First-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence Resource Center Launches for Small Businesses
AndersonPiza | Envato
The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is forming a new Artificial Intelligence Resource Center (AIRC) to support business advisors and small business owners while contributing to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Alaska.
Stepping into the Future
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to make a transformative impact on Alaska businesses. AI-powered tools can help business owners overcome a shrinking workforce, connect more effectively with customers, and identify new markets or funding sources,” says Alaska SBDC Executive Director Jon Bittner. “I’m proud of the Alaska SBDC’s leadership in this area which has resulted in the launching the first-of-its-kind AI Resource Center to support our business advisors and small businesses alike.”
The Alaska SBDC aims to help connect business owners with new tools and resources, helping them leverage AI solutions for improved business operations, enhanced customer experiences, and product development. By focusing on practical, actionable guidance, the AIRC is poised to become a pivotal resource for small businesses looking to navigate and thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Current Issue
March 2026
“Recent innovations in artificial intelligence have transformed how small businesses nationwide operate. The Alaska SBDC has been at the forefront of SBDCs nationally in developing new AI-based tools and training,” says Christian Conroy, director of strategic initiatives at America’s SBDC, a network of state and local development centers.
The AIRC enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of SBDC business advisors through AI-powered tools, meaning that they can invest more time in personal interactions with clients. The Alaska SBDC’s AI tools have been deployed across the country to other SBDCs looking to streamline the advising process, not just benefitting Alaskans but also positioning the organization as a national leader in the AI-driven business development space.
Alaska Small Business Development Center Executive Director Jon Bittner says artificial intelligence has the potential to make a transformative impact on Alaska businesses.
Scott Rhode | Alaska Business
“The Alaska SBDC has been an incredible partner to the Nebraska SBDC,” says Tony Schultz, state director of America’s SBDC-Nebraska. “The Alaska SBDC’s cutting-edge approach to incorporating AI into its consulting services has proven to be a successful model for the Nebraska SBDC to follow. The Alaska SBDC’s willingness to share resources and train our staff has been incredible.”
gBETA Chooses Six Alaska Businesses for Accelerator Support
EagleSong Alaska peony farm, beadedcloud, Bind, MyEyesAI, SuprSketch, and Tundra Electronics are chosen for intensive coaching and access to investors.
Old Harbor Native Corporation Launches Tourism Subsidiary
Alaska Nuna Adventures is a new subsidiary of Old Harbor Native Corporation to expand Indigenous-led tourism across Kodiak Island, the village of Old Harbor, and Alaska more broadly.
New Senior Housing for Northway Business Park
Rezoning by the Anchorage Assembly lets Cook Inlet Housing Authority proceed with a 72-unit senior housing campus in the Airport Heights neighborhood.
