The Alaska Small Business Development Center names new statewide director

Debi Fowler has been named the new statewide director for the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Fowler, who has served as the Center's interim director since September 2010, will begin her permanent position post immediately. "Debi's interim leadership of SBDC has been excellent," said Elisha "Bear" Baker, dean of UAA's College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP), the College in which the Center is housed. "We are confident she will continue to provide first-rate management for the Alaska SBDC."

Debi has been at UAA since 2007 when she was hired to serve as the Alaska SBDC's South Central director and later as associate state director. In that position Debi was responsible for operational management of the statewide program, including employee development planning, strategic planning and helping establish annual SBA goals for year-end reporting with business investments, client counseling hours and business start-ups. Prior to coming to UAA, Debi owned a local business consulting company assisting small businesses with federal and state certifications for government contracting. She also led the Alaska 8(a) Association and was project administrator for Transformations.

The Alaska SBDC, is located in Anchorage, but serves the entire state with offices in Anchorage, Bethel, Juneau, Ketchikan, Soldotna and Wasilla. Charged with offering free consulting services and low cost educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business, the Center is funded, in part, by the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as matching funds from the state of Alaska, and contributions from partner boroughs, cities and other sponsors throughout the state. One of the most recognizable efforts of the Alaska SBDC is the BuyAlaska program that encourages in-state purchases of goods and service.
 
For additional information about Alaska's SBDC, please visit their website.