The annual event, organised in partnership by the Anchorage Economic Development Corp. (AEDC), and the Alaska Small Business Development Center, came to an end on Thursday, July 31.
It was designed to partner people with a business idea with those who already have relevant experience. From workshops and seminars, to one-to-one advice, prospective Alaskan business leaders were able to learn about everything from crowdfunding, through digital Business Cards and on to Stationery printing.
Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, the communications director for AEDC, Valerie Walsh, said:
"We had the idea of connecting entrepreneurs with people who had the experience to help them succeed."
One company benefiting from the help is Mackinnon Marine. Set-up by Brian McKinnon, the firm accessed funding and support through a fund managed by the U.S. Treasury. The manufacturer of personal watercraft, the firm has just launched a new all-terrain vehicle, which Brian says is essentially a river-going ATV.
He explained that engaging with experienced companies is essential to success:
"Find what you are good at and try to find other people who are good at what you are not good at."
He added that getting funding is critical, but does not outweigh the advice also received.Get a Free Quote for Business Cards Get a Free Quote for Stationery