Looking to build or invest in an Alaskan business? You’re not alone, and there’s plenty of great places to start with stakeholders across the state helping unlock the power of entrepreneurship and innovation for the community.
Check out all the programs and opportunities to #BuildTheAlaskaYouWant below!
Alaska’s entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Programs, Groups and Competitions
1 Million Cups Anchorage - Perhaps the #1 way to enter the Alaska entrepreneurial ecosystem and discuss your startup idea. Come listen or give a short presentation on a business concept to a supportive community, getting constructive feedback.
Alaska Investors Network - The statewide network of Angel Investors in Alaska, people who want to reinvest in companies in their community.
Alaska Angel Conference - Annual event in the Spring, connecting investors (new and seasoned) with entrepreneurs seeking funding.
Spruce Root's Path to Prosperity Business Plan Competition - An "idea to reality" business plan competition focused on providing both technical training and financing to Alaska startups (Southeast focused).
Upstart Alpha - Startup accelerator by the University of Alaska offering a stipend to perform customer discovery.
gBETA Alaska - Run by gener8tor, seven-week program for startups looking to raise funds for their business.
Arctic Innovation Competition - Alaska's original idea competition. Win up to $10,000 just for your early-stage concept.
Health TIE - An innovation hub that is a bridge between health and human service organizations and innovative entrepreneurial partners.
Alaska Small Business Development Center - No-cost advising, educating and guiding both entrepreneurs and small business owners across Alaska.
Alaska Women’s Business Center - Supports the startup and growth of women-owned businesses with the connections, resources, and training needed to successfully start and run a business.
Stay Connected
Startup Digest Alaska - The #1 way to stay connected on a weekly basis with what’s happening across Alaska with entrepreneurship.
Alaska Startups Group - A facebook community-curated page with a wealth of information, plus back and forth as to what’s going on.
Entrepreneur Education
University of Alaska Anchorage, Minor in Entrepreneurship - An undergraduate series of classes (18 credits) which result in a minor in entrepreneurship.
Alaska Pacific University, Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation - A short series of classes covering a wide range of entrepreneurial topics.
Alaska Startup Weekend - A great starting point: Get exposed to how startups work while building one in a weekend. Keep your eyes open for this 48-hour event to build a business, which occurs in both Anchorage and Fairbanks at least once annually.
Techstars Alaska Startup Week - Held each Fall to celebrate the world of Startups and Entrepreneurship in the Last Frontier.