SBDC Finds New State Director at Sister Program CED

New Leadership Bolsters Small Business Support Across Anchorage and Alaska

Anchorage residents, there’s a significant change in leadership for a key organization dedicated to fostering local entrepreneurship. Jared Reynolds has been appointed as the new State Director for the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), stepping into the role previously held by Jon Bittner, who has returned to lead the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). Reynolds brings a wealth of experience, having most recently served as the Executive Director of the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development (CED), a sister program within the UAA Business Enterprise Institute.

What This Means for Anchorage

This leadership transition at the SBDC is excellent news for Anchorage’s vibrant small business community. The SBDC is a vital resource, offering free, confidential, one-on-one consulting and guidance to help businesses start, grow, and navigate challenges. For entrepreneurs dreaming of opening a new cafe in Spenard, a tech startup in Midtown, or a boutique in Downtown Anchorage, the SBDC provides essential support for business plans, marketing strategies, and securing financing. A strong SBDC means more local jobs, diverse services, and a robust economy right here in our neighborhoods, from Eagle River to Girdwood. It helps ensure that our local businesses, which are the backbone of our community, have the tools they need to succeed and adapt to our ever-changing economic landscape.

Local Context

In a state as unique as Alaska, with its vast geography, resource-based economy, and the crucial role of its Alaska Native communities, the SBDC’s mission takes on added importance. Reynolds emphasizes that “Small businesses are central to Alaska’s economy and our communities,” and his work will focus on expanding resources statewide. This support is critical for diversifying our economy beyond traditional industries, empowering entrepreneurs in sectors like tourism, fishing, and emerging technologies. It also helps sustain businesses in and around Alaska Native communities, often vital for local employment and maintaining cultural practices, including those connected to subsistence. Supporting these local ventures fosters resilience and self-sufficiency across our unique Alaskan landscape.

What to Know

For Anchorage residents looking to start or grow a business, the Alaska SBDC is an invaluable, free resource. They offer expert advice on everything from financial projections to market research. You can connect with their advisors through their website or by visiting their local office, often located within the UAA campus or easily accessible. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with an idea or an established business owner seeking to expand or pivot, the SBDC team is ready to assist.

The AnchorageList team looks forward to seeing the continued positive impact Jared Reynolds and the SBDC will have on our local businesses and the broader Alaskan economy, fostering a thriving, resilient community for us all.