Best Businesses to Start in Alaska

As America’s last frontier,  Alaska represents the best our country has to offer. Alaska’s towering peaks, beautiful seas, and untouched wilderness are incomparable. But there’s more to this state than its scenery. The opportunities in Alaska are as big as its mountains. With unique industries and a business-friendly atmosphere, Alaska could be the perfect place for your business.

You wouldn’t travel into the Alaskan wilderness ill-prepared, nor should you venture into its economy without the right tools. Our Formation Services can equip you with the right entity for the job. Whether you need an LLC or a corporation, we can help you get your Alaskan business up and running in no time. 

Love the idea of starting a business in Alaska, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Below, we will discuss the best business to start in Alaska. We’ll look at ten good businesses to Start in Alaska and some of the most profitable business ideas in Alaska. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just a way to think about your options.

The Most Profitable Small Business Ideas in Alaska 

1. Restaurant

Alaska is home to one of the most active fishing industries in the world. There is plenty of salmon, and halibut, not to mention the famous Alaskan king crab. For this reason, seafood is a big hit in Alaska. If you’re talented in the kitchen, you may want to consider opening up a restaurant or food truck in Alaska. 

2. Music Venue

It’s no secret that Alaska is home to a lot of unique souls. It takes a special type of person to live in Alaska, which results in a surprising amount of talent and creativity calling it home. Accordingly, Alaska has found itself with an ever-developing music scene. Creating a venue for these bands could let you foster the creativity of your fellow Alaskans and make a nice profit at the same.

3. Travel Agency

Alaska isn’t just huge in size, it’s also a huge tourist destination. Alaska can see over 2 million tourists visit in a year. Unfortunately, not all those who wish to visit know where to start. A travel agency or tour guide business could allow you to arrange the trip of a lifetime for visitors. The best part? This is a job that can often be done from home.

4. Tutoring

One area where Alaska faces some struggles is education. Alaskan students are bright, but they lack access to some of the resources students from the mainland United States may have. An afterschool tutoring business could provide some much-needed help to Alaskan kids and help level the playing field.

5. Car Repair

Alaskan weather makes for lovely scenery, but it can be brutal on vehicles. Salt on roads, dirt trails, and lots of snow can cause all sorts of problems for cars and trucks throughout the state. Opening up a vehicle repair business could be a great source of revenue that allows Alaskans to keep their cars going strong.

6. Online Business

Looking to work from home in your dream destination? It’s now easier than ever to start a business in your pajamas. There are many online opportunities in fields like copywriting, graphic design, and marketing. Starting an online business in Alaska might mean more time enjoying all the state has to offer instead of being cooped up in an office all day.

7. Oil & Gas Services

If you have experience in the oil and gas industries, then Alaska has a ton of opportunities for you. Whether you are an engineer or a marketing guru, you may be able to provide marketing, design, or other consulting services to the Alaskan oil and gas industry. This field can be extremely profitable and is often in demand.

8. Insurance Sales

It’s no secret that Alaska has some dangerous industries. Commercial fishing, logging, and oil field work are all tough jobs with lots of risks. As a salesperson for insurance in Alaska, you can help bring some peace of mind to those who put themselves at risk every day. Whether you are selling commercial policies to businesses or life insurance policies to employees, you can provide a valuable product to the people of Alaska.

9. Shipping and transportation

Shipping and logistics keep Alaskans alive. There is a real need for skilled drivers to deliver goods throughout the state. If you have the right training, you may be able to make good money keeping Alaskan businesses stocked with produce and supplies. Be warned though, driving conditions in the winter are not for the faint of heart. 

10. Photography

Talented with a camera? Alaska could offer many interesting opportunities. You have lots of options when it comes to making a living from photography in Alaska. Weddings photography is always a hit, as are portraits and family photos. Alaska is also home to some of the best wildlife and nature photography opportunities in the world. Whatever your preference, Alaska is a great place for photos!

Why These Are the Best Small Businesses to Start in Alaska

These businesses are a few of the best Alaskan businesses to start because they offer opportunities that are in demand, require little capital, or a combination of both. Many of these businesses have another benefit. They appeal to the call of adventure that so many Alaskans love. Still, the best business to start in Alaska is the one you want to run. So if you have another idea, that’s good too!

Best Cities in Alaska for Starting a Business

As its population center, Anchorage stands out as the best place to start a business in Alaska. Juneau and Fairbanks could also be promising places to start your business and may have less competition than Anchorage. There are also lots of smaller Alaskan towns and cities that may be in desperate need of some of the businesses discussed above.

Why Form Your Business With Us

When you work with us to start your business, you’re getting more than just an business entity. Our team offers important additional features such as Worry-Free Compliance and top-notch customer support. We want to get your business set up as fast as possible so you can focus on what’s important: making it succeed.