Anchorage’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant, offering a range of resources and programs designed to support business growth and innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, understanding these opportunities can be pivotal to your success.
Set Up Shop by Anchorage Community Land Trust
The Anchorage Community Land Trust’s ‘Set Up Shop’ program empowers entrepreneurs in underserved communities, particularly in neighborhoods like Fairview, Spenard, Muldoon, and Mountain View. The program offers comprehensive training, business assistance, lending, and real estate services to help entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses. Since its inception in 2017, ‘Set Up Shop’ has graduated over 20 cohorts, providing personalized training over 12 weeks. Applications are accepted year-round, with priority given to residents and businesses in the specified neighborhoods. For more information, visit the Set Up Shop page.
Alaska Entrepreneurship Business Incubator
Launched by the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Rural Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage, the Alaska Entrepreneurship Business Incubator is a five-month, statewide, virtual program designed to support Alaskans at any stage of their business journey. The program provides practical business education, peer learning, and direct support from experienced Alaska SBDC advisors. Entrepreneurs from across the state are encouraged to participate. For more details, visit the Alaska SBDC website.
Business Enterprise Institute at UAA
The University of Alaska Anchorage’s Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) links economic development programs across the University of Alaska system and supports businesses and entrepreneurial capacities across Alaska. BEI provides a platform for high-level consultancy between industries and UAA, offering economic development-related research, technical assistance, professional education, small business development services, and entrepreneurial ecosystem enhancement. More information can be found on the BEI page.
49th State Angel Fund
The 49th State Angel Fund (49SAF) is Alaska’s entrepreneurship fund with a mission to deploy capital, support the ecosystem, and help startups. Capitalized by a $13.7 million federal allocation, 49SAF provides an evergreen source of capital to high-growth businesses, promotes entrepreneurship, fosters innovation, and strengthens Alaska’s risk capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem. For more information, visit the 49SAF website.
Upstart Alpha Accelerator
Upstart Alpha is a university-based program launched in 2019, designed to provide entrepreneurs with the resources and connections to grow an idea into a business. The accelerator is delivered in two phases, offering structured progression, accountability, and access to a valuable network of peers, mentors, and experts. The program is open to early-stage entrepreneurs based in Alaska. Details are available on the Upstart Alpha page.
These programs and initiatives reflect Anchorage’s commitment to fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing valuable resources for businesses at various stages of development.