Alaska SBDC & Amazon partner to empower local entrepreneurs with e-commerce workshops
by Green & Gold News |
Anchorage, Alaska - The Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) is collaborating with Amazon鈥檚 Small Business Partnerships and Education team to bring a specialized three-city workshop series to Alaska.
This initiative aims to empower Alaskan entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools, knowledge, and strategies necessary to thrive in the digital marketplace using Amazon鈥檚 platforms.
鈥淭his partnership with Amazon presents an incredible opportunity for Alaskan entrepreneurs to gain direct insights from one of the world鈥檚 largest e-commerce platforms,鈥� said Jon Bittner, State Director at Alaska SBDC. 鈥淥ur goal is to equip small businesses with the knowledge and confidence to scale their operations, reach new markets, and drive long-term success. We鈥檙e thrilled to bring these valuable opportunities to Alaska鈥檚 small business owners and entrepreneurs.鈥�
From April 15-17, Amazon experts will visit Soldotna, Anchorage and Juneau to deliver hands-on, practical workshops designed for product-based businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs eager to expand their online presence. These sessions will provide attendees with direct insights into selling online, leveraging Amazon Handmade and exploring alternative business opportunities within Amazon鈥檚 ecosystem.
Alaska SBDC鈥檚 business advisors have extensive experience across various e-commerce platforms and are well-equipped to help Alaska鈥檚 small businesses navigate the online marketplace. Workshop participants will have their support post-training, whether launching an online store, expanding their digital presence or optimizing their current operations.
Over 400 independent Alaskan businesses operate on Amazon鈥檚 platform, many of which are small and medium-sized. In 2023, these sellers sold more than 300,000 items, with the average Alaskan seller generating over $25,000 in sales. More than 60% of all sales on Amazon come from small and medium-sized businesses, reinforcing the platform鈥檚 role in driving economic growth for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Amazon platform allows Alaskan business owners to connect with new customers and markets via an existing platform.
Workshop details and locations
Limited space is available, and early registration is encouraged.
Soldotna
Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: 11:30 a.m. 鈥� 3:30 p.m.
Location: Soldotna Public Library, Community Room
Sessions: How to Start Selling in Amazon鈥檚 Store & Amazon Handmade
Anchorage
Date: Wednesday, April 16
Time: 1 鈥� 5 p.m.
Location: Alaska Native Heritage Center, Athabascan Ceremonial House
Sessions: How to Start Selling in Amazon鈥檚 Store & Build a Business with Amazon
Juneau
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 1 鈥� 5 p.m.
Location: Sealaska Heritage Institute, Living History Classroom
Sessions: How to Start Selling in Amazon鈥檚 Store & Amazon Handmade