UAA Instructor Is First Alaskan Certified as Entrepreneurship Development Professional
Margo Fliss is the first Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) certified in Alaska.
As the manager of strategic engagement at the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development (UA CED) at the UAA Business Enterprise Institute, Fliss is a lead instructor for the organization’s Upstart Alpha Startup Accelerator and the Upstart Intern program, which connects students to startups.
“The EDP certification reflects Margo’s dedication to the entrepreneurship ecosystem here in Alaska and her advanced knowledge of best practices in supporting startups,” says Nolan Klouda, UA CED executive director. “Margo is a leader in ecosystem development here in Alaska as well as nationally. It’s absolutely fitting that she’s the first EDP here in Alaska.”
The EDP credential, a new credential offered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), is designed to build the foundational skills of those supporting entrepreneurship in their communities. Through real-world experience, training courses, and the passing of a rigorous exam, EDPs are skilled in how to help their communities thrive in this unprecedented time and how to lead them through a post-pandemic recovery.
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January 2026
“Entrepreneurs are facing new and challenging obstacles and opportunities in our current economic landscape. EDP certification recipients will work alongside their colleagues and community leaders to ensure entrepreneurs have both the resources they need and the right support to not just succeed in the emerging post-pandemic world but drive positive economic change in their communities,” says Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO.
Fliss holds a master’s degree in public policy from Mills College and a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from UAF. She is a certified Strategic Doing Workshop Leader, currently serves on the boards of the University Economic Development Association and thread, and is a member of the UAA Center for Community and Engaged Learning Advisory Council. She also serves on the Collaborative Advisory Group for the newly formed Ecosystem Builders Leadership Project.
The EDP credential and two new EDP courses would not be possible without support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Economic Development Administration, and partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City SourceLink.
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We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!