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.

Alaska SBDC Business Advisors bring invaluable expertise as former business owners with advanced degrees across diverse industries—from tourism and fisheries to technology and healthcare. Having personally navigated Alaska’s unique business landscape, our advisors provide tailored guidance specific to the Last Frontier’s challenges and opportunities.

Supporting this statewide network, the Alaska SBDC Operations Office in Anchorage coordinates comprehensive services across all regional centers, managing client onboarding, strategic marketing, educational events like the annual SBDC Summit on AI innovation, data analysis, and cross-regional collaboration.

This integrated approach of specialized regional advisors backed by centralized operational support has successfully launched and grown thousands of Alaska businesses, creating jobs and strengthening local economies throughout our state.

Jon BittnerState Director

As Executive Director of the Alaska SBDC, Jon Bittner oversees seven regional centers to ensure that the Alaska SBDC provides accessible, high-quality business assistance services to individuals and existing businesses. In his role, he provides program management, advocacy, and fundraising in addition to serving as the Lead Investigator for the various grant programs that are run through Alaska SBDC. He formerly served as vice president of Anchorage Economic Development Center (AEDC). Jon also served as the Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.

Kendra ConroyAssociate 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 MachucaAI 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.

Harley TennantDirector 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About the Summit