Home / Where to Startup: Video Series

Where to Startup
or the Alaska entrepreneur, innovator and dreamer

This video series explains everything you need to know as an entrepreneur to start a business in Alaska. Do you want to know how to build a website, conduct market research, or legally structure your business? Each of those topics has its own video! You can watch all of them or just one. We hope you enjoy these videos and are inspired to start a business of your own!

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Who are Alaska Entrepreneurs? Our state has a long history of innovation, seen today in both rural and urban areas of the state. Join us as we chat with some Alaska entrepreneurs and learn more about who they are.
We asked each expert interviewed for this series how they would define entrepreneurship. Much like the people that follow this path, the answers were all unique yet rooted in the same themes and direction.

Select one of the titles below to learn more!

Define Entrepreneurship

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We asked each expert interviewed for this series how they would define entrepreneurship. Much like the people that follow this path, the answers were all unique yet rooted in the same themes and direction. Join us as we explore the definition of Entrepreneurship.

Who Are Alaska Entrepreneurs?

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Who are Alaska Entrepreneurs? Our state has a long history of innovation, seen today in both rural and urban areas of the state. Join us as chat with some Alaska entrepreneurs and hear their stories. (Full 10 minute version)

Entrepreneurship in Rural Alaska

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This segment discusses entrepreneurship in rural Alaska, including what rural entrepreneurs should consider before starting out, the role of entrepreneurship in rural Alaska and the role of community in starting a new business. Presented by Helvi Sandvik, President, NANA Development Corporation.

Learning From Failure

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We asked the experts interviewed for this series how to failure plays into success. Much like the people that follow this path, the answers were all unique yet rooted in the same themes and direction. Join us as we discuss the how to grow from failure and how Alaskans approach entrepreneurship differently than others.

First Steps and Crowdfunding

First Steps Crowdfunding Where to Startup

This segment discusses first steps when starting out as an entrepreneur, including online tools available, making a pitch and crowd funding. Presented by Jon Bittner, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.

Art as a Business & Made In Alaska

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This segment discusses art as a business and the Made In Alaska Program, including the key to making a living as an artist, how Made in Alaska or Silver Hand programs can help, how to leverage your location and gaining exposure for your business. Presented by Perry Eaton, Artist.

Market Research

Where to Startup Market Research

This segment discusses market research, including its value, when to conduct it, target markets, client discovery and how to know when you’ve done enough research. Presented by Katherine Jernstrom, Owner/Co-founder, The Boardroom.

Business Goals & Feasibility Studies

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This segment discusses business goals and feasibility studies, including how to determine business goals, how goals should be structured and why feasibility studies are important. Presented by Stig A. Colberg, Chief Financial Officer, CIRI.

Structuring Your Business

Structuring Your Business Where to Startup

This segment discusses legal elements of structuring your business, including Corporations, LLCs, Partnerships, business licenses and intellectual property. Presented by Andrew Mitton, Attorney, Vellum LLC.

Making a Successful Pitch

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This segment discusses making a successful pitch, including the most important aspects of a successful pitch, how to prepare, and what to do if things don’t go as you planned. Presented by John Niles Wanamaker, Managing Member, Alaska Venture Partners, LLC.

Alternative Financing & Crowdfunding

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This segment discusses alternative financing & crowdfunding basics, including alternative funding sources, equity-based versus rewards-based crowdfunding, what contributes to a successful campaign and common pitfalls. Presented by Jonathan Bittner, former Vice President, Anchorage Economic Development Corp.

Cash Flow

Cash Flow Darren Franz Where to Startup

This segment discusses cash flow and financial planning, including common expenses, seasonal cash flow, personal versus business finances and business bank accounts . Presented by Darren Franz, Alaska Regional Business Banking Manger, Wells Fargo.

Investor Perspective & Bus. Planning

Investor Perspective & Business Planning Where to Startup

This segment discusses the Investor perspective and business planning, including angel investors, what investors are looking for in entrepreneurs, pitching your idea and the purpose of a business plan. Presented by Eric McCallum, President of Arctic Wire Rope & Supply.

Starting a Small Business

Where to Startup Starting a Small Business

This segment discusses aspects of starting a small business, including resources at the Small Business Development Center, competition, funding, online resources and what investors can offer in addition to funding. Presented by Lynn Klassert, Anchorage Center Director, Alaska Small Business Development Center.

Branding & Marketing

Branding Marketing Where to Startup

This segment discusses branding and marketing for your business, including strategy, tactics, choosing a name/brand and other helpful advice. Presented by Michelle Taylor, Account Supervisor, Spawn Ideas.

Online Marketing & Social Media

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This segment discusses online marketing and social media, including benefits of online marketing, SEO advice and tips, how online marketing can put you on top, social media marketing and handling negative comments. Presented by Heather Sawyer, Senior Manager, Social Media and Consumer Marketing, GCI.

Web Development

Where to Startup Web Development

This segment discusses web development, including where to start with an online presence, domain names and building a webpage. Presented by Natalie Osborne, Owner, WONDERBUILD.COM.

Business & Data Security

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This segment discusses business and data security, including why online security is important, advice for businesses, constructing solid passwords, tips on internal protections and security on a shoe string. Presented by Glen Klinkhart, Businessman and Author.

Business Life Cycle & Culture

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This segment discusses business life cycle and culture, including the different stage in the life cycle of a business, key roles needed to start a business, setting up a healthy workplace and hiring smart. Presented by William Dann, President, Professional Growth Systems.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts Where to Startup

This segment discusses what an idea is worth, questions to ask before starting a business, when to take the plunge, knowing your audience, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, building your team, what if you fail, and final thoughts on this series. Presented by Jon Bittner, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.

1 Million Cups

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1 Million Cups (1MC) is a weekly educational program designed to engage, educate, and accelerate communities of entrepreneurs. Each week, the 1MC program offers two local entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their start-ups to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors and entrepreneurs. Join us every Wednesday at 9 A.M. at The Boardroom.

Each video has links to additional resources for the topics covered. We have compiled all links by topic here:
The first 10 videos were created in 2015 by AEDC as part of a contract with Connected Nation to develop the entrepreneurial environment in Alaska through the use of broadband. In 2016, GCI sponsored the creation of an additional 10 videos. Special thanks to Channel Films for video production on this project and to all of the individuals who volunteered their time to participate.

We Support Businesses

Are you interested in how AEDC can assist with your business investments in Anchorage? Contact us today!

AEDC President & CEO Jenna Wright at jwright@aedcweb.com.