Ten Local Small Businesses Join the First Alaska Interior Business Accelerator

May 4, 2022

The Alaska Interior Business Accelerator gives aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses the tools and mentorship to set their companies on the path to success and growth. The first three weeks of the program have proven invaluable to the participants. During the accelerator, the small business owners have developed a mission and vision statement, one page flier, a business model canvas, and conducted market research.

“The program has helped me the most with networking and rethinking my business plan. I look forward to working with [the AIBA team],” said paricipant Brianna Bates, founder of NISMA Therapy Services – an adult neuro rehab service.

The entrepreneurial spirit and energy within the cohort participants and organizers is evident each week.

“My experience with the AIBA has been wonderful. Everyone is so encouraging! They've given me great insights into the many ways to design and implement a business,” said Cassidy Phillips, who is building Siltbank Studio, a graphic design business with a focus on 3D graphics and animation. “And with this knowledge I am building a better business plan and considering all the parts in a way that I hadn't thought about.”

Phillips adds that the collaboration and hard work are confirmation of the opportunities and possibilities available for Alaskan entrepreneurs.

The Alaska Interior Business Accelerator will host a pitch event in partnership with the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce in on June 7, 2022 to celebrate its first cohort.

For more information on accelerator, please contact Evelyn Jacome at edjacome@alaska.edu.