Business Startup, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Assistance and Grants for Single Mothers in Alaska

Last updated: September 2025

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Emergency help now

If you’re in crisis or your bills can’t wait, use these options first before reading the full guide.

• Call: 2-1-1 or (800) 478-2221 for statewide referrals to rent, utilities, childcare, food, and legal help. Alaska 2-1-1 helpline details. (alaska211.org)
• Small business triage line: (907) 786-7201 to reach the Alaska SBDC intake team for no‑cost, same‑week advising. Alaska SBDC contact page. (aksbdc.org, askjan.org)
• SBA Alaska District Office: (907) 271-4022 for loan guidance and lender referrals. SBA Alaska District Office page. (sba.gov)
• Women-owned business help: Email awbc@businessimpactnw.org (Alaska Women’s Business Center) for coaching and capital options. AWBC event listings with contact. (sba.gov)
• Government contracting help (free): (907) 786-7258 for the Alaska APEX Accelerator. Alaska APEX contact. (apexalaska.org)

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Quick help box

• Start today: Get your Alaska business license online for $50\ast \ast peryearand,ifyou’reasoleproprietorage65+oraservice‑connecteddisabledveteran,pay\ast \ast$25. Business Licensing FAQs. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Fastest free coaching: Register with the Alaska SBDC for no‑cost advising, workshops, and funding help. Alaska SBDC main page. (aksbdc.org)
• Loans you can actually get in Alaska: State programs include Microloan up to $35,000\ast \ast (or\ast \ast$70,000 for two+ borrowers), Rural Development Initiative Fund up to $150,000\ast \ast (or\ast \ast$300,000 for two+), and Small Business Economic Development up to $750,000. Interest rates are published quarterly. Division of Investments loan programs and interest rates. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Women‑owned certifications unlock contracts: Get WOSB/EDWOSB certified via SBA to access set‑aside federal contracts. EDWOSB financial thresholds include net worth under $850,000\ast \ast ,averageAGI\ast \ast$400,000 or less, and assets $6.5 million or less. SBA WOSB program. (sba.gov)
• Sell online into Alaska: The state has no statewide sales tax, but many cities tax remote sales. If your total Alaska remote sales exceed $100,000 in a year, register with the ARSSTC portal. ARSSTC seller FAQ. (arsstc.org)
• Food business from home: Alaska’s “homemade food” rule allows many foods without permits and with no annual sales cap—specific labeling required. AK DEC Homemade Food. (dec.alaska.gov)
• Alaska‑made branding: “Made in Alaska” permits are $25perproductlineperyear\ast \ast (max\ast \ast$75). Alaska Native artists can use the “Silver Hand” seal (two‑year permit $20). Made in Alaska permit process and Silver Hand program. (commerce.alaska.gov, arts.alaska.gov)

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How to use this guide

Who this is for: Single mothers in Alaska who need clear, step‑by‑step help to start or grow a small business, secure funding, and keep the lights on while doing it.

What’s inside: Alaska‑specific steps, exact fees and limits, realistic timelines, shortcuts, and Plan B options. Every program includes a direct link and a phone or email when available.

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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The fastest way to start in Alaska

Step 1 — Get legal and licensed today

• LLC Articles of Organization: $250\ast \ast online.Fileyourinitialreportwithin6months(nofee)andthena\ast \ast$100 biennial report every two years. Official forms and fees. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Alaska Business License: $50\ast \ast peryearor\ast \ast$100 for two years. Qualifying sole proprietors who are 65+ or service‑connected disabled veterans pay $25/year. All licenses expire on December 31. Business Licensing FAQs and renewal info and Renewal page with fee table. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• EIN: Free and instant from the IRS. Don’t pay third‑party sites. Apply online. (irs.gov)

Reality check: Hardcopy corporate filings can take 10–15 business days; online posts much faster. Plan paperwork during naptime or after bedtime and batch it. State processing time note on forms page. (commerce.alaska.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the Corporations help desk at the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing via the general numbers on the forms pages or file by PDF if the online system is down. If cash is tight, start as a sole proprietor with just the state business license and upgrade later.

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Step 2 — Handle taxes and local rules

• Income tax: Alaska has no state personal income tax. You’ll still file federal taxes.
• Sales tax: There’s no statewide sales tax, but many boroughs/cities tax sales. If you sell online into Alaska and your total Alaska remote sales exceed $100,000 in the current or previous calendar year, you must register with the Alaska Remote Seller Sales Tax Commission (ARSSTC) and collect local taxes where required. Use ARSSTC’s portal and tax map. ARSSTC home and seller FAQ and Seller FAQ (threshold details). (arsstc.org)
• Procurement vendor registration to sell to the State: Create an account in Vendor Self Service (VSS). Vendor Help Desk (907) 465-5555; email doa.dof.vendor.helpdesk@alaska.gov. Vendor Self Service info. (doa.alaska.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re unsure which local city taxes apply, use ARSSTC’s GIS tax map linked from their site and call ARSSTC for guidance. If you’re stuck on state vendor registration, the Vendor Help Desk will walk you through VSS.

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Step 3 — Open your business bank account

• Bring: Articles of Organization (or Sole Proprietor license), EIN confirmation, and your Alaska business license.
• Tip: Ask your bank for a business debit card with daily spend controls to manage cash flow.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your bank requires more documents, show them the state records lookup for your entity and license and the IRS EIN letter. Try a local credit union if a national bank is rigid.

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Grants and capital that actually fund Alaska businesses

You asked for real, concrete numbers. Here they are—current as of August–September 2025 from official sources.

State of Alaska financing programs (administered by the Division of Investments)

How to apply: Call Division of Investments Juneau (907) 465-2510 or toll‑free (800) 478-5626, or Anchorage (907) 269-8150. Ask for a loan officer and mention if you are a single parent and need help scheduling around care. Division of Investments contact. (commerce.alaska.gov)

Plan B if declined: Ask SBDC to review the denial and help you fix cash‑flow projections; then consider SBA microloans through approved intermediaries listed below or a co‑borrowing application under RDIF to increase collateral.

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State‑backed and partner capital for bigger projects

• AIDEA Loan Participation Program: AIDEA can purchase up to 90% of a bank loan (up to $25million\ast \ast ),withtermsupto25yearsforrealestateandfixedorvariablerates.Applicationfee\ast \ast$1,100 (credited to a 1% commitment fee if accepted). You apply through your bank. Good for owner‑occupied real estate or large equipment. AIDEA Loan Participation. (aidea.org)
• SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative) in Alaska: The State program allocates about $59million\ast \ast acrossloanguaranteesanda\ast \ast$5 million venture/equity component; the Tribal SSBCI Consortium (125 Alaska tribes) is deploying $83.1million\ast \ast including\ast \ast$22.9 million in venture capital and has already funded $40.6 million in 28 loans across 14 communities since August 2024. Email tsbci@aksbdc.org to ask about credit enhancement for your bank loan. Alaska SBDC SSBCI page and UAA news release on TSBCI venture fund RFP. (aksbdc.org, uaa.alaska.edu)

Plan B: If your bank hesitates, ask whether SSBCI loan guarantee or collateral support can close the gap; loop in SBDC’s Funding Support Program for matchmaking and proposal prep mini‑grants up to $5,000. SBDC Funding Support Program. (aksbdc.org)

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SBA and CDFI options active in Alaska

• SBA microloans (via intermediaries): Up to $50,000, often 6–8 years. Alaska intermediaries now include Business Impact NW (Anchorage office) and, since January 2025, Spruce Root (first SBA microlender founded and headquartered in Alaska). Contact AWBC/Business Impact NW at (206) 324-4330 or Spruce Root for details. AK Business on BIN microlender and Spruce Root SBA microlender announcement. (akbizmag.com, spruceroot.org)
• SBA 7(a) and 504 loans: Many Alaska banks and nonbank lenders participate. McKinley Alaska Growth Capital was SBA’s top 7(a) lender in Alaska in FY 2023 with $15.3 million. Ask SBDC for the current “Active SBA Lenders in Alaska” list. AGC press release and SBDC lender list tool. (alaskagrowth.com, aksbdc.org)

Plan B: If a bank says no, ask for the denial letter—it’s often required for state Microloan amounts over $35,000 or to show “credit gap” for SSBCI‑backed loans. Bring that to SBDC or a CDFI to regroup. Microloan requirement. (commerce.alaska.gov)

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Non‑dilutive funding and competitions

• SBIR/STTR grants: Federal R&D grants; Phase I typically $50,000–$250,000; Phase II around $750,000\ast \ast .AlaskaSBDC’sTRENDprogramandUAFCenterICEcoachandreviewproposals;SBDCalsoruns“Phase0”micro‑grants(recentawardsupto\ast \ast$10,000 per company). SBDC TREND page. (aksbdc.org)
• Spruce Root “Path to Prosperity” (Southeast Alaska): Annual competition awarding $20,000 each to two winners; 2025 cycle opened April 1, 2025 with Round 1 due May 31, 2025. Spruce Root Business Competition page. (spruceroot.org)
• 49th State Angel Fund (Anchorage): Co‑invests equity $10,000–$400,000 dollar‑for‑dollar with private investors into Anchorage‑impact startups; contact (907) 343-4898. 49SAF program and Co‑Investment application. (49saf.com)

Plan B: Not ready for a competition or SBIR? Start with a state Microloan for equipment, enroll in SBDC’s financial readiness workshops, and revisit grants next quarter. SBDC workshops. (aksbdc.org)

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Alaska‑specific startup costs you’ll likely pay

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Home‑based food, crafts, and “Made in Alaska” branding

• Homemade food (cottage food): Alaska allows many foods made at home (both non‑potentially hazardous like bread/cookies and some potentially hazardous like cheesecakes) with specific labeling. There is no state permit or sales cap, but direct‑to‑consumer rules and signage apply, and cities like Anchorage can add requirements. Label must include your business license number and a statement that it was made in a home kitchen and may contain allergens. DEC Homemade Food and Requirements and Requirements page. (dec.alaska.gov)
• “Made in Alaska” mother‑bear logo: Annual permits $25\ast \ast perproductline;max\ast \ast$75; eligibility requires that value‑added work is done in Alaska. Online portal via myAlaska. MIA program. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Silver Hand seal (Alaska Native artists): Two‑year permit $20; must be an Alaska Native artist and attach seals only to original work made in Alaska. Contact (907) 269-6610. Silver Hand program page and regulation and 3 AAC 58.020. (arts.alaska.gov, law.cornell.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Email DEC at dec.fss.homemade.food@alaska.gov with your product list for guidance. If a store wants to resell your homemade food, review DEC’s “agent of the producer” rules for non‑potentially hazardous foods.

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Selling to government — real advantages for Alaskans and women

• WOSB/EDWOSB certification: Opens set‑aside federal contracts; EDWOSB economic thresholds include net worth under $850,000\ast \ast ,averageAGI\ast \ast \le$400,000, and assets ≤$6.5 million. Apply at MySBA Certifications. SBA WOSB program. (sba.gov)
• Alaska State procurement preferences: A 5% “Alaska bidder” price preference applies; plus a 5% preference for “qualifying entity” veteran‑owned and a 10% preference for businesses owned by persons with disabilities (with conditions). See AS 36.30.321. Statute text. (law.justia.com)
• Alaska Product Preference: For in‑state products on state bids: Class I (3%), Class II (5%), Class III (7%) based on Alaska production percentage. Alaska Product Preference program. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• DBE certification (transportation projects): Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights Office manages DBE certification and the AUCP directory. Phone (907) 269-0851; DBE directory info available online. DOT&PF Civil Rights Office and DBE directory page. (dot.alaska.gov)
• Free contracting help: Alaska APEX Accelerator provides SAM.gov registration help, bid‑match emails, and one‑on‑one strategy. Phone (907) 786-7258. Alaska APEX. (apexalaska.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a solicitation is confusing, forward it to APEX; they’ll translate the requirements and help you decide whether to bid this round or wait.

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Sales tax and online selling into Alaska

• The rule: No state sales tax, but many local jurisdictions tax sales. If your Alaska remote sales exceed $100,000 in a year, you must register with the Alaska Remote Seller Sales Tax Commission and collect local sales tax where applicable. The 200‑transaction threshold was repealed effective January 1, 2025. Use the ARSSTC filing portal and address‑level tax map. ARSSTC about and seller FAQ and Seller FAQ. (arsstc.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you only sell into non‑taxing communities, ARSSTC says you don’t need to register until you sell into a taxing jurisdiction. Keep monitoring your totals—crossing $100,000 triggers registration. ARSSTC seller FAQ. (arsstc.org)

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Where to get free and low‑cost help (statewide)

• Alaska SBDC advising: One‑on‑one coaching, funding prep, workshops, tools. Phone (907) 786-7201. Alaska SBDC. Also see SBDC’s 2024 impact: 132 new businesses, $82.7million\ast \ast insalesgrowth,\ast \ast$60.9 million in capital, 3,183 jobs supported. UAA news on SBDC 2024 results. (aksbdc.org, uaa.alaska.edu)
• Alaska Women’s Business Center (Business Impact NW): Email awbc@businessimpactnw.org for coaching and classes. SBA event listing with contact. (sba.gov)
• SBA Alaska District Office: Phone (907) 271-4022, 420 L St., Suite 300, Anchorage. SBA Alaska District. (sba.gov)
• Alaska APEX Accelerator: Government contracting help; phone (907) 786-7258. APEX. (apexalaska.org)
• Alaska Business Development Center (ABDC): Business advice, rural tax and loan help. Phone (907) 562-0335 or (800) 478-3474. ABDC contact. (abdc.org)

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Region‑by‑region resources

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Realistic timelines and what to expect

• Entity + license: Same day online if you have your information ready; allow 10–15 business days if submitting hardcopy to CBPL. Forms page processing note. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• State loans: Underwriting varies; help yourself by submitting 12 months of cash‑flow projections and vendor quotes up front. Call a loan officer to confirm file completeness.
• WOSB certification: SBA aims to decide “whenever practicable” within 90 days of a complete package; build in time for document requests. SBA WOSB page. (sba.gov)

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Tables to compare your best‑fit funding

A. Micro and rural loans (State of Alaska)

B. Bank + state participation

C. Non‑dilutive grants and equity

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Practical examples from Alaska

• Reality‑based R&D: Alaska SBDC’s 2024 results showed 132 new businesses launched and $60.9 million in capital secured. If you have a product idea (say, an insulated shipping insert for fish boxes), TREND can help you shape an SBIR concept and get expert reviews through “Phase 0” before you submit to agencies like NOAA or NSF. SBDC 2024 report summary and TREND. (uaa.alaska.edu, aksbdc.org)
• Rural kitchen startup: In a road‑connected town under 2,000 people, RDIF can finance a food trailer plus equipment up to $150,000 with stretched terms, while DEC’s homemade food rule lets you test recipes at home with correct labeling before you invest in a commissary. RDIF and DEC Homemade Food. (commerce.alaska.gov, dec.alaska.gov)
• Anchorage maker to retailer: A sole‑proprietor artist can get a $25\ast \ast “MadeinAlaska”permitforproductlines,applyforthe\ast \ast$20 Silver Hand permit if Alaska Native, then sell at markets and online. If annual AK remote sales climb over $100,000, register with ARSSTC and collect local tax. MIA, Silver Hand, and ARSSTC FAQ. (commerce.alaska.gov, arts.alaska.gov, arsstc.org)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a third‑party to buy your EIN: It’s free from the IRS. Bookmark the official site. IRS EIN. (irs.gov)
• Forgetting the initial report: New LLCs must file an initial report within 6 months or risk non‑compliance. State forms page. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Missing December 31 license expiration: Alaska business licenses expire December 31—even if you bought late in the year. Business Licensing FAQs. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Overlooking ARSSTC registration: Crossing $100,000 Alaska remote sales without registering can lead to penalties. ARSSTC Seller FAQ. (arsstc.org)
• Not asking for state preferences: On state bids, Alaskan bidder/product preferences can be the difference in winning. AS 36.30.321 and Product Preference and APP. (law.justia.com, commerce.alaska.gov)

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Application checklist

• Identity and business basics: Alaska business license number, EIN letter, photo ID.
• Entity documents: Articles of Organization, initial report confirmation (or sole proprietor license only).
• Financials: 12‑month cash‑flow projection, startup budget, quotes for equipment, last 3 months of personal bank statements.
• Support docs for loans: If applicable, bank denial letter (for larger Microloan requests), collateral list, childcare plan to ensure operations stability.
• Certifications and registrations: WOSB/EDWOSB, DBE (if applicable), SAM.gov registration (for federal contracts), State VSS vendor number (907) 465-5555. Vendor Self Service. (doa.alaska.gov)

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Diverse communities

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Inclusive advising and lending are available statewide through SBDC and CDFIs. Ask SBDC to connect you with lenders experienced with name/gender change documentation. Contact: (907) 786-7201; funding-support@aksbdc.org. SBDC Funding Support. (aksbdc.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Alaska DVR can support self‑employment plans with training, assistive tech, startup supplies, and short‑term rent help tied to the plan; DVR participation typically expects other funding if startup costs exceed $5,000. Start with DVR Self‑Employment policy. DVR policy page. (labor.alaska.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Claim Alaska veteran bidder preference (up to 5% price preference cap $5,000 under AS 36.30.321(f)) and use the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center services (through Business Impact NW). Call SBA Alaska: (907) 271-4022. AS 36.30.321 text; SBA Alaska. (casetext.com, sba.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: SBDC advising is free regardless of immigration status; USDA Rural Development and state loans require residency/eligibility—ask the program officer. Use Alaska 2‑1‑1 for language access and referrals. Call: 2-1-1 / (800) 478-2221. Alaska 2‑1‑1. (alaska211.org)
• Tribal‑specific resources: The Alaska Tribal SSBCI Consortium is deploying $83.1 million via guarantees, participation, collateral support, and venture capital. Ask your tribe or email tsbci@aksbdc.org about eligibility for tribally backed loans and equity. SBDC SSBCI page. (aksbdc.org)
• Rural single moms with limited access: Leverage RDIF for long‑term financing; DEC’s homemade food rules support home‑based food sales without travel; SBDC advising is remote. RDIF and DEC Homemade Food. (commerce.alaska.gov, dec.alaska.gov)
• Single fathers: Programs above are gender‑inclusive; AWBC welcomes all to many trainings. AWBC event listing. (sba.gov)
• Language access: Alaska 2‑1‑1 provides interpreter services; state agencies can arrange language assistance on request. Call: 2-1-1 / (800) 478-2221. 2‑1‑1 FAQ. (alaska211.org)

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Local organizations, charities, and support programs that intersect with business

• Anchorage Community Land Trust (Set Up Shop): Training, technical assistance, and microloans for neighborhood entrepreneurs; new commercial kitchen incubator in progress. ACLT overview and KeyBank kitchen news. (akbizmag.com)
• Juneau Economic Development Council: Innovation Summit, youth entrepreneurship camps, and business support. Phone: (907) 523-2300. JEDC site. (jedc.org)
• USDA Rural Development – Alaska: Business programs including B&I Loan Guarantees, Value‑Added Producer Grants, and REAP (note that IRA‑boosted REAP grants had application pauses—check current status). Phone: (907) 761-7705. USDA RD Alaska and REAP IRA notice. (rd.usda.gov)
• Alaska Business Development Center: Rural tax help, business advising. Phone: (907) 562-0335 / (800) 478-3474. ABDC contact. (abdc.org)

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Quick “how‑to” for state contracts

• Vendor Self Service (VSS): Register to get paid and respond to bids. Vendor Help Desk (907) 465-5555. VSS info. (doa.alaska.gov)
• Find opportunities: Browse the State’s Online Public Notices and subscribe to bid alerts with your NAICS/NIGP codes. Online Public Notices. (aws.state.ak.us)
• Use preferences: Claim Alaska bidder and Alaska Product Preference where you qualify; it can swing the math in your favor. AS 36.30.321; APP program. (law.justia.com, commerce.alaska.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Book a session with Alaska APEX for a free one‑on‑one on SAM.gov registration, DSBS profile, and WOSB/DBE. Phone: (907) 786-7258. APEX. (apexalaska.org)

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FAQs for Alaska single‑parent entrepreneurs

• How much is the Alaska business license and when does it expire: $50\ast \ast peryear(\ast \ast$100 for two years); senior/disabled vet sole proprietors $25; all expire December 31 of the licensing period. BL FAQs. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• What’s the LLC fee and reporting schedule: Articles of Organization $250\ast \ast ;initialreportduewithin\ast \ast 6months\ast \ast (\ast \ast$0); biennial report $100. Forms and Fees. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Do I have to collect sales tax in Alaska if I sell online: If your total remote sales delivered into Alaska exceed $100,000 in the current or prior year and you sell into a taxing jurisdiction, register with ARSSTC and collect local tax. ARSSTC FAQ. (arsstc.org)
• Is there any truly free grant to start a business today: Rare. Consider competitions like Spruce Root Path to Prosperity ($20,000) for Southeast, SBIR/STTR if you have an innovation, and local facade or tribal programs as they open. Spruce Root and TREND. (spruceroot.org, aksbdc.org)
• Who can help me prepare a bankable plan fast: Alaska SBDC and AWBC provide no‑cost advising and templates; SBDC’s Funding Support Program can offer mini‑grants up to $5,000 for legal/CPA costs tied to applications. SBDC Funding Support. (aksbdc.org)
• What Alaska state loans fit a home daycare, food truck, or cleaning business: Microloan (up to $35,000\ast \ast )orSBED(upto\ast \ast$750,000) depending on scope; rural areas can use RDIF. Microloan, RDIF, SBED. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Can I sell food from home legally: Yes, under the homemade food rule with required labeling and direct sale rules; no state permit or sales cap. DEC Homemade Food. (dec.alaska.gov)
• How do I get certified as women‑owned for federal contracts: Apply for WOSB/EDWOSB through MySBA Certifications. EDWOSB thresholds include net worth < $850,000\ast \ast ,AGI\ast \ast \le$400,000, assets ≤ $6.5 million. SBA WOSB. (sba.gov)
• Who helps with contracts and SAM.gov for free: Alaska APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) with bid‑match and one‑on‑one coaching. (907) 786-7258. APEX. (apexalaska.org)
• Where can I ask general, non‑business help questions quickly: Alaska 2‑1‑1 for childcare, housing, and emergency aid. 2-1-1 / (800) 478-2221. Alaska 2‑1‑1. (alaska211.org)

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What to do when money is tight this month

• Bridge your cash flow: Apply for a state Microloan for working capital; ask SBDC to help you forecast and right‑size the ask. Microloan. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Cut startup costs: Start under the homemade food rule first; add the “Made in Alaska” label ($25) later to increase credibility. DEC Homemade Food and MIA permit. (dec.alaska.gov, commerce.alaska.gov)
• Line up childcare: If you need help finding subsidized care while you work, call 2-1-1 for referrals and sliding‑fee programs. Alaska 2‑1‑1. (alaska211.org)

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Reality checks, warnings, and tips

• Loan timelines vary: State and CDFI loans require complete packages and adequate collateral; submit quotes and a simple narrative about your parenting schedule and backup caregivers—that’s operational risk planning.
• Grants are competitive: Treat every grant like a job: read criteria twice, draft once, ask SBDC/AWBC to review, then submit. It may take multiple tries.
• Contracting pays slow: Federal and state contracts can take 30–60+ days to pay; plan a cash buffer or use an invoice factoring line after talking with your advisor about costs and risks.

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What to do if this guide’s first plan doesn’t work

• If bank financing stalls: Ask for a formal denial letter, then redirect to SBED/RDIF or SBA microloan with SBDC support. If collateral is your issue, ask whether SSBCI guarantee or collateral support is available under State or Tribal programs. SSBCI overview. (aksbdc.org)
• If you can’t launch brick‑and‑mortar: Start with pop‑ups, markets, or online preorders; for food, the homemade food path lets you validate demand without leasing. DEC Homemade Food. (dec.alaska.gov)
• If childcare is the blocker: Prioritize time‑boxed, revenue‑first tasks (preorders, high‑margin packages) during guaranteed care hours; apply to programs that allow evening/weekend work.

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, University of Alaska, USDA, SBA, and established nonprofits.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified: September 2025, next review: April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

Accuracy and updates: Program rules, interest rates, preferences, and deadlines change. Always verify amounts, eligibility, and dates with the linked agencies before you apply.

Financial and legal note: This guide is informational, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for your situation.

Security: Only use official .gov and .org links provided here. Never email your full SSN, bank logins, or identity documents to unverified addresses. Keep your devices updated and use strong passwords or a password manager.

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Sources cited

• Alaska Corporations/Business Licensing fees and reports. Official forms and fees; BL FAQs; renewal fees, (https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing/BusinessLicensingFAQs.aspx), (https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing/RenewBLOnline.aspx). (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Alaska SBDC contact and 2024 impact. Contact; Homepage; UAA 2025 news on 2024 results. (aksbdc.org, uaa.alaska.edu)
• APEX Accelerator contact. APEX page and main site. (apexalaska.org)
• SBA Alaska District Office. District page. (sba.gov)
• State loan programs and rates. Division of Investments; Microloan; RDIF; SBED; Interest rates. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• AIDEA Loan Participation Program. AIDEA LPP. (aidea.org)
• SSBCI state and tribal programs. Alaska SBDC SSBCI; UAA news release. (aksbdc.org, uaa.alaska.edu)
• SBA microlenders in Alaska. AK Business on BIN; Spruce Root microlender news. (akbizmag.com, spruceroot.org)
• WOSB/EDWOSB certification. SBA WOSB. (sba.gov)
• ARSSTC and remote seller threshold. ARSSTC about/seller FAQ, (https://arsstc.org/faqs-for-sellers/). (arsstc.org)
• DEC Homemade Food. Overview and requirements, (https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/fss/homemade-food/requirements/). (dec.alaska.gov)
• Made in Alaska and Silver Hand. MIA permit process; Silver Hand. (commerce.alaska.gov, arts.alaska.gov)
• State procurement preferences. AS 36.30.321. (law.justia.com)
• Alaska Product Preference Program. APP page. (commerce.alaska.gov)
• Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights (DBE). Civil Rights Office; Directory. (dot.alaska.gov)
• Vendor Self Service. VSS info. (doa.alaska.gov)
• Alaska 2‑1‑1. Helpline. (alaska211.org)
• Spruce Root Path to Prosperity. Competition page. (spruceroot.org)
• 49th State Angel Fund. Program site and contact, (https://www.49saf.com/contact-us). (49saf.com)
• ACLT entrepreneurship programs. AK Business coverage. (akbizmag.com)

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By following the action steps above—and using the exact phones, fees, and links—you can move from idea to revenue with fewer surprises. If you get stuck, use the contact points at the top; they exist to make this easier, not harder.

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🏛️More Alaska Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Alaska

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery