"Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially...." Read this article from the Washington Post to see projections of the spread of the virus to understand the implications of more or less stringent measures to take prevent
ative actions.
We are working with our community and online resources to make sure
the business community understands the virus and continues to
move forward with the right tools to make the right decisions at the right time.
Here are some of the online resources that we have been referencing and we are currently working on a business best practices with a focus group here in Juneau.
JEDC collaborated with Spruce Root's creation of a business needs survey. The purpose of the survey is to better identify what financial resources Southeast Alaskan businesses need. We hope to use this information to better understand the financial impacts on our business community and make sure programs are tailored to the needs of affected businesses and their workers. JEDC is working with multiple economic development organizations, non-profit organizations, technical assistance providers, lenders and government agencies on the response effort to flatten not just the health curve of the crisis, but the economic one too.
Contribute to the Economic Vitality of Juneau
There are so many creative ways to support your local businesses!
CBJ is compiling information about how local businesses are responding to COVID19.
The negative economic impact of COVID-19 to our community is going to be significant. Our actions as citizens can help mitigate some of that negative impact.
Community health is the first priority, including maintaining social distancing and washing hands!
Here are a few ways you can help the local economy:
It is a welcomed challenge each year to create relevant topics while curating the right experts to deliver engaging and high-quality content.
We consistently received feedback on how our choice to create a conversation around Business in a Changing Climate helped everyone in the room to better understand how to adapt their business to our climate changing reality. The collaboration with expertise from the University of Alaska allowed for well-informed discussions, based on the most current scientific understanding of climate impacts on Alaska and Alaskans. By pairing the climate topic with the inspiration of Participatory Creativity and the practical guidance of Alaskans Investing in Alaskans our attendees received an incredibly robust summit. Thanks to the many attendees, collaborators and sponsors.
Looking Forward to 10 Years
We want to hear from you! In 2021, we will celebrate our 10th Innovation Summit. What would you like to see at the next Innovation Summit? Send us your ideas.
FIRST Lego League Global Innovation Award Ceremony held at the Innovation Summit
This award recognizes teams for their problem-solving, creativity, and inventiveness giving them an opportunity to further pursue their Innovation Project idea.
The students identified a need to screen visitors on school grounds. This need developed from an experience fellow students had with an intoxicated community member ruining the graduation ceremony for one of the participating graduates last year.
They say this is not an isolated incident or single offender, and they're working on a solution to keep their school physically off-limits to those under the influence of drugs and alcohol with their "Drunk Cam." The group is still in the design phase of their idea, but they have expressed thanks to the multiple community experts that met with them during their visit.
In addition to their presentation during the Summit's Pitch Contest, the team was able to practice their public speaking by testifying in front of the Alaska State House of Legislators Education Committee.
Alaska Angel Conference: What's Next?
Keep in touch as the Alaska Angel Conference will be a
nnouncing the entrepreneurs who have made it to the next round. Next, is making the due diligence teams.
Pitch Presentations Are Complete
Over the past couple of weeks, a group of twelve entrepreneurs presented three-minute and ten-minute pitches to a group of investors with the goal of qualifying for the next round of the Alaska Angel Conference.
After watching the pitches, the investors held meetings with entrepreneurs to ask additional questions.
Due Diligence Teams
The Alaska Angel Conference will soon announce the entrepreneurs who have made it the next round of investment consideration.
Due diligence teams are comprised of investors, both experienced investors and investors new to angel investing. Teams will spend the next couple of weeks reviewing the business plans and projections of entrepreneurs in greater detail.
Timeline Going Forward
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consistent with recommendations of local, state and federal officials, the Alaska Angel Conference will not host an in-person event in Juneau on April 23.
A date and format (potentially virtual) of the final event will be communicated in early April.
We invite you to invest in Juneau by becoming a JEDC Investor. Show your support of the work done to advance Juneau and Southeast Alaska's economy.
Supporting JEDC affects the long-term economic success of Alaska's Capital City while creating a business climate that bolsters your business or organization.
