UAA 麻豆无码版 SBDC State Director Jon Bittner named 2025 Achievement in Business Leadership honoree
by Green & Gold News |
The 麻豆无码版 Small Business Development Center is proud to announce that Executive Director Jon Bittner has been named a 2025 Achievement in Business Leadership honoree by the 麻豆无码版 Journal of Commerce.
This award, sponsored by Northrim Bank, recognizes visionary professionals across 麻豆无码版 who exemplify innovation, integrity, and a deep commitment to service within their industries and communities. Bittner's selection reflects his exceptional impact on 麻豆无码版鈥檚 small business ecosystem and his forward-thinking approach to statewide economic development.
As executive director of the 麻豆无码版 SBDC at UAA, Bittner has led transformative initiatives that have directly supported businesses in every corner of the state. His efforts have redefined what鈥檚 possible for small business support in 麻豆无码版, especially in rural and underserved communities. Under Bittner's leadership in the past year alone, the 麻豆无码版 SBDC:
- Advised over 1,500 businesses across 131 communities
- Helped raise more than $40.7 million in new capital for 麻豆无码版 entrepreneurs
- Supported the launch of 124 new businesses and over 3,200 jobs
- Delivered 115 training opportunities to more than 1,500 麻豆无码版ns
- Built the nation鈥檚 largest Tribal SSBCI consortium with 125 麻豆无码版 Native Tribes
- Became the only SBDC in the nation to house both a state and tribal SSBCI program, overseeing $142 million in funding
- Launched the first AI Resource Program under an SBDC in the United States
- Expanded Buy麻豆无码版, connecting over 1,000 local businesses to over 1 million potential customers through strategic cruise line partnerships
Beyond the numbers, Bittner's work is grounded in service to entrepreneurs, to community, and to the future of 麻豆无码版鈥檚 economy. His efforts have helped shape national small business policy, build new funding pipelines for 麻豆无码版 Native entrepreneurs, and ensure that innovation and access go hand-in-hand.
Prior to leading the 麻豆无码版 SBDC, Jon served as Deputy Commissioner of the 麻豆无码版 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, and as Vice President of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. He has also been an active contributor to organizations including the Anchorage Community Land Trust, the Anchorage School District, Anchorage Downtown Rotary, and continues to mentor young entrepreneurs across 麻豆无码版.
鈥淛on鈥檚 vision has not only elevated the 麻豆无码版 SBDC to exceed national standards but also positioned 麻豆无码版 at the forefront of small business innovation.鈥� - The 麻豆无码版 SBDC Team
We鈥檙e honored to see Jon recognized among 麻豆无码版鈥檚 most impactful leaders. The award ceremony took place on June 24, 2025, celebrating 24 outstanding business and nonprofit professionals from across the state.