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Economic Recovery Resources for Business

Business Response Directory

The Business Response Directory is a reference listing for various State, Federal, & Private business-focused organizations whose expertise and/or resources could provide assistance to Alaskans currently navigating the business climate both during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Federal
Organization Resources

Small Business Administration

The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation's only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

Economic Development Agency

As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation.

EDA's grant investments in planning, technical assistance, and infrastructure construction are designed to leverage existing regional assets to support the implementation of economic development strategies that make it easier for businesses to start and grow.

Denali Commission

Introduced by Congress in 1998, the Denali Commission is an independent federal agency designed to provide critical utilities, infrastructure, and economic support throughout Alaska. With the creation of the Denali Commission, Congress acknowledged the need for increased inter-agency cooperation and focus on Alaska's remote communities.

Minority Business Development Agency

MBDA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes the growth of minority-owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research.

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury and one of the world's most efficient tax administrators. In fiscal year 2015, the IRS collected almost $3.3 trillion in revenue and processed almost 240 million tax returns.

It is the missions of the IRS to provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.

USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.

Rural Development offers loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing; health care; first responder services and equipment; and water, electric and communications infrastructure. The agency also promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks, credit unions and community-managed lending pools as well as offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their operations.

State
Organization Resources

Division of Investments

The Division of Investments administers and services loan programs under the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. These programs were primarily designed to promote economic development through direct state lending in industries and areas of the state that are not adequately serviced by the private sector.

The loan programs include Commercial Fishing, Fisheries Enhancement, Small Business Economic Development, Rural Development Initiative Fund, Microloan, Mariculture, Commercial Charter Fisheries, Community Quota Entity and Capstone Avionics. Assumptions of existing loans are also available to a number of loan programs.

Alaska Industrial Development Export Authority (AIDEA)

The Legislature created AIDEA to provide financing for Alaskan businesses to expand the economy of the state and provide jobs for Alaska.

AIDEA is about financing businesses, helping to diversify the economy of Alaska and creating jobs for Alaskans. AIDEA accomplishes its mission by providing various means of financing and by facilitating the financing of businesses in Alaska. AIDEA also has the ability to own and operate facilities that advance this goal.

Division of Agriculture

The Alaska Division of Agriculture provides funding, training, marketing assistance, and resources to entrepreneurs looking to engage in growing and producing Alaska's food.

Private
Organization Resources

Alaska Small Business Development Centers

The Alaska SBDC provides resources, advice, and assistance that help small businesses grow and create measurable economic impact throughout Alaska. Assistance is provided by experienced business advisors and experts through on-site and/or online interactions or training, and at no cost to clients.

Contact a Local SBDC:

Anchorage
(907) 786-7201 or (800) 478-7232
Fax (907) 786-5446
Center Director & Business Advisor Allan Carraway

Fairbanks
(907) 456-7062/7803 or (800) 478-7232
Center Director Russell Talvi

Kenai Peninsula Region
(907) 260-5629
Center Director Cliff Cochran

Juneau
(907) 463-3789 or (800) 478-7232
Center Director Jennifer Adams

Mat-Su SBDC
(907) 373-7232 or (800) 478-7232
Associate State Director Julie Nolen

Technology Research and Development Center
(907) 786-7201
Alex Salov

Veterans Business Outreach Center

Veteran entrepreneurs or small business owners can receive business training, counseling and mentoring, and referrals to other SBA Resource Partners at a Veterans Business Outreach Center. This is also the place to receive procurement guidance, which can help your business better compete for government contracts.