Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development

10/29/2026

Thinking about selling your products or services internationally, or growing in a market you're already in?

DCCED might be able to help cover the cost.

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is now accepting applications. It's a U.S. Small Business Administration-funded program built to help Alaska small businesses offset the real costs of exporting, whether you're just exploring international markets or you're ready to expand where you already sell.

Qualified Alaska small businesses can be reimbursed up to $10,000 for eligible activities like:
1️⃣ Trade shows, foreign trade missions and international sales trips
2️⃣ Export training and market research
3️⃣ International website localization and SEO
4️⃣ International marketing and advertising materials

Already incurred an eligible expense? You may still qualify. For the FY25 cycle, expenses dating back to Sept. 30, 2025 may be eligible, and the grant period now runs through Sept. 29, 2027.

Ready to go international? Comment "STEPGRANT" and we'll DM you the link to apply.

10/29/2026

In the early 1990s, Cindy Baranowski's parents started a small business creating handmade Christmas ornaments from Alaska clay, featuring her father Leo's original artwork.

They called it Alaskalelos Ornament Company, combining the names of her parents, Leo and Lois.

Decades later, Cindy is carrying on their legacy, creating ornaments that celebrate Alaska's landscapes, wildlife and the family history behind each piece.

The clay used to make these ornaments was originally deposited by receding glaciers. It's harvested right here in Alaska, making each ornament a little piece of the state in more ways than one.

This holiday season, you'll find Cindy at the Made in Alaska Holiday Market, where shoppers can build their own boxed set of six ornaments for $125, a $25 savings.

Whether you're adding to your family's collection, sending a little piece of Alaska to someone far away or starting a new holiday tradition, these ornaments come with a story worth sharing.

Come meet Cindy and see the ornaments in person:
📅 November 21, 2026: 10am - 5pm
📅 November 22, 2026: 10am - 4pm
📍 Alaska Pacific University: Atwood Center, Moseley Sports Center & Carr-Gottstein Hall

🐻 Look for the bear and support Alaska-made businesses this holiday season!

10/29/2026

𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸.

Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) team members are in Fairbanks this week for the 2026 Alaska Rural Energy Conference, joining communities, utilities, and energy professionals from across the state to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing rural energy systems.

AEA has a long history of working alongside rural Alaska communities and utilities on energy infrastructure, technical assistance, and programs that support reliable and affordable energy. The conference provides another opportunity to hear directly from the people working on these systems every day.

See who’s speaking and explore the conference agenda: https://akruralenergy.org/agenda/

10/27/2026

Two of our Financial Examiners recently taught "Protecting Alaskans from Financial Fraud" through the University of Alaska Fairbanks Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, reaching about 20 Fairbanks seniors.

The course covered the scams hitting Alaskans right now: investment fraud, online and phone scams, and elder fraud. Participants left knowing how to spot the warning signs, protect their personal and financial information, and what to do if they or someone they love becomes a target.

This is the Division of Banking and Securities' mission in action. Free resources, practical tools, and real consumer education make Alaskans harder targets and safer communities across the state.

Know a group that could use this training? Drop a comment, we'd love to hear from you.

10/22/2026

⚡ A $25 million investment in Alaska’s energy future.

Alaska has long been recognized for its potential to utilize advanced nuclear technology for its many communities relying on diesel-powered microgrids and remote resource projects that need economic electricity and heat, and AIDEA is proud to announce this major investment in advanced nuclear reactor technology for Alaska.

NuCube Energy, one of four participants competitively selected for the Department of Energy's Launch Pad initiative, is also committed to advancing the commercial deployment of its microreactor technology in Alaska and establishing a long-term operational presence in the state.

🔗 Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/AIDEApr19-2026

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

The 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly convened global leaders, policymakers, researchers, Indigenous representatives, and industry stakeholders in Reykjavík for three days of dialogue focused on Arctic policy, economic development, and international cooperation. As the world’s largest annual Arctic gathering, the Assembly featured more than 200 sessions and attracted thousands of participants from across the circumpolar region and beyond.

A major highlight of this year’s Assembly was Alaska Night, hosted by the State of Alaska with support from the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Created to showcase Alaska’s cultural heritage, economic strengths, and leadership in Arctic affairs, the event delivered one of the most memorable evenings of the Assembly.

Approximately 900 delegates attended Alaska Night, enjoying an immersive program that featured Pamyua, Alaska’s internationally recognized Inuit soul band. Their performance anchored the evening and offered delegates an authentic and powerful representation of Alaska Native culture.

Alaska Night successfully elevated the State’s visibility on the global stage, strengthened diplomatic and cultural ties, and reinforced Alaska’s position as a key Arctic partner. The event was widely regarded as one of the most engaging and well‑received components of the 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly.

10/20/2026

An incredible announcement from AIDEA - Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. Alaska's future is bright!

10/13/2026

A licensed virtual currency (crypto) kiosk operator just got hit with a $2.5 million multistate settlement, and Alaska is among 34 regulators involved in the enforcement action.

Coinme Inc., a Seattle-based money transmitter and crypto kiosk operator had serious deficiencies identified in its Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering program designed to keep the financial system safe. Alaska's Division of Banking and Securities joined 33 other states to hold them accountable. Alaska will receive over $180,000 in penalties and fees, and Coinme must shut down its kiosk operations by Jan. 1, 2027 or face an additional $4 million penalty.

"Money transmission laws protect Alaska consumers who rely on licensed companies to transfer funds safely," said Tracy Reno, director of the Division of Banking and Securities. "This settlement sends a clear message that when investigations and examinations uncover serious violations, Alaska and its state regulator partners will take appropriate action."

Here's the thing: this company was licensed and still had weaknesses. This settlement shows the system working. But it's also your reminder to never assume licensing means zero risk.

✅ Slow down before you transfer funds, especially with crypto.
✅ Verify a company's license at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org before you do business with them.
✅ If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Questions about this action? Call the Division of Banking and Securities at 907-269-8140.

Full press release linked in the comments. 👇

10/06/2026

Cordova fishermen, small business owners and entrepreneurs... mark your calendars! Our Division of Investments loan officer, Ty Yamaoka, will be in town October 8-10 and ready to meet with you in person.

📍 Where: CDFU Union Hall
📅 When: October 8-10, 2026

Ty can speak with you about our Commercial Fishing Loan Program, Mariculture Loan Program and Small Business Loan options, whether you're exploring financing or already working with us.

This time of year, we're especially focused on supporting our current borrowers. If your annual payment is coming up and timing is tight, don't wait, let's talk through your options together.

To schedule a time to meet, call our office at 907-465-2510, or simply stop by the Union Hall.

What questions do you have about our loan programs? Drop them below!