The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is a remarkable location for your business. As one of the nation’s fastest growing areas, with a population of 88,995 per the 2010 census, and projections of 173,000 by 2025, opportunities for new and expanding markets are plentiful. The Borough has a large, well-trained workforce and employment has grown an average of 5.5 percent each year for the past decade.

Business in the Borough

The Borough welcomes new and expanding businesses, offers a fast-track license and permit systems, and provides a solid, credit trustworthy government with an AA Bond rating for the 2011 fiscal year. This business friendly environment is further enhanced by low natural gas prices, plenty of land for development, good schools, and outstanding quality of life for employees.

Haven for Business

The Borough is a haven for professional businesses, entrepreneurs and industries. Approximately 34 percent of the population commutes to Anchorage for work and would much rather work closer to home. Thus, a pool of professional and well-trained workers is available. In addition, the Borough has a deep draft Dock at Port McKenzie adjacent to an 8,940 acre Port District dedicated to commercial and industrial development. This Port District has land available and provides some of the least expensive industrial land on the Pacific Ocean.

Other Economic development highlights include: a rapidly expanding tourism industry, completion of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, development of a world-class ski resort, $80 million of new road projects, an active construction industry meeting residential and commercial market needs, expansion of professional offices, rapid growth of the local university system, construction of a new 1,536 bed prison, building of the Denali South Visitor’s Center, and development of new industries.

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free consulting services and low cost educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business.  The Alaska SBDC business advisors work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-to-one sessions in the areas of management, marketing, sales, finance, accounting and other disciplines required for small business growth, expansion and innovation.

Companies locating or expanding in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough can take advantage of a variety of tax, financing and business development incentives. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough works closely with existing and new businesses to ensure that firms may take full advantage of the programs and assistance that may save businesses time and money.

Tax Deferrals

Lowering the cost of doing business, particularly in the early stages of a start-up, can have important consequences on the ability of a new business to begin operations. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough recognized this need and offers all qualified new businesses the ability to reduce their initial operating costs by deferring tax payments for up to five (5) years.