AI is Revolutionizing Alaska’s Future: Join the 2025 SBDC Summit to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Contributed by Harley Tennant, Communications Manager, UAA Alaska SBDC
The future of business and healthcare in Alaska isn’t just coming, it’s already here. And it’s increasingly being powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). As Alaska’s economy faces unique challenges—from high operational costs to a shrinking workforce—AI presents a game-changing solution that can help small businesses and healthcare providers overcome these barriers, thrive, and drive long-term growth.
Whether you’re a small business owner in Anchorage, an entrepreneur in the Mat-Su Valley or a healthcare professional working to meet the growing needs of your patients statewide, the 2025 SBDC Summit is the event you’ll want to attend. On February 28, 2025, UAA’s Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host the second annual SBDC Summit: Innovation in AI, Healthcare, and Business at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Anchorage. This event will provide you with the tools, knowledge, and connections to integrate AI into your operations and transform your business or practice.
The summit kicks off with a keynote from David Reeser, founder of OpiAID, whose innovative use of AI is advancing treatment for substance use disorder. David will share how AI is improving healthcare outcomes, a topic especially relevant as we address Alaska’s unique healthcare needs.
Why AI Matters for Alaska: In Alaska’s communities, businesses and healthcare professionals are navigating an increasingly complex landscape. For business owners, AI isn’t just a futuristic idea, it’s a practical tool that can streamline operations and boost growth. Imagine automating common customer inquiries, using predictive analytics to refine your marketing, or managing inventory more efficiently. These are real solutions that can help Alaskan businesses thrive in competitive markets.
For healthcare providers, AI offers opportunities to improve care delivery. From telemedicine platforms to diagnostic tools and remote monitoring systems, AI is making healthcare more accessible—particularly in rural and underserved areas where resources are often stretched thin.
These advances are especially critical for Alaska, where we face challenges like high living costs, an aging population, and workforce shortages. AI has the potential to ease these pressures, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, helping us provide better services to our communities.
This year’s summit will focus on practical strategies for integrating AI into businesses and healthcare practices. Attendees will gain insights on how to:
Optimize Operations: Automate tasks, improve resource allocation, and reduce costs.
Enhance Customer Experiences: Use data-driven tools to personalize marketing and predict customer needs.
Transform Healthcare: Leverage AI for more accurate diagnoses, remote patient monitoring, and telemedicine solutions.
At the summit, experts from across Alaska and the nation will provide actionable strategies that attendees can implement in their businesses and practices, empowering them to stay ahead of the curve and lead their industries.
At the Alaska SBDC, we’re dedicated to ensuring businesses and healthcare providers statewide have access to the latest AI tools and business resources, with a special focus on supporting rural communities. Through our AI Resource Program, we offer:
Workshops: Demystify AI concepts and learn real-world applications tailored to Alaska’s industries.
Cutting-Edge Tools: Access advanced solutions to help with financial forecasting, customer management, and more.
The conversation and opportunities around AI are not just about learning but empowering Alaskan businesses to innovate, adapt, and succeed.
The 2025 SBDC Summit is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead. You’ll gain practical knowledge, network with industry leaders, and leave with a clear plan for integrating AI into your operations—whether you’re new to the technology, already using it, or simply curious.
Reserve Your Spot Today! Space is limited, and this event will sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Alaska’s AI-driven future. Visit sbdcsummit.com to secure your spot today.