Business Enterprise Institute
Begin, Expand, Innovate.
UAA Business Enterprise Institute.
ABOUT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE
Supporting business and entrepreneurial capacities across Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ by linking economic and community development programs.
The Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ (UAA) Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) links economic development programs across the University of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ (UA) system and supports businesses and entrepreneurial capacities across Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. BEI provides a platform for high-level consultancy between industries and UAA. Providing economic development-related research and technical assistance, high-level professional education, small business development services and entrepreneurialecosystem enhancement for Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, BEI serves as a bridge to expertise and talents throughout UAA.
- The Center for Economic Development (CED) provides guidance and technical assistance to Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ's communities and public
entities engaged in job creation and entrepreneurship. The center develops feasibility
studies, regional strategic plans, economic impact studies, and a variety of applied
research projects on behalf of municipalities, tribes, regional development organizations,
and government agencies.
- The Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Cooperative Development Center (ACDC) is the only organization in the state solely dedicated to assisting and promoting co-ops as a business model. As part of a large, nationwide effort by the Department of Agriculture, it can draw on expertise both inside Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ and across the nation to assist new and existing cooperative businesses in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æn communities.
- (PTAC) works collaboratively to provide businesses with the tools necessary to navigate
the complexities of the government marketplace. Contract specialists are available
to provide no cost technical assistance on government contracting matters, through
seminars and one-on-one advising.
- The Technology, Research and Development Center (TREND) is a catalyst for the high-tech economy in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ through bridging the gaps between innovators, industry, and financiers.
- The (SBDC) provides resources, advice and assistance to help small businesses grow and create measurable economic impact throughout Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. Experienced business advisors and experts guide businesses through on-site and/or online interactions or training, and at no or low cost.
- The Applied Environmental Research Center (AERC) collects, analyzes, and provides applicable environmental, natural, and cultural
resource data to support the optimal management of public lands. All contracting is
through the US Army Corps of Engineers.
- The Center for Strategic Partnerships (CSPR) allows the University of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ to readily engage in essential research for a variety of private organizations, as well as state and federal agencies. They have the capacity to conduct basic and applied research using many methods such as point counts, boat-based surveys, and aerial surveys and are skilled in acoustic monitoring, GIS and satellite tracking, and ecosystem studies.
BEI Executive Director: Christi Bell
Ms. Christi Bell is Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the University
of
Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Anchorage, Business Enterprise Institute. Through this role, Christi seeks
to ignite
a flame of transformation and empower communities and organizations across Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ.
With an economic development career spanning nearly three decades, Christi has worked
across all sectors and many of the communities of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, supporting both community-
based and private-sector organizations.
Through the UAA Business Enterprise Institute, Christi leads a dynamic team of over
70
professionals, faculty members, and students. The Business Enterprise Institute includes
an array of programs, including the acclaimed UA Center for Economic Development,
the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Small Business Development Center, the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ APEX Accelerator (formerly
Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Procurement Technical Center), the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Manufacturing Extension Partnership,
the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Cooperative Development Center, as well as the Applied Environmental
Research Center and Center for Strategic Partnerships and Research.
Equipped with a Certificate in Economic Development from the International Economic
Development Council, Christi brings this trusted stamp of credibility and
professionalism. She also holds MBTI and Greenbelt certificates and a Master of
Business degree, and a Master of Science degree in Resource Management from the
University of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Fairbanks. Christi has honed a unique skill set that merges business
acumen, a deep understanding of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, and a passion for building a more sustainable
and resilient economy across Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ.
1901 Bragaw Street, Room 199
Anchorage, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ 99508
United States
Tel: (907) 786-5444
Fax: (907) 786-5446
E-mail: cabell2@alaska.edu