February 2022
The BuyAlaska Buzz
Local First Focus for February
February is Black History Month - a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and recognize their central role in U.S. history. 

Honor the strides of Black Americans by finding Black-Owned Businesses in Alaska and shopping from them year-round. BuyAlaska's Black History Month page is your place to connect with black-owned businesses in Alaska, discover ways to educate yourself, train for, and contribute to eliminating racism and lifting up Alaska's BIPOC community.

We will feature the Black Owned Businesses on the BuyAlaska Directory in our stories on social media throughout the month. Follow along with us & help us support our fantastic black-owned businesses in Alaska.
Invest in Alaska with the BuyAlaska Local Investing Corner
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Local Investing Corner on BuyAlaska.com. This page connects Alaskans to all the ways to invest in and contribute to the prosperity of our great state.

Not only does investing locally provide entrepreneurs and local businesses in Alaska with the money needed to grow their business, but the infusion of your dollars invigorates our local economies by boosting job growth and wages, fostering innovation and new business opportunities, and developing economic resiliency & security in Alaska.
Small businesses can also discover how to raise capital from local sources.
Introducing the New and Improved BuyAlaska Business Directory
One of our new year's promises was to make it even easier to find and shop from Alaskan-owned businesses. Well, we have been hard at work making improvements to the BuyAlaska Business Directory in order to do that, and we are excited to show you the new changes to the site!

Check it out for yourself and discover the many unique and quality businesses listed on the Directory.
Love is Local, What Local Spots You Love?
Our love language is local, and this February, we want to know what local spots you love. Let us know what your favorites are on social media with #LoveIsLocalAK.

  • Best local restaurant
  • Best place or adventure for a date
  • Best local shop for a gift for that special someone
  • Best place to grab a drink

We'll be sharing the love on our channels throughout the month. Follow along with us!
Spotlighting Alaska's Local First Champions
Alaska Black Caucus Announces the Equity Center
The Equity Center will provide office space and centralized services and programs to support Alaska's BIPOC community. The facility purchase was made possible by a volunteer-led effort to raise donations to match funds previously granted for the project.
YWCA Alaska is Eliminating Racism & Empowering Women
The YWCA Alaska has been serving Alaskans since 1989. They are committed to supporting and fostering a community were all the peoples of this great land can live and thrive. They believe in the "beloved community" that invites respectful conversations and dialogue around issues that matter to Alaskans.
What's Happening Around Alaska in February:
Black History Month Events & Discussions
Fairbanks
February 25-27: Denali Winterfest 

Juneau

Valdez
February 18-20: Ice Climbing Festival

Anchorage
February 25 - March 6: Fur Rendezvous 
Ketchikan 
Feb 3-5: Wearable Arts

Sitka

Unalaska

Homer

Know of an event we are missing? Email us at buyalaska@aksbdc.org
How You Can BuyAlaska
Connect with Alaskan-owned businesses in every industry
Get access to exclusive discounts from BuyAlaska businesses.

Shop from local Alaska businesses on this online marketplace.


We aim to elevate local businesses to better Alaska’s economy.
We do that with YOU.

Help us lift up local on our channels.
The BuyAlaska Program is a statewide program by the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) under the UAA Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) and partially funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA).