Looking Ahead to the 2026 #SBDCSummit

Alaska’s small businesses are not just adapting to change – they’re shaping it. The 2026 Alaska SBDC Summit: Small Business at the Edge of Innovation brings entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders together to explore how new technologies and bold ideas are driving Alaska’s future.

Hosted at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel on March 6, 2026, this one-day event will dive into three powerful tracks, Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence, and E-commerce, with interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and thought-provoking conversations led by national and statewide experts.

Whether you’re navigating supply chain challenges, harnessing AI tools to streamline operations, or expanding into new markets, the Summit delivers the insights, connections, and strategies you need to stay competitive.

What to expect:

Actionable ideas to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock new revenue
Alaska-specific perspectives on how innovation can solve workforce shortages, geographic barriers, and market volatility
Opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and thought leaders who are building the future of business in Alaska
Tactical sessions that move beyond buzzwords and into practical implementation

Who should attend:
Small business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators, industry professionals, policymakers, and anyone local to Alaska who’s ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

This isn’t just another conference. It’s a catalyst for the next generation of business leadership in Alaska – and we want you there.

Since 1986, Alaska SBDC Business Advisors have helped entrepreneurs and small business owners turn ideas into action. With experience as former business owners and advanced degrees across industries from tourism and fisheries to technology and healthcare, our advisors provide guidance tailored to Alaska’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Supported by the Alaska SBDC Operations Office in Anchorage, our statewide network delivers coordinated services, including client onboarding, strategic marketing, data analysis, cross-regional collaboration, and signature programs like BuyAlaska, TREND, AI Innovation, and State and Tribal SSBCI.

Together, this integrated approach has launched and grown thousands of Alaska businesses, creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

Be sure to say hi to our team at the Summit, we’re excited to connect, share resources, and help your business thrive!

Kendra ConroyInterim State Director

With over 18-years of Alaska SBDC experience under her belt, Kendra Conroy is an integral leader of the Alaska SBDC team. As the former SBDC Operations Manager and current Associate State Director, she oversees the day-to-day functions of the Executive Office, serves as the HR liaison, and maintains Alaska SBDC policies and procedures. Kendra also manages the Alaska SBDC’s vast client database and ensures proper and timely reporting of all Alaska SBDC metrics.

Gretchen FauskeDirector of Strategy & Special Programs

A marketing minded economic developer fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business, Gretchen is the SBDC Director of Special Programs & Strategy. She oversees the TREND, Buy Alaska, SSBCI Technical Assistance, and Mentorship programs, with more on the horizon! Prior to joining Alaska SBDC, she was the Associate Director for the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, worked in the State of Alaska Division of Economic Development, for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, and in the private sector.

Gretchen has worked on a number of award-winning economic development projects, spoken at TEDx Anchorage, and was named to Alaska’s Top Forty Under 40 in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Whitman College and is currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Fairbanks Arctic and Northern Studies masters program, where she’s focusing on Arctic entrepreneurship. Additionally, Gretchen is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, and earned her “Advanced Design Thinking,” “Human Centered Strategy,” and “Business Innovation” certifications from IDEO U. She is a member of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership board, and previously chaired the Launch Alaska board and the Municipality of Anchorage Library Advisory Board.

Carlos Machuca, MBAAI Resource Program Director

Carlos has 28 plus years of experience as a business developer/owner in a variety of industries including industrial and security printing, manufacturing, ERP software consulting, OSHA compliance training, and financial instruments consulting. For over 12 years, he has worked internationally in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, and France.

Carlos has been responsible for developing several successful business divisions for small and mid-size companies in a variety of industries. He has a passion for helping small businesses grow by searching and exploiting hidden competitive advantages.

Carlos holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on entrepreneurship from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He is bilingual in Spanish and the current president of the Anchorage Midtown Rotary Club.

Jay HalversonSSBCI Programs Director

Jay has been part of the lending industry for more than 30 years starting as a construction lending officer and working his way to the executive office and consultant. In the past he has worked diligently as a liaison between lenders and governmental agencies helping the organizations work together to reach their common goals. Being part of Alaska for the past decade both in the southeast and south central area, Jay understands the uniqueness, great gifts and challenges the State offers. Assisting business/agencies/organizations in working together is his personal aspiration to positively affect communities and individuals in Alaska. As the director of the Alaska SSBCI lending programs, Jay is working to bring the current initiative to the banking and credit unions with the same innovation, coordination and commitment of previous successes.

Viola S. Smith MHA, MBATribal SSBCI Lending Program Director

My name is Viola Smith, I am a Cup’ig Alaska Native originally from Nunivak Island, the village of Mekoryuk. In our Cup’ig culture we also introduce our parents, so our elder generation will know who you are related to from our region. My mothers name is Alice Smith and my fathers name is Dale T. Smith Sr. of Mekoryuk. I am Cup’ig, a tribe that is an extension from the Yup’ik tribe in the Southwestern region of Alaska. I was raised in Mekoryuk for 18 years and left the Island of Nunivak to attend Alaska Pacific University (APU) and achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
I furthered my educational endeavors and acquired 2 Masters degrees; Masters degree in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University at South Oregon New Jersey and a Masters degree in Business Administration from APU.

I have utilized all of what Alaska has to offer, by attending both University’s in Anchorage, with that credential, I have 20 years of experience as a prior board member for our village corporation and 15 years of experience working for our Tribal Healthcare System. I have lived here in Anchorage for over 25 years and made it my home as an Alaskan. I enjoy the subsistence way of life by fishing and berrypicking. I enjoy the simple life as an Alaskan, making arts and crafts, visiting with friends and family. I also like to meet new Alaskan friends during State of Alaska’s big events; AFN, Fur Rendezvous, Camai, WEIO, NYO, State Basketball Tournaments at the Alaska Airline Center. See you all there!

Aurora AgeeSSBCI Lending Program Director

Aurora comes to Alaska SBDC with a decade of experience in consumer lending, commercial lending and rural banking and a deeply held commitment to community service. Aurora utilizes her financial management expertise to empower businesses in urban and rural Alaskan communities.

Aurora is a former small business owner herself, she understands the challenges and triumphs that accompany entrepreneurial endeavors in Alaska’s dynamic economic landscape. She has a passion for championing the interests of small businesses, and advocates for their growth and prosperity. She is excited to leverage her knowledge and the resources of the SBDC in navigating the financial, legal, and accounting needs of Alaskan small businesses!

Complementing her professional experience, Aurora has volunteered as a Nordic ski coach across Alaska for an impressive quarter-century, fostering a love for athletic endeavors and lifelong fitness. She serves on the board for FOCUS (Family Outreach Center for Understanding Special Needs), Chugiak Eagle River Women in Business, Chugiak Eagle River Nordic SKi Club, and serves as her local Rotary president, underscoring her dedication to serving her community. Aurora is a lifelong Alaskan who has had the pleasure of living in many Alaskan communities such as Anchorage, Juneau, Soldotna, Healy & Denali reflects her profound understanding of the diverse needs of Alaskan communities. She respects the uniqueness of Alaska’s various regions, finding professional success and adventurous fun in all regions of the State.

Genta LenaSSBCI Tribal Operations Specialist

As the SSBCI Tribal Operations Specialist at the Alaska SBDC, Genta Lena manages the administration of tribal lending programs. Her responsibilities include overseeing database operations, ensuring compliance with loan documentation standards, and optimizing program processes to enhance access to financial resources for Alaska Tribal communities. Genta is committed to advancing economic development and operational efficiency within the program, utilizing a strategic, results-oriented approach.

In addition to her role at the Alaska SBDC, Genta leverages her marketing expertise to support her mom’s business, ‘Mom’s Golden Layers,’ a producer of traditional Albanian baklava. She plays a critical role in the business’s branding, marketing, and growth.

Outside of her professional work, Genta is an avid runner, hiker, and climber with a deep passion for outdoor pursuits. She also serves as a board member for Girls on the Run Alaska.

Dawn HumenikSSBCI Operations Specialist

Dawn joined the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2017 and has been an integral part of the Alaska Small Business Development Center SSBCI team since early 2023. With a passion for governance, volunteering, and small business, Dawn is highly regarded for her ability to forge connections, provide exceptional customer service, and think creatively to solve problems. Her diverse professional experience includes working with a broad range of clients, from large federal agencies to startups. Dawn’s ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on Alaska’s economy and workforce. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring different aspects of well-being, such as gardening, physical fitness, and mindfulness.

Geoff WrightSSBCI Funding Specialist

Geoff Wright is a seasoned executive and information technology consultant with deep roots in the Alaska business community. Early in his career, Geoff worked for organizations, including the Institute of Social & Economic Research (ISER), Internet Alaska, and Integrity Solutions, doing a combination of software development and systems administration. In 2002, he started working at Pango Technology, where he served as a managing partner until 2023. During that time, he helped transform Pango from a boutique website design shop to one of Alaska’s premier information technology consulting firms.

Geoff has always been a passionate local volunteer and advocate for Alaska. He recently sold his share of Pango to its remaining partners so that he could dedicate his professional time and energy to building a better, stronger, and more forward-thinking community. As part of that effort, Geoff is now working with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), helping entrepreneurs across the state prepare for federal funding.

In his spare time, Geoff enjoys mountain running, biking, sailboat racing, reading science fiction, woodworking, open-source software development, and spending time with his family. He’s also a Site Director for NSAA’s Junior Nordic program, where he manages a team of coaches who teach kids aged 6–14 how to cross-country ski.

Casey Pape, MBASSBCI Funding Specialist

Casey Pape joins Alaska SBDC as a funding specialist through the technical assistance program within SSBCI. A resident of Alaska since 2010, Casey has adept knowledge of the small business landscape in Alaska with a passion for serving rural communities in Alaska and around the Arctic. A commercial
fisherman within the Prince William Sound, he and his family purchased their fishing boat and research seiner the R/V Montague in 2024.

Casey holds a Bachelor of Science from Western Washington University and a Master of Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics.

Harley HedlundDirector of Marketing & Communications

As Alaska SBDC’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Harley brings a decade of experience at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and over eight years dedicated to the Alaska SBDC to champion its mission. Her passion and purpose fuel her work in new media management, intentional outreach, and crafting engaging communication that resonates with a wide-ranging, diverse, and engaged statewide audience. She excels at showcasing the triumphs of the Alaska SBDC’s clients and program initiatives.

Her dedication to Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem was recognized in 2024 when she was named one of America’s SBDC National Top 40 Under 40. Harley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a Master of Arts in Communication, specializing in New Media and Marketing, from Southern New Hampshire University, which equips her to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Sami Jo LewisCommunications Specialist

Sami Jo Lewis is the Communications Specialist for the Alaska SBDC, where she brings a passion for creative storytelling and a commitment to celebrating Alaska’s small business community. With nearly a decade of experience in public relations, outreach, and content strategy, she crafts messaging that connects, informs, and inspires.

Before joining the SBDC, Sami Jo led statewide communications for Alaska MEP, where she launched a video series spotlighting local makers, built a strong digital presence, and supported outreach efforts across the state. Along the way, she discovered a love for event planning and community-building—skills she’s excited to bring to the SBDC team.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication from Northern Arizona University and is driven by collaboration, creativity, and a genuine belief in the power of Alaska’s entrepreneurs.

Dante MedemaCommunications Specialist

Dante Medema is a Communications Specialist who has worked with the Alaska Small Business Development Center since February 2024. An award-winning author and playwright, Dante has a background in storytelling and artist-branding, focusing on Young Adult fiction and theatre arts, and has presented at conferences all over the US. Passionate about local art and artists, Dante loves working with the SBDC to help people tell their stories.

MaryAnne LeMaitreLearning & Development Manager

As Learning & Development Manager, MaryAnne LeMaitre manages all of our trainings offered by the Alaska SBDC statewide. She was born and raised in Anchorage; attended the University of Alaska – Fairbanks (UAF) for her Bachelors of Business Administration, majoring in Finance; and attended the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa’s Masters of Urban & Regional Planning Program, working on projects with Native Hawaiian communities on the islands of O’ahu, Maui, and Hawai’i.

MaryAnne has worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) – Small Business Development Advisor in the Republic of Palau where she co-developed and managed the Palau SBDC, volunteered her assistance at the Palau Chamber of Commerce, and co-wrote the Peace Corps Micronesia Small Business Development Program’s 5-Year Strategic Plan for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Palau. While in Palau, she also lived with a Palauan family; learned the language, culture, and open-water diving; and sang the US National Anthem for Palau’s Independence Day when Palau became a sovereign nation.

Back in the USA, MaryAnne worked as the Director of the Moab Business Resource Center (BRC) at the Utah State University – Moab Campus and was an avid mountain-biker. Prior to her role as Learning & Development Manager, MaryAnne also worked with community councils and federally-recognized tribes across Alaska on a variety of economic development planning, transportation planning and housing development projects. She has traveled to over 40 rural communities and villages across our beautiful state. MaryAnne loves mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, racing sailboats, and having her trusty dog, Kai, with her on all her adventures!

Frances WesleyClient Coordinator

Frances Wesley, a long-time Alaskan has over 30 years of administrative experience including Operations Analyst, IT Project Management, and Human Resources. She takes pride in being an effective team worker, customer service, and helping to ensure projects are completed. She has done various volunteer work at many nonprofit organizations in Anchorage and is currently an officer on the board of a nonprofit organization that is helping to serve the community housing needs.

Frances received her Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis on Human Resources Organizational Development from Alaska Pacific University.

Angie GerkenAnchorage Center Director

Angie is passionate about leveraging her 30 years of business expertise to guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of starting and growing their businesses. She understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face after being a business owner for 17 years in Anchorage.

Known for her strategic mindset, customer-centric approach, and comprehensive knowledge of human resource management, she has also applied business solutions using cloud and app technology. As a lifelong learner and advocate of professional development, Angie actively pursues new knowledge and skills to stay ahead in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Beyond her professional achievements, Angie is deeply connected to Alaska. Having grown up on the north shore of Lake Iliamna, working in her family’s sport-fishing fly-out lodge and eventually managing it for several years, she has an intimate understanding of the unique business landscape in the state. Angie is a graduate of George Mason University, with additional studies at Yale University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

When she’s not assisting entrepreneurs in furthering their business goals, Angie indulges her passions for travel, amateur bird watching, and writing. She also cherishes spending quality time with her long-term partner on his saltwater boat, fishing the beautiful waters of Homer and Seward.

Ginny GrabowskiAnchorage Business Advisor

Ginny has been navigating the waters of entrepreneurship and small-business ownership for over 20 years. She is committed to empowering others and is excited to be working to further the SBDC’s mission to help small businesses grow throughout Alaska.

Ginny’s background is in the health and wellness sector. With a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion she has expertise in creating and scaling businesses that promote health and wellness. Her strengths are strategic partnership management, client engagement and creating community through workshops, training, and the development of health programs.

Ginny’s ventures have emphasized the importance of a user-centric approach, leveraging technology through website development, social media marketing, and app development to enhance customer experience and engagement.

Ginny arrived in Alaska in 2002 and lost her heart to Alaska while working in the tourist industry in and around Denali National Park. In her downtime you’ll find her running, cycling, skiing, or dancing to live music with her husband all over Southcentral Alaska.

Trish MorelandAnchorage Business Advisor

Trish Moreland brings over 20 years of experience in retail, service, and nonprofit leadership to her role at the Alaska SBDC. As a former small business owner, she understands the real-world challenges of entrepreneurship—from managing growth and cash flow to building sustainable operations.

Her background includes working with James Beard Award-winning restaurants, leading operations for a $34 million retail chain, and supporting nonprofit initiatives. Trish is passionate about helping entrepreneurs turn complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies.

Originally from Minneapolis, Trish recently made Anchorage her home and is getting to know the community one small business at a time. Outside of work, she enjoys watercolor painting and ceramics.

Jade Greene, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CPFairbanks Center Director

Jade Greene is an accomplished professional with over thirty years’ experience offering entrepreneurs assistance and counseling in best business practices with creating or expanding their small businesses. She draws upon her expertise as a Consultant listening to the needs of clients to offer realistic and sustainable solutions for their business questions and/ or concerns. Her areas of expertise also include HR Management and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She is also in the process of completing Lean Six Sigma certification.

Jade graduated from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a minor in Psychology. Her education continued, focusing on Global Management, with a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Jade is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Capella University (specializing in Entrepreneurship and Leadership) which will be completed by the end of 2024.

Jade spends as much time as possible communing with nature by exploring the parks and wild areas that make Alaska such a unique place to live and work (she highly recommends the Sea Life Center in Seward). She also has an active interest in arts and crafts especially the beadwork of Alaska Natives.

Sandy HussainJuneau Center Director

Sandy Hussain has over a decade of experience as an entrepreneur in the retail and technology sectors. As the founder and CEO of Fashion Digital, she led a premier thought leadership conference series in New York, Los Angeles, and LA.

Sandy thrives on helping businesses grow and scale, specializing in digital marketing, e-commerce, startups, business development, fundraising, and entrepreneurship. She holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in International Politics from Bryn Mawr College.

A passionate lifelong traveler and explorer, Sandy has lived in dynamic cities like New York, London, Boston, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Los Angeles before making her home in Juneau, Alaska.

Cliff Cochran, MBAKenai Peninsula Center Director

Cliff Cochran has been involved with small business leadership in the Central Kenai Peninsula for over ten years. He started with Soldotna Aircraft Repair and later managed the warehouse department for Custom Seafood Processors. He also served as an officer in the Air Force, before returning home to Alaska in 2015. He specializes in financial analysis, feasibility studies, and business planning.

Cliff has a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from the University of Alaska Anchorage, a Master of Business Administration from Sonoma State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

Robert GreenHomer Business Advisor

Robert Scott Green is a successful business owner, Registered Investment Advisor, and Tax Preparer serving clients in Alaska and Texas.

Prior to joining the Alaska Small Business Development Center team, he worked as a Financial Advisor at Smith Barney in Anchorage, at Alaska Communications Systems as a Business Account Manager, and, at the time, was the only securities licensed personal banker on the Kenai Peninsula with Wells Fargo.

Currently and throughout his career, Robert personally assists many small businesses and individuals in their business and personal endeavors as an investment fiduciary, tax preparer, and advocate for their interests through advisory and personal relationships.

Robert came to Alaska in 1998 and his first work was as manager of, then, state-owned Chena Hot Springs Pool and Recreation where he instituted many processes that reduced losses to the state at that time in addition to creating safety measures to protect patrons while soaking their weary bones.

Kelly Ann Cavaretta, MBASeward Business Advisor

Kelly Ann supports entrepreneurs in Seward by offering guidance in startup strategy, growth planning, and sustainable operations. She earned her MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2025, further deepening her expertise in business strategy, leadership, and economic development.
In addition to her advisory role at SBDC, Kelly Ann is a commercial real estate investor, committed to building community-oriented spaces and supporting local economic resilience. Kelly Ann is the founder and owner of Salted Roots, a boutique hospitality brand with locations in both Seward and Anchorage. She also owns and operates the Flamingo Cocktail Lounge, a vibrant downtown Seward commercial building with a full-service restaurant and residential tenants.

Misty O’ConnorMat-Su Center Director

Misty has over 20 years entrepreneurial experience as the founder of two successful businesses. As the owner of Point Click Learn, an educational technology company that sold proprietary software to schools and provided professional development to educators in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York for 15 years, Misty gained valuable insights into sales, marketing & advertising, professional development, grant writing, creating financial projections, and establishing distribution channels.

Misty’s second business was a family-owned special events venue located on her rural property. Misty, her father, and her two children ran the venue business hosting weddings, family reunions, graduation parties, bridal and baby showers, and garden club tours of the grounds. As outdoor and private venues for weddings and special events have become very popular, she looks forward to sharing her 15 years experience with the SBDC clients.

Misty has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Evansville, and a Master’s of Arts degree in English from the University of Central Florida.

Throughout her career and partnering with the SBDC at Gannon University in Pennyslvania, Misty used her knowledge and experience to assist other small business owners start their own businesses. Misty’s passion is working with people to see their entrepreneurial dreams become a reality and she’s now excited to assist in building and strengthening of Alaska’s small businesses.

Kristi McDonnellMat-Su Business Advisor

Kristi is a seasoned small business professional with over 30 years of experience, including running her own successful consulting business. She also spent 12 years in the oil and gas industry as a project controls professional and has broad experience in construction, project controls, and finance. Kristi lived in Bristol Bay for 10 years, working alongside small contractors in Western Alaska, where wearing many hats is essential. She brings a wide breadth of experience to our contractor and aviation community.

Her superpowers are budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and sorting out complex issues.

Kristi’s years in Bristol Bay gave her a deep understanding of Alaska’s logistical challenges and the resilience of its people. She is passionate about serving local businesses in the Mat-Su, which she proudly refers to as the heartbeat of the valley.

Ruth WolfeRural Center Director

Ruth Wolfe is an Alaska Native Yup’ik with family ties to Nightmute and Perryville. She is passionate about rural development, sustainable growth, and creating opportunities for future generations. Ruth currently serves as the Rural Center Director for the Alaska Small Business Development Center (AK SBDC), where she leads efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Alaska’s rural communities.

She brings expertise in financial analysis, marketing strategies, business research, and commercial real estate. Ruth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage and is set to graduate with her MBA at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in December 2025.

Pascual Reig-MunozRural Business Advisor

Pascual J. Reig-Muñoz is a trilingual business professional with over 25 years of experience working with small business owners, minorities, and diverse communities in Alaska, Oklahoma, and Europe. As the founder and leader of multiple initiatives, including Launch:Alaska, Alaska Startups, Alaska Startup Facebook Group, and Alaska Entrepreneurship Week, Pascual has championed innovation, economic development, and entrepreneurship, focusing on rural and multicultural communities.
With a Bachelor’s in Engineering and a Master’s in Project Management, Pascual has advised and transformed businesses through process redesign, strategy review, and operational efficiency improvements in industries like engineering, real estate, and energy. His expertise spans strategy, operations, data analysis, and financial forecasting, including producing company and market reports and studies and multilingual training programs. He has also been a company owner since 2009, helping him provide a first-hand point of view when advising about businesses.

A skilled trainer and advisor, Pascual has developed and delivered programs and services in English, Spanish, and Catalan, focusing on financial literacy, project management, and customer service.

Pascual lives in Anchorage, Alaska, where he moved over a decade ago to be closer to the mountains and outdoors. If you don’t find him working, you will find him either climbing, biking, kayaking, fishing, etc., reading books like Dune, or discussing AI topics over a nice cup of coffee.

Katie Nave, MBARural Business Advisor

With over a decade of leadership in small business management and entrepreneurship, Katie Nave brings valuable experience to her role as Rural Business Advisor for the Alaska SBDC. Katie’s journey in business began with managing administrative operations and complex logistics and evolved into strategic leadership as Program Director for BuyAlaska, where she spearheaded initiatives that supported over 1,000 Alaskan-owned businesses.

Katie’s understanding of Alaska’s unique economic landscape is complemented by her Master of Business Administration in Sustainable Systems from Presidio Graduate School. Having launched two small businesses in Southeast Alaska’s tourism industry, she brings valuable firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities for small businesses. With a solid foundation in strategic planning and operational management, Katie is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in rural communities to overcome obstacles, optimize operations, and achieve sustainable growth.

An adventurer at heart, Katie is also a passionate outdoorswoman who finds inspiration in Alaska’s stunning landscapes. Whether she’s skiing down snowy slopes, camping under the midnight sun, or swimming in glacial waters, her love for the outdoors fuels her commitment to supporting vibrant, resilient communities across the state.

Looking Ahead to the #SBDCSummit 2026

Hosted at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel on March 6, 2026, this one-day event will dive into three powerful tracks, Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence, and E-commerce, with interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and thought-provoking conversations led by national and statewide experts.

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