Continued Conversation. The formal working session transitions into dinner and networking\, providing additional time to continue conversations\, develop connections\, and explore potential collaborations identified during the afternoon. \n8:30 PM to 8:45 PM. Closing. Commitments\, synthesis\, and what happens next. \n8:45 PM to 10:00 PM. Optional Networking. The venue remains open until 10:00 PM. \n  \nWhat Should Come Out of the Session?\nSuccess does not require solving every challenge facing entrepreneurship in Alaska in one afternoon. It requires leaving with a better shared understanding than existed when the session began: what is working and should be reinforced\, what is not working and why\, where entrepreneurs are falling through the cracks\, where resources exist but are difficult to discover or access\, where organizations or programs are duplicating effort\, where meaningful gaps remain\, which barriers are structural and which are operational\, which opportunities could be pursued relatively quickly\, which challenges require longer-term work\, and where stronger connections between stakeholders could produce meaningful results. \nAnd wherever possible: who should do what next. \n  \nRegistration\nIn-person participation is limited. Advance registration is required. Only 40 community registrations are available for the in-person session. \nSession II and Dinner\, $50 per person\, includes participation in the Community Stakeholders Session\, dinner\, and networking. \nFull Friday Program\, $75 per person\, includes the Session I Candidate and Public Leadership Forum\, buffet lunch\, the Session II Community Stakeholders Session\, dinner\, and networking throughout the day. To register for the full day\, add both the Session I and Session II registrations to your cart and the $25 Full Friday saving is applied automatically at checkout. \nRegistration deadline: Monday\, September 7\, 2026\, or before available community registrations are filled\, whichever occurs first. \nParts of the program may also be accessible remotely through Google Meet. A free virtual registration is available below. \nAll registrations are final. No refunds are offered. \nAttend virtually for FREE: \n\n\nVideoconference:\nmeet.google.com/tjr-wqqk-zie \nID: tjr-wqqk-zie\n\ntel.meet/tjr-wqqk-zie\nPin: 1764937666155\n\n(US) +1 617-675-4444\nPin: 1764937666155\n\n\n\nSponsor-Supported Tickets\nThanks to AKEW sponsors\, a limited number of complimentary registrations are available for members of Alaska’s entrepreneurial community for whom registration cost would otherwise create a barrier. Sponsor-supported registration may be requested for Session I\, Session II\, or the full Friday program. An application is required. Availability is limited\, and submitting an application does not guarantee a ticket. \nApply for a sponsor-supported registration \nThe application is deliberately demanding and takes most people twenty to thirty minutes to complete. It cannot be saved and resumed. Organizers review each application individually and may request more information before deciding. Applying does not guarantee a registration. \n  \nThank You to Our Sponsors\nAKEW’s September 18 programming is made possible with support from organizations investing in Alaska’s entrepreneurial community. \nTech Wildcatters\nAK Coffee Company\nREFocus \nSponsorships Are Still Available\nOrganizations interested in supporting Alaska’s entrepreneurial community can still participate as sponsors. Sponsorship can also help expand access by providing sponsor-supported registrations for entrepreneurs and community members who otherwise may not be able to participate. \nBecome a sponsor. Email contact@akew.org \n  \nFrom Session I to Session II\nThe two sessions are designed to work together. Session I provides the public leadership perspective. Session II integrates it with the experience of the broader entrepreneurial community. The objective is not to treat government\, entrepreneurs\, investors\, universities\, nonprofits\, and support organizations as separate conversations. They are different parts of the same entrepreneurial system. \n  \nAbout Alaska Entrepreneurship Week\nAlaska Entrepreneurship Week is a statewide\, volunteer-led initiative designed to spotlight\, support\, and strengthen entrepreneurship across Alaska. AKEW brings entrepreneurs\, small-business owners\, mentors\, investors\, educators\, support organizations\, government partners\, and other members of Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem together through events\, conversations\, shared promotion\, and statewide coordination. \n  \nEncourage   –   Leverage   –   Connect.
URL:https://akew.org/event/alaska-entrepreneurship-community-stakeholders-session
LOCATION:Petroleum Club of Anchorage\, 3301 C St.\, Ste. 120\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid,Networking & Community,Resources & Ecosystem
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://akew.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Session-II_small.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alaska Entrepreneurship Week Team":MAILTO:contact@akew.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260918T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20260918T200000
DTSTAMP:20260814T173812Z
CREATED:20260814T173812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T173812Z
UID:10000491-1789750800-1789761600@akew.org
SUMMARY:#RetroTechno Wrap Up event
DESCRIPTION:### #RetroTechnoWrap 🎶✨ \nLet’s go out with a **BANG!** 💥 \nJoin us **September 18 from 5–8 PM** at the awesome **Museum of Alaska Transportation & Industry** for our AKEW Mat-Su wrap-up celebration! \nCome together to **network\, vibe out\, and celebrate** Alaska Entrepreneurship Week with **cool music\, great vibes\, and light refreshments**. \nCome see what’s new at this incredible museum\, connect with local entrepreneurs\, creatives\, businesses\, and community leaders\, and celebrate everything we’ve built together during AKEW! \nWe are **super grateful to our venue sponsor and host** for helping make this celebration possible! \n🎶 Cool vibes\n💡 Music & lights\n🥂 Light refreshments\n🤝 Networking\n🚗 An awesome museum to explore \n**September 18 | 5–8 PM** \nLet’s #RetroTechnoWrap AKEW and **go out with a BANG!** 🚀
URL:https://akew.org/event/retrotechno-wrap-up-event
LOCATION:AK
CATEGORIES:In-Person
ORGANIZER;CN="Alaska Media Firm":MAILTO:alaskamediafirm@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR