Local/Borough Resources

Government actions frequently impact the business community.  The Seward Chamber has launched Seward Business Voice, a website highlighting national, state, and local issues impacting business.  Learn about the issues, and support the Chamber Board through Action Alerts.  Seward Business Voice is your one stop connection to our national, state, and local elected leadership.

An excellent source of local business assistance in Seward is the Alaska Small Business Development Center.  Hosted by the University of Alaska and funded in part by the US Small Business Association, provides free, confidential technical business assistance and low-cost business training.  Call the SBDC directly to make an appointment.  907-260-5629

The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD) supports businesses by assisting with developing their business plans, preparing them for commercial loans, providing access to capital, and providing technical support through their Business Incubator program. KPEDD assists communities with capacity building. Capacity building starts with community involvement.  907-283-3335

Local financial institutions can offer assistance obtaining funding for commercial business enterprises.  Contact the Chamber's member financial institutions here.

Alaska Resources

Launched in July 2009, AKSourceLink is a community referral network that links small and emerging business owners in Alaska to local resource partners who offer services that help small businesses grow and prosper.

BuyAlaska.com is a program of University of Alaska Anchorage and the Alaska Small Business Development Center.  BuyAlaska.com promotes Alaska-based products and services, encouraging Alaskans to shift their outside spending back into Alaska.

The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development offers services including business licensing, a reference guide to establishing a business in Alaska, and small business assistance.  Copies of the Department's reference guides may be obtained on disk at the Seward Chamber.  You can also research business names to be sure yours stands out and register your unique name.

Alaska Growth Capital fosters business growth in Alaska through lending and counseling services.

The Alaska Department of Labor specifies your requirements as an Alaska employer.

Alaska employers and employees pay state unemployment tax.  Complete information is available from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Employment Security Division.

Workers' Compensation Insurance. Workers' compensation is a program that requires employers to pay medical costs and partial wages for employees with work-related injuries and illnesses. Workers' compensation insurance can be purchased from insurance companies.

Workplace Posters. Employers are required to post certain information for employees. Posters are available at this link.

National Resources

A treasure trove of information beneficial to small businesses is found at the Small Business Administration (SBA), an independent government agency created by Congress to help small businesses prosper.

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a volunteer association sponsored by the US Small Business Administration.  It matches volunteer business-management counselors with present and prospective small business owners in need of expert advice. 

USDA Rural Development increases economic opportunity in rural Alaska, working in partnership with the private sector to provide financial assistance and business planning.

The IRS provides general information on starting a business and links to recommended resources.  Obtain the IRS's Publication 15 each year for complete information on federal employment tax requirements.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office offers information related to protecting your name, logo, or design as unique to your product or service.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for reporting employment taxes. To apply for an EIN, take this link to Form SS-4 and submit the completed form to the Internal Revenue Service.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides small business toolkits as part of their Small Business Nation campaign.