Business briefs

Alaska Small Business Development Center

The Alaska Small Business Development Center recently announced findings from a new annual report that indicated that small businesses are increasingly led by women, veterans, and new entrepreneurs.

According to a press release, the Alaska SBDC offered guidance to various Alaska business owners which ultimately led to success stories such as securing funding, expanding overall operations, and even starting up for the first time- all of which was illustrated in the 2023 Alaska SBDC Annual Report.

The report also has a new State of Small Business section and Special Programs overview to share important information about Alaska's entrepreneurial landscape.

“Alaska’s small businesses are a crucial part of the state’s economy, and the Alaska SBDC is proud to be able to support them. This year, we have developed and deployed unprecedented new programs, funding sources, and resources for Alaska’s entrepreneurs in addition to our existing business support services. As this report shows, the results of those efforts are paying off,” Alaska SBDC State Director Jon Bittner stated in the press release.

The 2023 Alaska SBDC Annual Report showed how local small business are thriving in spite of challenges such as inflation and hiring difficulties through findings from the Small Business Survey.

According to the press release, the Alaska SBDC offers various types of support to local entrepreneurs. The annual report indicated that Alaska SBDC advisors helped businesses in 100 communities and empowered rural entrepreneurs in 78 communities. Alaska SBDC clients were able to access over $37 million in funding during the course of 2023.

To view the 2023 Annual Report, visit aksbdc.org/about/annual-reports.

The Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation

The Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation recently announced that it will donate over $3 million to youth focused nonprofits across the United States. The Boys and Girls Club of Southcentral Alaska is receiving $1,000 from these funds.

According to a recent press release, Buffalo Wild Wings customers can play their part in supporting their communities by purchasing sauce bottles at their local Buffalo Wild Wings. The Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation will donate $1 to nonprofit organizations for every bottle purchased.

"Strengthening our local communities through our local grants program is core to the Buffalo Wild Wings culture," Buffalo Wild Wings CMO and Foundation Board Chair Tristan Meline stated in the press release. "We're honored to partner with our local operators to help kids in their communities play sports. We invite our guests to join us by simply purchasing a sauce bottle at their local Buffalo Wild Wings, with $1 of every bottle being donated to support access to youth sports."

For more information, visit foundation.buffalowildwings.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com