Skagway Business Resource Center

What is the Skagway Business Resource Center?
The center is part of SDC’s mission to retain and enhance the existing economic base of Skagway
while providing assistance to and support for efforts to expand and diversify the economy. To
accomplish this, the SDC Board has prioritized that the general concept of “Enterprise Facilitation”
be the vehicle for this work. The concept utilizes the entrepreneurial capital that already exists in a
community to create new businesses, while continuing to enhance the existing economic base.

This concept differs to the traditional economic development models used in Skagway, in that it
does not require money to be spent on expensive marketing programs and infrastructure
development in order to attract new businesses. This does not mean that recruitment will not be
used by SDC as a vehicle for economic development but that the priority will be to provide an
environment where entrepreneurs in the community will have the resources they need to be
successful. Success depends on being able to tap into the entrepreneurial knowledge base in the
community and the ability for some entity to facilitate this.

The SBRC aims to make available services, products and resources to the business community to
enhance their business experience. Skagway has long lacked an educational resource for business
owners and those wanting to start a business of their own. Over time we will be developing the
resources at the center to give full coverage of:
•        small business principles;
•        basic accounting techniques;
•        management training;
•        legal and tax assistance;
•        networking opportunities;
•        assistance in team building necessary for business success.

The aim is to also provide the equipment and software helpful in running a business that may not
be affordable to you at present. Our equipment includes: computers, printers, copiers, Fax and
phone, scanner, accounting and business plan software. In the near future we hope to be providing
meeting facilities with video/teleconference capabilities.

Who is the Center For?
The SBRC is open to everyone who is interested in business and especially those doing business
in Skagway, Alaska. Existing business owners and start-ups will find us helpful in enhancing your
business experience.

The materials, equipment, workshops and services provided by the Skagway BRC will be helpful to:
•        Start-up businesses;
•        Existing businesses;
•        New owners of existing businesses;
•        Businesses that are at risk of failure;
•        Out of town businesses wanting a Skagway presence and an understanding of what it takes
to conduct business in Skagway;
•        Anyone wanting to learn more about starting or buying a business.

Products and Services
The following services will be available to help you enhance your business experience:

•        Individualized mentoring for entrepreneurs and business owners;
•        Evaluation of your business idea and/or plan;
•        Assistance writing business plans, policies and procedures;
•        Resources, referrals and/or assistance with financial planning and marketing;
•        Assistance building your team, (accountant, bookkeeper, attorney, banker, etc.);
•        Assistance and/or referrals for obtaining funding for new business or expansion;
•        Assessment of management capabilities, growth potential and business efficiency;
•        Education on employee recruitment, motivation and development;
•        Assistance on "avoiding pitfalls".