Alaska SBDC & Amazon partner to empower local entrepreneurs with e-commerce workshops

Anchorage, Alaska - The Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) is collaborating with Amazon's 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's platforms.

"This partnership with Amazon presents an incredible opportunity for Alaskan entrepreneurs to gain direct insights from one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms," said Jon Bittner, State Director at Alaska SBDC. "Our goal is to equip small businesses with the knowledge and confidence to scale their operations, reach new markets, and drive long-term success. We're thrilled to bring these valuable opportunities to Alaska's small business owners and entrepreneurs."

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's ecosystem.

Alaska SBDC's business advisors have extensive experience across various e-commerce platforms and are well-equipped to help Alaska's 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's 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's 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.

Limited space is available, and early registration is encouraged.

Online registration

Soldotna

Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Soldotna Public Library, Community Room
Sessions: How to Start Selling in Amazon's Store & Amazon Handmade

Anchorage

Date: Wednesday, April 16
Time: 1 - 5 p.m.
Location: Alaska Native Heritage Center, Athabascan Ceremonial House
Sessions: How to Start Selling in Amazon's Store & Build a Business with Amazon

Juneau

Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 1 - 5 p.m.
Location: Sealaska Heritage Institute, Living History Classroom
Sessions: How to Start Selling in Amazon's Store & Amazon Handmade