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Small Business
2019 EDITION
resource guide
Grow
Your
BUSINESS
in Alaska 1
2
CONTENTS
Alaska 2019
Local Business Funding
Assistance Programs
8 National Success Story 28 National Success Story
Rebecca Fyffe launched Landmark With the help of a 7(a) business
Pest Management with the help acquisition loan of $1.1 million,
of the SBA-supported Women’s Mark Moralez and John Briggs
Business Development Center. purchased Printing Palace in
Santa Monica becoming small
11 Local SBA Resource business owners.
Partners
31 Need Financing?
13 Your Advocates
32 Local SBA Lenders
14 How to Start a Business
33 Assistance with Exporting
19 10 Steps to start your
Business 34 Investment Capital
20 Local Success Story 35 Federal Research
Lori and Bob Brewer, long-time & Development
espresso connoisseurs, have
owned Caffé D’arte Alaska for 36 National Success Story
25 years. When it came time for Forest Lake Drapery and
them to update to new digital Upholstery Fabric Center in
marketing platforms, they looked Columbia, South Carolina,
to the SBA. rebounds thanks to an SBA
disaster assistance loan.
22 Write Your Business Plan
38 National Success Story
25 Programs for Veterans Three Brothers Bakery weathers
two hurricanes with the help of the
26Programs for SBA’s disaster assistance program.
Entrepreneurs
40 SBA Disaster Loans
27 Cybersecurity Essentials
for Small Businesses 41 How to Prepare Your
Business for an
Emergency
42 Surety Bonds
Contracting
44 National Success Story
Evans Capacitor Co. of Rhode
Island, a leading manufacturer of
high-energy density capacitors,
gains contracting success with
SBA assistanced.
48 SBA Contracting Programs
50 Woman-Owned Small
Business certification
ON THE COVER Lori Brewer, courtesy
of Caffé D’arte Alaska & Alaska Coffee &
Restaurant Equipment
3
THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR
T
his year the U.S. Small Business Administration businesses have the tools and resources they need to make
marks its 65th year helping small businesses start, that happen at every stage, whether they are launching,
grow and succeed. The Agency remains committed expanding or getting through a tough time.
to its core missions: advocating for entrepreneurs Of course, we can’t do it alone. We are honored to have
and helping them access capital, government contracts, the expertise of our resource partners, including Small
counseling and disaster assistance. As Administrator of the Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers,
SBA, I am honored to serve as a member of President Trump’s Veterans Business Outreach Centers and SCORE chapters in
cabinet and represent the interests of America’s 30 million communities nationwide.
small businesses. As the President noted at an event he hosted at the White
Small businesses truly are the engines of our economy— House with more than a hundred entrepreneurs from all
and our communities. Over half of the U.S. workforce either over the country, “America is on the verge of a golden age for
owns or works for a small business, and small businesses small business.” The SBA is working to continue to revitalize
create two out of every three net new jobs in the private a spirit of entrepreneurship in America and help America’s
sector. Small businesses may not put their names on stadiums small businesses compete in a global economy. Entrepreneurs
and skyscrapers, but they likely put them on the uniforms of find that owning a business is one of the most effective ways
their local Little League and bowling teams. They are the delis to secure a financial future for themselves, provide for their
and salons and retailers and manufacturers that make each families, exercise their commitments to their communities,
community special. Across our great country, neighborhoods and drive our country’s economic growth. I encourage all
and families depend on the success of small business. entrepreneurs to leverage the opportunities detailed in this
Since taking leadership of the SBA in February 2017, I have resource guide to propel their businesses forward.
had the privilege of meeting with entrepreneurs all over the
country. My goal is to visit small businesses in every one of the Regards,
SBA’s 68 districts. So many of them tell me they simply would Linda McMahon
not exist without the help of the SBA—from the guaranteed SBA Administrator
loans that provided the capital they needed to realize their
dreams of owning a small business, to the advice they got
from our district offices and resource partners, to the disaster
aid they received when it seemed all hope had been lost.
Throughout this issue of our resource guide, you will read
stories of successful entrepreneurs who received assistance
from the SBA. These successes are the motivation for the work
we do.
As SBA Administrator, I am proud to lead a team of
professionals dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn their
visions into viable businesses. All of us share the joy of
watching an entrepreneur go from having a simple idea and
a business plan to living the American Dream—and often
becoming an employer that empowers the dreams of others.
It’s clear that the strength of America’s communities is often
determined by the economic opportunities available to its
citizens. Small businesses invigorate neighborhoods and
cities, making them vibrant places to live, work and raise
a family. And we at the SBA are working to ensure small
4
Small
businesses
power our
economy.
The SBA
powers
small
businesses.
Whether you dream of transforming your
business idea into a thriving company, growing
your customer base, or expanding into new
markets or locations, the SBA is here for you.
We offer programs, expertise, and access to
capital that will empower you to take your
small business to the next level of success.
Stop by your local SBA office or visit SBA.gov
to learn how you can move your business
forward with confidence.
5
published by
New South Media, Inc.
304.413.0104 | newsouthmediainc.com
PUBLISHER
Nikki Bowman, nikki@newsouthmediainc.com
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
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Pam Kasey, pam@newsouthmediainc.com
DESIGNER
Hayley Richard, hayley@newsouthmediainc.com
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Holly Leleux-Thubron, holly@newsouthmediainc.com
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR
Heather Mills, heather@newsouthmediainc.com
ADVERTISING SALES
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sba@newsouthmediainc.com
Copyright: New South Media, Inc. Reproduction in part or whole is
strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the
publisher.
© NEW SOUTH MEDIA , INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Marketing & Customer
Service directs the publication of the Small Business Resource Guide
under SBA Contract #SBAHQ–17–C–0018. SBA publication Spring 2018
National edition #mcs-0087.
WRITER/EDITOR
Becky Bosshart
(202) 205-6677
rebecca.bosshart@sba.gov
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Paula Panissidi Tavares
paula.tavares@sba.gov
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Kelley Daniels
kelley.daniels@sba.gov
The SBA’s participation in this publication is not an endorsement of the
views, opinions, products or services of the contractor or any advertiser
or other participant appearing here. All SBA programs and services are
extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Printed in the
United States of America. While every reasonable effort has been made
to ensure that the information contained here is accurate as of the date
of publication, the information is subject to change without notice. The
contractor that publishes this guide, the federal government, or agents
thereof shall not be held liable for any damages arising from the use of or
reliance on the information contained in this publication.
6
SBA Alaska District Office
420 L St., suite 300 Fairbanks Office
Anchorage, AK 99501 2175 University Ave. South, suite 201A
(907) 271-4022 or (800) 755-7034 Fairbanks, AK 99709
Fax (907) 271-4545 (907) 474-4878
akinfo@sba.gov Fax (907) 474-4879
8(a) mailbox: alaska8a@sba.gov
sba.gov/ak
SBA — Effective & Efficient District Director
W
Nancy Porzio
elcome to the 2019 edition of the SBA Alaska District Office Small Business Resource (907) 271-4844
Guide. Whether you are an experienced owner of a successful business, a one nancy.porzio@sba.gov
person home-based entrepreneur, or just thinking of starting your business, this
guide provides a wealth of useful tools and references to help you get off to a great start. Deputy District Director
The words "effective & efficient" come from SBA Administrator Linda McMahon. She Marichu Relativo
came to the agency as the owner of a successful business, and she’s had the enthusiasm (907) 271-4861
to reform and re-energize the SBA into an agency focused on professional excellence. The marichu.relativo@sba.gov
SBA’s mission is to help small businesses start, grow, expand, and recover after a disaster.
The Alaska SBA District Office is here to offer support as you turn an idea into reality, Fairbanks Senior Area Manager
taking your company toward fulfillment of your vision. Your achievement directly affects Scott Swingle
your employees, your community, and ultimately the Alaskan economy. (907) 474-4878
Last year, the SBA made a difference to thousands of businesses by providing access scott.swingle@sba.gov
to capital, business assistance, and contracting support so small businesses can be set
Lead Business Opportunity Specialist
up for success in the public marketplace. Our partnerships with local lenders helped
Christie VandenDries
small businesses to secure nearly $62 million in funding to expand their businesses,
(907) 271-4055
providing working capital and necessary equipment and fixtures.
christie.vandendries@sba.gov
SCORE mentors and Small Business Development Center advisers met with more
than 2,500 entrepreneurs and business owners to help with the development of Business Opportunity Specialists
business, marketing, and succession plans. Clark Bihag
Government agencies set aside contracts for small businesses in record numbers, Veterans Representative
supporting the smooth operation of the federal government and helping local businesses (907) 271-4850
to grow and employ more Alaskans. We have the perfect climate for government clark.bihag@sba.gov
contracting in our state. Alaskan small businesses can compete for Department of
Ryan Zachry
Defense contracts on our many military bases and installations. The Department of the
(907) 271-4842
Interior provides opportunities for land and water resource management. Our first people
ryan.zachry@sba.gov
are supported through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services. Last year
$1.6 billion in government contracts were awarded to Alaskan businesses that employ Laura Sheldon
Alaskans, bringing revenue to their communities. (907) 271-4837
We at the SBA are proud to work for laura.sheldon@sba.gov
an agency that supports small business Steven Roberts
success. We invite you to use this guide as (908) 271-3313
a tool for exploring a new business idea, steven.roberts@sba.gov
creating the business of your dreams,
and building a stronger economy through Lender Relations Specialist
small business ownership. Nelida Irvine
Thank you for your support of the SBA. (907) 271-4027
nelida.irvine@sba.gov
Sincerely,
Nancy Porzio Economic Development Specialist
District Director Kimberlee Hayward
SBA Alaska District Office (907) 271-4841
kimberlee.hayward@sba.gov
7
LOCAL BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE
Bitten
by the
Business
Bug
How SBA-backed loans helped
one woman turn a flagging pest
control business into an
ever-expanding enterprise.
written by Zack Harold
LANDMARK PEST MANAGEMENT
8
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
R
ebecca Fyffe first worked at ABC Humane
Wildlife Control & Prevention Inc., a pest
control business in suburban Chicago,
Illinois, for a college summer job. She
was on a different career path when she
got a call from her old employer. The president of ABC
needed to take a medical sabbatical, and the company
wanted Fyffe to take over in his absence. Fyffe had
studied public policy, pre-law, and epidemiology in
addition to university-level research on pesticides. Not
content with just keeping the seat warm, Fyffe began
making improvements to the company’s operations
during her year at the helm. “Because of that I was
made CEO,” she says. That was in 2001. Fyffe was just
25 years old, the youngest pest control company CEO in
the nation and one of only a few women in a business
dominated by men.
She continued to look for ways to grow the company.
At the time, ABC focused its efforts solely on nuisance
wildlife control. Fyffe saw a lucrative opportunity in
urban bird management. She had long been concerned
LANDMARK PEST MANAGEMENT
about pigeons. Growing up, one of her young cousins
contracted encephalitis from pigeon droppings, which
led to epilepsy, blindness, and eventually death. Fyffe
studied the birds and how to mitigate their threat,
which brought her to the conclusion that improvements
could be made in urban pigeon control. She found more
effective solutions were needed to make the mitigation
material more durable for city use. Fyffe knew she could
do better, but to get the new venture off the ground,
ABC needed to borrow money to invest in training,
equipment, and insurance. The company was hesitant to
take on the financial risk, so Fyffe offered an alternative
solution: allow her to launch a new company that would
specialize in pigeon management. She would run that
company in addition to her duties at ABC.
She launched Landmark Pest Management in 2010
with four employees. Fyffe still needed to borrow money,
which would be more difficult now that she didn’t have
an established business standing behind her. Thanks
to workshops hosted by the SBA-supported Women’s
Business Development Center, Fyffe applied for an SBA-
backed 7(a) loan through Chase Bank. A conventional
loan would have allowed her to mortgage the warehouse
facility she needed, but nothing more.
“We would have maxed out our ability to borrow, " Fyffe
says. "That would not have worked for our business.”
Because of SBA backing, Chase was willing to offer Fyffe a
larger line of credit, which allowed her to get the warehouse
as well as the uniforms, tools, and materials she needed.
LANDMARK PEST MANAGEMENT
“We couldn’t have done it without the SBA,” she says.
Landmark established its reputation from its first
contract, installing netting on a bridge project in Chicago.
This bridge became the Chicago Transit Authority’s
showpiece for bird control. Within two years, Landmark
was one of the main companies providing bird deterrent
systems in Chicago. Fyffe used the money she made to
purchase ABC and merge the two companies in 2012.
9
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
We couldn’t SBA Resource
have done it
without the
Partners
No matter your industry, location, or experience, if you have a dream, the
SBA is here to help you realize it. Our SBA Resource Partners extend our reach,
SBA.” offering free or low-cost mentoring, counseling, and training to help you start-
up and thrive at all stages of the business life cycle.
Rebecca Fyffe
Founder There are more than
Landmark Pest Management
300 SCORE chapters
The company has grown to 85
employees with 50 trucks on the 980 Small Business Development Centers
road every day, working alongside 100 Women’s Business Centers
the biggest construction firms
in the country. Still, Fyffe 20 Veterans Business Outreach Centers
challenges herself by finding
ways to expand the company. In
addition to its work in Illinois, SCORE
Landmark does business in
Michigan, Indiana, and Missouri. Join the ranks of other business owners who have experienced higher revenues
Fyffe is considering expansion to and increased growth thanks to SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer
California and New York. business mentors. These business executives share real-world knowledge for no
Landmark has continued to use cost and to fit your busy schedule. SCORE mentors are available as often as you
its science-based methodology need, in person, via email or over video chat. Visit sba.gov/score to start working
and proprietary technology on your business goals.
to expand its offerings. The
company is a leader in bedbug
science, pioneering a special SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
DNA test to detect infestations
with a relatively small sample. Realize your dream of business ownership and then remain competitive in an
Fyffe’s team is also testing a new ever-changing global economy with assistance from your local SBDC. Access
nontoxic fungi spore that could free or low-cost one-on-one counseling and training on topics like marketing,
be used to kill the pests. The regulatory compliance, technology development, and international trade.
company’s fastest growing sector
Connect with an SBDC adviser at sba.gov/sbdc.
is food production applications.
Inspectors shut down factories
if they find a pest, even if the WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTERS
animal has already been caught in
a trap. Fyffe’s company developed Women entrepreneurs receive essential business training from this national
a trap that is equipped with network of community-based centers. Each center tailors its services to help
sensors that allow Landmark to you navigate the challenges women often face when starting or growing their
dispatch technicians as soon as a business. For your nearest Women’s Business Center, visit sba.gov/women.
pest is captured. Although Fyffe
has used conventional loans for
these expansions, she credits her VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS
first SBA-backed loan and her
Women’s Business Development Veteran and military entrepreneurs receive business training, counseling and
Center guidance with teaching mentoring, and referrals to other SBA Resource Partners at a Veterans Business
her how to craft a growth plan Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc. These are also the places to receive procurement
and pitch ideas to lenders. guidance, which can help your business better compete for government contracts.
“We might not have been able VBOCs also serve active duty service members, National Guard or Reserve
to access that without the SBA,” members, veterans of any era, and military spouses.
she says.
10LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Our Local
SBA Resource
Partners
SBA’s Resource Partners are independent organizations that are funded
through SBA cooperative agreements or grants.
SCORE
alaska.score.org
Visit sba.gov/score to start
working on your business goals.
Alaska SCORE
District Director
Lisa Wedin
(907) 786-1641
lisa.wedin@scorevolunteer.org
Chapter Chair
Jasmin Smith
(907) 602-5297
jasmin.smith@scorevolunteer.org
Arthur and Sandra Johnson, owners
of 21 Short Stop in Georgia, received
assistance from their local Small
Business Development Center and
SCORE chapter.
11LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Alaska Small Alaska Small
Business Business
Development Development
Centers Center’s Partner
Find your local Small Business
Program
Buy Alaska
Development Center at aksbdc.org. 1901 Bragaw St., suite 199
Anchorage
Statewide Kenai Peninsula (907) 786-7201 or (800) 478-7232
Executive Director Region SBDC Fax (907) 786-5446
43335 Kalifornsky Beach Road., buyalaska.com
Jon Bittner
suite 12
jon.bittner@aksbdc.org
Soldotna Technology Research and Development Center
Operations Manager (907) 260-5629 1901 Bragaw St., suite 199
Kendra Conroy Anchorage
kendra.conroy@aksbdc.org Center Director
Cliff Cochran (907)786-7201
Client Coordinator cliff.cochran@aksbdc.org info@aksbdc.org
& Lemonade Day
Alaska Manager Juneau SBDC
Harley Tennant 9301 Glacier Highway, suite 110
harley.tennant@aksbdc.org (907) 463-3789 or (800) 478-
7232
Workshop Coordinator
Victoria Hofmann Center Director
victoria.hofmann@aksbdc.org Jennifer Adams
jennifer.adams@aksbdc.org
Anchorage SBDC
1901 Bragaw St., room 199 Rural Program
(907) 786-7201 or (800) 478-7232 Development Director
Ian Grant
Fax (907) 786-5446
ian.grant@aksbdc.org
Center Director
& Business Advisor Mat-su SBDC Veterans Business
Don Katz
don.katz@aksbdc.org
201 N. Lucille St., suite 2A
Wasilla Outreach Center
(907) 373-7232 or (800) 478- businessimpactnw.org/services/vboc
Business Advisor
7232
Allan Carraway Veteran entrepreneurs or small business owners can
allen.carraway@aksbdc.org Associate State Director
receive business training, counseling and mentoring, and
Julie Nolen
referrals to other SBA Resource Partners at a Veterans
Fairbanks SBDC julie.nolen@aksbdc.org
Business Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc. This is also the
3750 Bonita St.
place to receive procurement guidance, which can help
(907) 456-7062/7803
or (800) 478-7232 your business better compete for government contracts.
Center Director Business Impact NW
Russell Talvi (206) 324-4330
russell.talvi@aksbdc.org 1437 S. Jackson St.
Business Advisor Seattle, WA
Alexis Amstutz Program Director
alexis.amstutz@aksbdc.org Domonique Juleon
domoniquej@businessimpactnw.org
12LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Your To report how a proposed federal
regulation could unfairly affect you,
Advocates
find your regional SBA advocate at
sba.gov/advocacy.
To submit a comment about how
your business has been hurt by an
existing regulation, visit
The SBA’s offices of advocacy and ombudsman are sba.gov/ombudsman/comments
independent voices for small business within the
federal government.
Advocacy
When you need a voice within the federal »» when you need economic and small »» reduce unfair penalties and fines
government for your interests as a small business statistics »» seek remedies when rules are
business owner, the SBA’s regional advocates inconsistently applied
are here to assist. The advocates analyze the The SBA’s Office of Advocacy also
»» recover payment for services done by
effects of proposed regulations and consider independently represents small business and
government contractors
alternatives that minimize the economic advances its concerns before Congress, the
burden on small businesses, governmental White House, federal agencies, federal courts, Make your voice heard by participating in a
jurisdictions, and nonprofits. Find your and state policy makers. Regional Regulatory Enforcement Fairness
regional advocate at sba.gov/advocacy. Roundtable or a public hearing hosted by the
Ombudsman SBA’s national ombudsman. These events
Your advocate helps with these small
Entrepreneurs who have an issue with an are posted periodically on the ombudsman
business issues:
existing federal regulation or policy can website, sba.gov/ombudsman.
»» if your business could be negatively receive assistance from the SBA’s national To submit a comment or complaint through
affected by regulations proposed by the ombudsman. the online form, visit sba.gov/ombudsman/
government comments. Your concerns will be directed to
The ombudsman’s office helps you:
»» if you have contracting issues with a the appropriate federal agency for review. The
federal agency »» resolve regulatory disputes with federal SBA will collaborate with you and the agency
agencies to help resolve the issue.
13LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
COURTESY OF THE SBA
An O’Fallon Casting Inc. employee at
work in O’Fallon, MO. Owner Vince
Gimeno grew his business thanks to
expert SBA business counseling.
How to Start a
Business in Alaska
Thinking of starting a business? Here are the nuts & bolts.
The Startup Logistics Business License & Zoning
Even if you’re running a home-based business, you will have Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local
to comply with many local, state, and federal regulations. Do departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when
not ignore regulatory details. You may avoid some red tape in choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business
the beginning, but your lack of compliance could become an license office where you plan to locate your business. You may not
obstacle as your business grows. Taking the time to research the be permitted to conduct business out of your home or engage in
applicable regulations is as important as knowing your market. industrial activity in a retail district.
Carefully investigate the laws affecting your industry. Being
out of compliance could leave you unprotected legally, lead to »» Division of Economic Development
expensive penalties, and jeopardize your business. Juneau
State Office Building
333 Willoughby Ave., ninth floor
Market Research (907) 465-2510
Need to do research on your clients and location? View consumer Fax (907) 465-2103
and business data for your area using the Census Business commerce.alaska.gov
Builder: Small Business Edition, https://cbb.census.gov/sbe. Anchorage
Filter your search by business type and location to view data on 550 W. Seventh Ave., suite 1770
your potential customers, including consumer spending, and a (907) 269-8150
summary of existing businesses, available as a map and a report. Fax (907) 269-8147
businesslicensing@alaska.gov
alaska.gov
14LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
COURTESY OF THE SBA
Adriana Medina, owner of Fuerte
Fitness, in Seattle, WA, received business
counseling from a SCORE mentor and a
Women’s Business Center adviser.
»» State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community information on a variety of topics including: obtaining an
& Economic Development Employer Identification Number, paying and filing income tax,
Professional Licensing virtual workshops, forms, and publications.
Juneau Whether you are a new or an experienced business owner,
(907) 465-2550 there are new tax law changes that may affect your business. As
Fax (907) 465-2974 the IRS works to implement the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed
license@alaska.gov
into law December 2017, you can access the latest information
Anchorage
on irs.gov/tax-reform to better understand the new tax law
550 W. Seventh Ave., suite 1500
(907) 269-8160 implications and how they affect your bottom line.
Fax (907) 269-8156
Boards & Commissions
»» Local Taxpayer Advocate Service Office
Nursing (907) 269-8161 949 E. 36 th Ave., room A-209
Public accountancy (907) 269-4712 Anchorage (907) 786-9777
Real estate (907) 269-8162 Outside Anchorage (877) 777-4778
Medical (907) 269-8163 Fax (907) 271-6157
Name Registration Social Security
Register your business name with the county clerk where your If you have any employees, including officers of a corporation
business is located. If you’re a corporation, also register with the state. but not the sole proprietor or partners, you must make periodic
payments, and/or file quarterly reports about payroll taxes and
»» Corporations other mandatory deductions. You can contact the IRS or the
333 Willoughby Ave., ninth floor Social Security Administration for information, assistance and
Juneau forms, socialsecurity.gov/employer or (800) 772-1213. You can
(907) 465-2550
file W-2s online or verify job seekers through the Social Security
Fax (907) 465-2974
Number Verification Service.
corporations@alaska.gov
Employment Eligibility Verification
Taxes The Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires
As a business owner, you should know your federal tax employers to verify employment eligibility of new employees.
responsibilities and make some basic business decisions to The law obligates an employer to process Employment Eligibility
comply with certain tax requirements. The IRS Small Business Verification Form I-9. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
and Self-Employed Tax Center, go.usa.gov/xPxYR, offers Service offers information and assistance through uscis.gov/i-9-
15LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Fairbanks
675 Seventh Ave., station J
(907) 451-2886
Juneau
111 W. Eighth St., room 302
(907) 465-4842
Environmental
Regulations
State assistance is available for small
businesses that must comply with
environmental regulations under the Clean
Air Act. State Small Business Environmental
Assistance programs provide free,
confidential assistance to help small
business owners understand and comply
with complex environmental regulations
and permitting requirements. These state
programs can help businesses reduce
emissions at the source, often reducing
regulatory burden and saving you money.
To learn more about these free services,
visit nationalsbeap.org/states/list.
Disability Compliance
COURTESY OF THE SBA For assistance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act call (800) 669-3362 or visit
Reeves Clippard used the business
knowledge he acquired in the SBA ada.gov.
Emerging Leaders program to grow A/R
Solar in Seattle, WA.
Employee Insurance
central. For forms, call (800) 870-3676, for »» U.S. Labor Department Check with your state laws to see if you
the employer hotline, call (888) 464-4218 605 W. Fourth Ave., suite G30 are required to provide unemployment
or e-mail I-9central@dhs.gov. Anchorage or workers’ compensation insurance for
E-Verify, operated by the Department (907) 271-5035 your employees. For health insurance
of Homeland Security in partnership options, call the Small Business Health
with the Social Security Administration, »» Alaska Occupational Safety Options Program at (800) 706-7893 or
electronically verifies the Social Security and Health Section visit healthcare.gov/small-businesses/
number and employment eligibility Anchorage employers or AlaskaCAre.gov.
information reported on Form I-9. It’s the (907) 269-4955
Juneau »» Juneau
quickest way for employers to determine
(907) 465-4855 (907) 465-4460
the employment eligibility of new hires.
Visit e-verify.gov, call (888) 464-4218 or »» Outside Juneau
»» Alaska Department of Labor
email e-verify@dhs.gov. (800) 821-2251
& Workforce Development
(907) 465-2700
Health & Safety Fax (907) 465-2784 Child Support
All businesses with employees are labor.alaska.gov Employers are essential to the success
required to comply with state and federal of the child support program and are
regulations regarding the protection of »» State of Alaska Wage responsible for collecting 75 percent
employees, visit dol.gov for information. & Hour Administration of support nationwide through payroll
The Occupational Safety and Health Anchorage-Muldoon Job Center deductions. The Office of Child Support
Administration provides information on 1251 Muldoon Road, suite 113 Enforcement at Health and Human
the specific health and safety standards Anchorage Services offers employers step-by-step
used by the U.S. Department of Labor, (907) 269-4900 instructions for processing income
(800) 321-6742 or visit osha.gov. statewide.wagehour@alaska.gov withholding orders for child support. “A
Guide to an Employer’s Role in the Child
16LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Support Program” is available at the propagated plant or a plant found in Big Lake
Office of Child Support Enforcement’s an uncultivated state. For information (907) 892-6109
website at acf.hhs.gov/programs/css > visit uspto.gov/inventors. biglakechamber.org
employer responsibilities. You can also A trademark or service mark includes
Bristol Bay Borough,
find information about other employer any word, name, symbol, device, or
King Salmon
responsibilities and tools that can make any combination used or intended to
(907) 246-2222
meeting those responsibilities easier, be used to identify and distinguish the
bristolbaychamber.com
such as electronic income withholding goods/services of one seller or provider
orders and the Child Support Portal. from those of others, and to indicate the Chugiak-Eagle River
Send questions to employerservices@ source of the goods/services. (907) 694-4702
acf.hhs.gov. Trademarks and service marks may be cer.org
registered at both the state and federal Cooper Landing
»» Alaska Child Support Services Division level with the latter at the U.S. Patent and cooperlandingchamber.com
655 F St. Trademark Office. Federally registered
Anchorage Cordova
trademarks may conflict with and
(907) 269-6900 (907) 424-7260
supersede those registered only at the
cordovachamber.com
state level. For information visit uspto.
Intellectual Property gov/trademarks. Delta Junction
Patents, trademarks, and copyrights (907) 895-5068
are types of intellectual property »» State of Alaska trademark registration deltachamber.org
that serve to protect creations and (907) 465-2426
Dillingham
innovations. Intellectual property may jessica.fowler@alaska.gov
dillinghamchamber
be valuable assets for small businesses corporations.alaska.gov, also visit
ofcommerce.org
and entrepreneurs, and are important the Small Business Assistance Center
to consider in the development of any at commerce.alaska.gov. Soldotna
business plan. (907) 262-9814
Copyrights https://visitsoldotna.com
Patents and Trademarks Copyrights protect original works of Girdwood
For information and resources about authorship, including literary, dramatic, (888) 999-9587
U.S. patents and federally registered musical and artistic, and certain other girdwoodchamber.com
trademarks: Visit uspto.gov or call the U.S. intellectual works. Copyrights do not protect
Greater Copper Valley, Glennallen
Patent and Trademark Office Help Center at facts, ideas, and systems, although it may
(907) 822-5555
(800) 786-9199. The Silicon Valley office in protect the way these are expressed. For
coppervalleychamber.com
San Jose, California, serves Alaska, Arizona, general information contact:
Greater Fairbanks
California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and
»» U.S. Copyright Office (907) 452-1105
Washington, uspto.gov/siliconvalley.
U.S. Library of Congress fairbankschamber.org
A patent for an invention is the grant
James Madison Memorial Building
of a property right to an inventor, issued Greater Healy/Denali
101 Independence Ave. Southeast
by the patent office. The right conferred (907) 683-4636
Washington, DC
by the patent grant is the right to exclude denalichamber.com
(202) 707-3000 or toll free (877) 476-0778
others from making, using, offering for Greater Ketchikan
copyright.gov
sale, or selling the invention in the United (907) 225-3184
States or importing the invention.
There are three types of patents: Chambers of ketchikanchamber.com
Greater Palmer
• Utility patents may be granted to Commerce (907) 745-2880
anyone who invents or discovers any Armed Forces palmerchamber.org
new and useful process, machine, (702) 518-8845
manufacture, or composition of matter,
Greater Sitka
armedforceschamber.com
(907) 747-8604
or any new and useful improvement.
Alaska Chamber sitkachamber.com
• Design patents may be granted to (907) 278-2722
anyone who invents a new, original,
Greater Wasilla
alaskachamber.com
(907) 376-1299
and ornamental design for an article
Anchorage wasillachamber.org
of manufacture.
(907) 272-2401
• Plant patents may be granted to
Haines
anchoragechamber.org
(907) 766-2202
anyone who invents or discovers and
Bethel haineschamber.org
asexually reproduces any distinct and
(907) 543-2911
new variety of plant, other than a tuber
bethelchamber.org
17LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
North Pole Community Mat-Su Valley, Palmer
(907) 488-2242 alaskavisit.com
northpolechamber.us Nome
Petersburg visitnomealaska.com
(907) 772-4636 Sitka
petersburg.org sitka.org
Prince of Wales, Klawock Skagway
(907) 755-2626 skagway.com
princeofwalescoc.org
Valdez
Seldovia valdezalaska.org
(907) 234-7612
seldovia.com Unalaska, Port of Dutch Harbor
unalaska.info
Seward
(907) 224-8051 Wrangell
seward.com wrangell.com/business/resources/wcvb
Skagway
(907) 983-1898 Economic
skagwaychamber.org Development
COURTESY OF THE SBA
Talkeetna Alaska Regional Development
(907) 315-8012 Organizations
Michael Gutman & Yael Gutman grew talkeetnachamber.org Robert B. Atwood Building
New England Urgent Care in West 550 W. Seventh Ave., suite 1770,
Hartford, CT thanks to an SBA-backed
Tok
(907) 883-5775 Anchorage
7(a) loan.
tokalaskainfo.com (907) 269-8150
Fax (907) 269-8147
Homer Willow Juneau
(907) 235-7740 (907) 495-9000 State Office Building
homeralaska.org willowchamber.org 333 Willoughby Ave., ninth floor
Houston Wrangell (907) 465-2510
houstonakchamber.tripod.com (907) 874-3901 Fax (907) 465-2103
wrangellchamber.org commerce.alaska.gov/web/ded/dev/
Juneau
ardors.aspx
(907) 463-3488 Yakutat
juneauchamber.com yakutattourism@live.com ANCSA Regional Association
(907) 375-4212
Kenai Chamber, Overland Avenue Yukon, Whitehorse
cindy@ancsaceos.org
(907) 283-7989 (867) 667-2000 or (800) 661-0543
ancsaregional.com
yukonchamber.com
Kenai Chamber & Visitors’ Center,
Alaska Federation of Natives
Kenai Spur Highway
(907) 283-1991 Convention & 3000 A St., suite 210, Anchorage
(907) 274-3611
kenaichamber.org Visitors’ Bureaus Fax (907) 276-7989
Kodiak Anchorage afninfo@nativefederation.org
(907) 486-5557 anchorage.net nativefederation.org
kodiakchamber.org
Fairbanks Commerce Department
Moose Pass explorefairbanks.com commerce.alaska.gov
moosepassalaska.com Anchorage
Haines
Nikiski (907) 258-8100
haines.ak.us
(907) 776-5551 Juneau
Juneau (907) 465-2500
Nenana traveljuneau.com
(907) 832-5812 U.S. Department of Agriculture
Ketchikan Rural Development
Ninilchick visit-ketchikan.com Alaska State Rural Development Office
ninilchikchamber.com
Kodiak 800 Evergreen Ave #201, Palmer
Nome kodiak.org (907) 761-7700
(907) 443-6555 rd.usda.gov/ak
visitnomealaska.com
18LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
4
Pick your business location.
Your business location is one of the most important
decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re setting up a brick-
and mortar business or launching an online store, the choices
you make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and
revenue.
5
Choose a business structure.
The legal structure you choose for your business will
affect your business registration requirements, how
much you pay in taxes, and your personal liability.
6
Choose your business name.
It’s not easy to pick the perfect name. You’ll want one
that reflects your brand and captures your spirit. You’ll
also want to make sure your business name isn’t already being
used by someone else.
7
Register your business.
Once you’ve picked the perfect business name, it’s time
10 STEPS
to make it legal and protect your brand. If you’re doing
business under a name different than your own, you’ll need to
register with the federal government, and maybe your state
government, too.
to Start Your 8
Get federal and state tax IDs.
You’ll use your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
for important steps to start and grow your business,
Business
like opening a bank account and paying taxes. It’s like a social
security number for your business. Some—but not all—states
require you to get a tax ID as well.
9
Starting a business involves planning, making Apply for licenses and permits.
key financial decisions, and completing a Keep your business running smoothly by staying legally
compliant. The licenses and permits you need for your
series of legal requirements. business will vary by industry, state, location, and other factors.
1 10
Open a business bank account.
Conduct market research. A small business checking account can help you
Market research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn handle legal, tax, and day-to-day issues. The good
your idea into a successful business. It’s a way to gather news is it’s easy to set one up if you have the right registrations
information about potential customers and businesses already and paperwork ready.
operating in your area. Use that information to find a competitive
advantage for your business.
2
Write your business plan.
Your business plan is the foundation of your business.
It’s a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your
new business. You’ll use it to convince people that working with
you—or investing in your company—is a smart choice.
3
Fund your business.
Your business plan will help you figure out how much
money you’ll need to start your business. If you don’t
have that amount on hand, you’ll need to either raise or borrow
the capital. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find the
capital you need.
19local success story
Lori Brewer PR ESIDENT, CAFFÉ D’A RTE AL ASK A &
AL ASK A COFFEE & R ESTAUR ANT EQUIPMENT
Anchorage, Alask a
Lori and Bob Brewer, long-time espresso connoisseurs, have owned Caffé D’arte Alaska for 25 years. When it came
time for them to update to new digital marketing platforms, they looked to the SBA. Their SBA Alaska District Office and
local Small Business Development Center helped the Brewers create an artistic and personable online presence in both
their website and social media.
With a commitment to low-debt operations, the Brewers have expanded Caffé D’arte Alaska to six retail stores, over 200
wholesale accounts, and a statewide espresso equipment repair business. Caffé D’arte Alaska employs 56 and has assisted
hundreds of new owners opening their own franchise operations.
• What challenge did you have? Along the way, there have been several challenges. Our initial challenge was opening in
a mature coffee market and having a tight startup budge. We were committed to low debt, even when it meant working
twelve-hour days without paying ourselves. Employees, landlords, and vendors were always paid first. Often there was
nothing left for Bob and I. Fortunately, our commitment paid off and the business is now debt free, giving us the opportu-
nity to offer job security and a thriving well-run business.
Another huge challenge came along in 2008. I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer and spent a lot of time in treat-
ment that first year. We trained our staff to operate in multiple roles, so our management team was well prepared. I’ve since
made a full recovery! That experience reminded me of the importance of client relationships and community service.
Our most recent challenge was understanding how digital marketing, social media and our website, both affects and
benefits our business.
• What was the SBA solution? I was excited to receive excellent guidance with website development and design from
both the SBA Alaska District Office and my Alaska Small Business Development Center adviser. From the first meeting, I
was thrilled with the opportunity and training they provided. Kimberlee Hayward and Allan Caraway met with me two to
three times per month just to work on website design. At each meeting, we reviewed my homework, the progress of my
web page, and compared my new site to other similar business sites. Kimberlee and Allan coached me at every step in the
process. They did not do the work for me, but gave me the tools, knowledge, confidence, and motivation to create a site
that reflects my company. We now have the flexibility to update our site as our company changes and grows. The SBDC
education increased my comfort level in a new area and empowered me to keep our website updated and relevant.
Allan, my SBDC adviser, also assisted as we considered selling the equipment division of our company. He helped us
build a complete financial picture of the business that included many variables, which created the business value. After
the plan was completed and negotiations began, we decided it was a more profitable decision to keep this division in our
company. Our repair department has since shown incredible growth and much higher profit.
• What benefit did this have for you? Having a strong online presence has had a huge affect on our business over the last
five years. We are continuing to focus on improving of our website. Our company has continued to increase in sales every
year despite being in a mature coffee market. Over the last two years, the increases have been small, but profit increased,
resulting in a high increase in net worth. Most of this is due to low debt, our committed leadership team, and fabulous
guidance from the Small Business Development Center.
20I was excited to receive excellent
COURTESY OF CAFFÉ D’ARTE ALASKA
guidance with website development
and design from both the SBA Alaska
District Office and my Alaska SBDC.”
21LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Write your
Business Plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a
business plan quickly and efficiently with a business plan template.
Which business
plan format is
right for you?
Traditional Business Plan
• This type of plan is very detailed, takes more time
to write, and is comprehensive.
• Lenders and investors commonly request this plan.
Business plans help you run your business
A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing
your business. You’ll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure,
run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through the key elements of
your business.
Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners.
Investors want to feel confident they’ll see a return on their investment. Your
business plan is the tool you’ll use to convince people that working with you—
or investing in your company—is a smart choice. Lean Startup Plan
Pick a business plan format that works for you • This type of plan is high-level focus, fast to write,
• There’s no right or wrong way to write a business plan. What’s important is and contains key elements only.
that your plan meets your needs. • Some lenders and investors may ask for more
• Most business plans fall into one of two common categories: traditional or lean information.
startup.
• Traditional business plans are more common, use a standard structure, and
encourage you to go into detail in each section. They tend to require more
work upfront and can be dozens of pages long.
• Lean startup business plans are less common but still use a standard struc-
ture. They focus on summarizing only the most important points of
the key elements of your plan. They can take as little as one hour to make
and are typically only one page.
22LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
TRADITIONAL
BUSINESS PLAN FORMAT
You might prefer a traditional business plan format if you’re very Your goal in this section is to describe how you'll attract and retain
detail oriented, want a comprehensive plan, or plan to request customers. You'll also describe how a sale will actually happen.
financing from traditional sources. You'll refer to this section later when you make financial projections,
When you write your business plan, you don’t have to stick to the so make sure to thoroughly describe your complete marketing and
exact business plan outline. Instead, use the sections that make the sales strategies.
most sense for your business and your needs. Traditional business
plans use some combination of these nine sections. Funding Request
If you're asking for funding, this is where you'll outline your funding
Executive Summary requirements. Your goal is to clearly explain how much funding you’ll
Briefly tell your reader what your company is and why it will be suc- need over the next five years and what you'll use it for.
cessful. Include your mission statement, your product or service, and Specify whether you want debt or equity, the terms you'd like
basic information about your company’s leadership team, employ- applied, and the length of time your request will cover. Give a
ees, and location. You should also include financial information and detailed description of how you'll use your funds. Specify if you need
high-level growth plans if you plan to ask for financing. funds to buy equipment or materials, pay salaries, or cover specific
bills until revenue increases. Always include a description of your
Company Description future strategic financial plans, like paying off debt or selling your
Use your company description to provide detailed information about business.
your company. Go into detail about the problems your business
solves. Be specific, and list out the consumers, organization, or busi- Financial Projections
nesses your company plans to serve. Supplement your funding request with financial projections. Your
Explain the competitive advantages that will make your business goal is to convince the reader that your business is stable and will be
a success. Are there experts on your team? Have you found the per- a financial success.
fect location for your store? Your company description is the place to If your business is already established, include income state-
boast about your strengths. ments, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the last three
to five years. If you have other collateral you could put against a loan,
Market Analysis make sure to list it now.
You'll need a good understanding of your industry outlook and target Provide a prospective financial outlook for the next five years.
market. Competitive research will show you what other businesses are Include forecasted income statements, balance sheets, cash flow
doing and what their strengths are. In your market research, look for statements, and capital expenditure budgets. For the first year, be
trends and themes. What do successful competitors do? Why does it even more specific and use quarterly—or even monthly —projec-
work? Can you do it better? Now's the time to answer these questions. tions. Make sure to clearly explain your projections, and match them
to your funding requests.
Organization and Management This is a great place to use graphs and charts to tell the financial
Tell your reader how your company will be structured and who story of your business.
will run it.
Describe the legal structure of your business. State whether Appendix
you have or intend to incorporate your business as a C or an Use your appendix to provide supporting documents or other materials
S corporation, form a general or limited partnership, or if you're that were specially requested. Common items to include are credit histo-
a sole proprietor or LLC. ries, resumes, product pictures, letters of reference, licenses, permits,
Use an organizational chart to lay out who's in charge of what in patents, legal documents, and other contracts.
your company. Show how each person's unique experience will con-
tribute to the success of your venture. Consider including resumes or
CVs of key members of your team.
Service or Product Line TRADITIONAL BUSINESS PLAN CHECKLIST
Describe what you sell or what service you offer. Explain how it ben-
efits your customers and what the product lifecycle looks like. Share • Executive summary • Service or product line
your plans for intellectual property, like copyright or patent filings. If • Company description • Marketing and sales
you're doing research and development for your service or product,
• Market analysis • Funding request
explain it in detail.
• Organization and • Financial projections
Marketing and Sales management • Appendix
There's no single way to approach a marketing strategy. Your strat-
egy should evolve and change to fit your unique needs.
23LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
LEAN STARTUP PLAN FORMAT
You might prefer a lean startup format if you want to explain or start your business quickly,
your business is relatively simple, or you plan to regularly change and refine your business plan.
Lean startup formats are charts that use only a handful of elements to describe your Want to see
company’s value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances. They’re useful for
visualizing tradeoffs and fundamental facts about your company. an example
There are many versions of lean startup templates, but one of the oldest and most well known
is the Business Model Canvas, developed by Alex Osterwalder. You can search the web to find free
templates of the Business Model Canvas, or other versions, to build your business plan.
of a business
We’ll discuss the nine components of the Business Model Canvas version here. plan?
Key Partnerships
View examples of both
Note the other businesses or services you’ll work with to run your business. Think about
suppliers, manufacturers, subcontractors and similar strategic partners. business plan formats at
Key Activities sba.gov/business-guide/
List the ways your business will gain a competitive advantage. Highlight things like selling plan/write-your-business-
direct to consumers or using technology to tap into the sharing economy. plan-template
Key Resources
List any resource you’ll leverage to create value for your customer. Your most important
assets could include staff, capital, or intellectual property. Don’t forget to leverage business
resources that might be available to women, veterans, Native Americans,
and HUBZone–certified businesses.
Value Proposition
Make a clear and compelling statement about the unique value your company brings
to the market.
Customer Relationships
LEAN STARTUP PLAN
Describe how customers will interact with your business. Is it automated or personal? CHECKLIST
In person or online? Think through the customer experience from start to finish.
• Key partnerships
Customer Segments
• Key activities
Be specific when you name your target market. Your business won’t be for everybody,
so it’s important to have a clear sense of who your business will serve. • Key resources
Channels • Value proposition
List the most important ways you’ll talk to your customers. Most businesses use a mix • Customer relationships
of channels and optimize them over time.
• Customer segments
Cost Structure
Will your company focus on reducing cost or maximizing value? Define your strategy, • Channels
then list the most significant costs you’ll face pursuing it. • Cost structure
Revenue Streams • Revenue streams
Explain how your company will actually make money. Some examples are direct sales, mem-
berships fees, and selling advertising space. If your company has multiple revenue streams,
list them all.
If you fail to plan, you
are planning to fail.”
Benjamin Franklin
24LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
both in and out of the contiguous United States.
Boots to Business: Reboot delivers the Boots to Business
curriculum to veterans of all eras, members of the National Guard
and Reserve, and military spouses in their local communities.
Register for either program at https://sbavets.force.com.
If you’re a service-disabled veteran or a spouse, the SBA’s Service-
Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program provides guidance
on starting or growing your small business, visit sba.gov/ovbd.
Interested in doing business with the government?
Veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small
businesses interested in federal contracting opportunities
can receive training through the Veteran Federal Procurement
Entrepreneurship Training Program. This program is administered
by the Veteran Institute for Procurement, which offers a platform
with three training programs to assist veterans: VIP Start, VIP Grow,
and VIP International.
»» VIP Start is for companies wanting to enter the federal market
and become ready for procurement. Nearly 200 veteran-owned
Jack Goodison, a veteran,
grew his business in North businesses from 29 states plus Washington, DC have graduated
Kingstown, Rhode Island, from the program.
J. Goodison Co., with the
help of an SBA-guaranteed »» VIP Grow is the core curriculum which assists companies in
504 loan. developing strategies to expand and operate within the federal
marketplace. More than 700 veteran-owned businesses from 42
Programs
states plus DC and Guam have graduated from this program.
»» VIP International is for companies that want to enter or expand
their federal and commercial contracting opportunities overseas.
for Veterans
Loan Fee Relief
To encourage lending to members of the military community who want
to start or grow their business, the SBA reduces upfront guarantee fees
on select loans. That means the cost savings will be passed down to
Members of the military community can start and
you, the eligible veteran or qualifying military member. To learn more,
grow their small business with the help of SBA contact your local SBA district office or ask your SBA Lender about the
programs. Veterans Advantage program, sba.gov/loans.
Need entrepreneurship training?
Entrepreneurship training is available through the SBA’s programs Learn about the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned
for veterans, sba.gov/veterans, at military installations around the Small Business certification program on page 49.
world. These programs are open to active duty service members,
those transitioning out of service, National Guard and Reserve
members, veterans of all eras, and military spouses. Connect
to other entrepreneurs and your local network of SBA Resource
Partners through these services and programs.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers, sba.gov/vboc, provide Have an employee who
business training and counseling to those interested in starting, was called to active duty?
purchasing, or growing
a small business. Ask your local SBA district office or lender about the
Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan
program offered by the SBA as part of the Department of Defense’s program. If you meet the eligibility requirements,
Transition Assistance Program. Service members transitioning out of you may receive funds that enable your business to
active duty and military spouses are eligible for Boots to Business. meet ordinary and necessary operating expenses
During the course, you explore business ownership and other self- when an essential employee is called up to active
employment opportunities while learning key business concepts. You duty in the military reserve.
will walk away with an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable
business ownership fundamentals, including how to access startup
capital using SBA resources. Boots to Business is conducted on all
military installations that host the Transition Assistance Program,
25You can also read
