Celebrating Set Up Shop’s Newest Graduates: Meet the Spring 2026 Plan It! Cohort
Join us in celebrating Set Up Shop's most recent graduates of our Spring 2026 Plan It! cohort! Meet Anchorage's up-and-coming business owners, and read more about their business concepts and journeys below. While they each have their own unique lines of business and pathways to launching and growing, they have one thing in common- an incredible drive to take their next steps and operate the business of their dreams!
Our CEO, Kirk Rose, says, "We are so proud to see this program reignited after a pause in services due to federal defunding last year. I especially want to thank the staff team members who always kept their focus on serving our clients and persevered through ups and downs to make this and future cohorts happen. And, thanks always to our community for believing in us and supporting us through a turbulent and challenging year."
This cohort would not have been possible without support from the following individuals:
- Joe Lumpkin, Regal North Commercial
- Jasmin Smith, Umoja Coworking & Incubator, Babyvend
- Shane McHale, Blueberry Tours
- Chuada Chang, Ride Revival
- Abby Miller & Ann Lawson, Cook Inlet Lending Center
- April Hamels, Numerus Accounting
- Corinna Kana'ina, Hula Hands
- Emily Longbrake, Tiny Gallery
- Dana Mathews, Dana Mae's Cookies
- Myra Rotman, Aaka's Place
- Brit Galanin, Element Agency
- Cheryl Teller, IRS
- Nick Bajwa, Dillon, Findley, & Simonian
Set Up Shop's Plan It! training program is a FREE line of comprehensive, personalized training for new or growing entrepreneurs. The training is provided in cohorts of 10-15 people over 12 weeks. Each session features a different topic, including business strategy, operations, marketing, financials, and more, all taught through classes and workshops by our experienced staff and industry professionals. Interested in taking the class, or know someone who is? Applications are OPEN through June 15th, with the next cohort starting Tuesday, July 7th.
Joshua Anzaldua - Eternal Grind LLC
Joshua Anzaldua is the founder of EternalGrind LLC, a growing Anchorage-based business that provides commercial kitchen equipment repair, maintenance, and inspection services for locally owned restaurants and food service businesses. With years of hands-on experience in the restaurant industry and certifications in refrigeration, HVAC, welding, and related trades, Joshua brings both technical expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges restaurant owners face every day.
Through EternalGrind LLC, Joshua offers services including refrigeration repair, gas equipment maintenance, preventative inspections, and deep cleaning for commercial kitchen systems. His work helps restaurants reduce costly downtime, improve operational efficiency, and maintain safe, reliable equipment so they can continue serving their customers without interruption. Since joining the program, Joshua has strengthened his business planning, developed operational systems for scheduling, invoicing, and bookkeeping, and begun building a steady customer base through direct outreach and relationship-building with local restaurant owners. He has also refined his long-term vision for the company, including preventive maintenance plans that generate reliable recurring revenue and enable future expansion through additional employees and advanced repair services.
Brennan and Alma- The Info Dump
Mother/daughter duo Alma and Brennan are working together with a team of three other entrepreneurs to launch The Info Dump. Still in its concept phase, The Info Dump will be a community-centered business focused on creating inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces that support neurodivergent individuals, people with disabilities, and underserved communities in Alaska. Through a combination of specialty coffee, tea, artisanal beverages, event hosting, and professional office space rentals, The Info Dump will build a welcoming environment where people can connect, work, learn, and feel supported. In addition to its café and community space offerings, The Info Dump will be deeply rooted in accessibility. The business plans to provide job training opportunities for individuals with disabilities, develop neuro-affirming workplace practices, and create sensory-conscious environments with features such as quiet zones, adjustable lighting, and visual communication tools. The vision behind Info-Dump is to create a space where inclusivity is not an afterthought, but the foundation of the business itself.
Since participating in the program, Alma has expanded the strategic direction of The Info Dump by exploring multiple revenue streams, including online retail, workshops, merchandise, event hosting, and partnerships with nonprofits and community organizations. The business is also exploring opportunities to collaborate with larger corporate partners to support neurodiverse hiring initiatives and increase long-term sustainability. Throughout the program, Alma has demonstrated thoughtful leadership and a strong commitment to community impact by carefully considering both the operational and emotional needs of the populations The Info Dump hopes to serve. Alma and her daughter Brennan are still working with their management team to launch, with their next steps clearly outlined, and with the drive to build a thriving and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities.
Rochelle Lind - Loretta’s Laundry
Rochelle Lind is the founder of Loretta’s Laundry, a family-centered laundromat concept focused on creating a safe, welcoming, and dependable laundry experience for individuals and families in Anchorage. As a single mother of five, Rochelle’s vision is rooted in community care, safety, and providing high-quality customer service through a business designed to support people in their everyday lives. Loretta’s Laundry will offer self-service laundry facilities alongside wash-dry-fold services, curbside pickup and drop-off, and delivery options to meet the needs of busy families and working individuals. Rochelle’s long-term goal is to build what she describes as the safest and most family-friendly laundromat in Alaska, with features including monitored security cameras, key-code membership access, hourly security checks, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere available 24 hours a day.
Since participating in the program, Rochelle has significantly expanded her business planning and operational vision. She has explored systems for financial tracking, customer management, equipment planning, and marketing while identifying growth opportunities. Her long-term plans include building partnerships with local businesses, airlines, and organizations to provide commercial laundry services in addition to serving everyday customers. Throughout the program, Rochelle has demonstrated strong determination and a clear commitment to building a lasting family business. She plans to involve her children in operations and views Loretta’s Laundry as an opportunity to create both financial stability and generational impact for her family. While Loretta's Laundry is still in its planning stages, the future is bright for the business.
Naquita Green - Women's Health & Wellness Coaching
Naquita Green is an entrepreneur focused on empowering women through digital health & wellness education and coaching. Her business aims to provide adult women with tools and knowledge to enhance bodily literacy, personal agency, and self-confidence, with plans to expand into in-person classes in the future. Originally participating in the Set Up Shop program in 2020, Naquita decided to retake the program in preparation for the next phase of her business. She has developed a platform and new customer relationships and is currently rebranding her business to better align with her mission. Through the course of the program, she has identified her next steps to grow her business, and is working to establish proper infrastructure, including updated technology, billing systems, and business planning. Currently in the idea stage, but with her business license in place, Naquita is refining her product offerings, including a period essentials kit, and is continuing to work on her branding and business planning. Her goal is to build a robust digital education and coaching business that provides meaningful support and empowerment to women, helping them feel more comfortable and confident in their own bodies.
Sharay Samuel – Grace Given Wellness
Sharay Samuel is the founder of Grace Given Wellness & Sewing Academy, a faith-centered wellness and education initiative focused on empowering women, young adults, and homeschool students through practical skills, wellness education, creativity, and community connection. Combining faith, fitness, natural wellness, and hands-on learning, Sharay is building a mission-driven organization designed to support people physically, mentally, and spiritually. Grace Given Wellness & Sewing Academy offers a growing range of programs including sewing classes, wellness workshops, herbal education, DIY natural products, and “Praise Cardio,” Sharay’s faith-based fitness program that blends movement, encouragement, and community. In addition to educational programming, she also creates handmade wellness products and sewn goods while planning future retreats and the publication of a devotional book.
Since participating in the program, Sharay has expanded her vision beyond a traditional small business model and is now working toward transitioning Grace Given Wellness & Sewing Academy into a nonprofit organization. Her long-term goal is to create accessible, community-centered programming that teaches valuable life skills, promotes healthy living, and provides supportive spaces for learning and personal growth. Throughout the program, Sharay has focused on strengthening her operational planning by developing class structures, building community partnerships, preparing a dedicated sewing classroom, and exploring systems that support long-term sustainability. She has also thoughtfully considered ways to balance ministry-focused services with financial sustainability through classes, retreats, grants, and product sales.
Marcianna “Marci” Shannon – Faith-Based Coffee Shop Concept
Marcianna Shannon is developing a faith-centered community café and youth-focused nonprofit space designed to support teens and families through connection, mentorship, wellness, and creativity. Her vision extends beyond a traditional coffee shop, creating a welcoming environment where young people can feel safe, supported, and encouraged while building life skills and meaningful relationships. Drawing from her extensive experience in the coffee industry, including previous roles with Starbucks and managing operations at the University of Alaska Anchorage coffee shop, Marcianna brings strong hospitality knowledge and a passion for serving others. Her business concept combines a café with community-centered programming such as tutoring, counseling resources, wellness activities, themed events, poetry slams, gaming spaces, and opportunities for teens to gain customer service and business experience.
In addition to the café and programming, the business plans to offer branded merchandise including hoodies, tumblers, cups, hats, bookmarks, and other community-focused items that help build identity and support ongoing operations. Marcianna’s long-term vision includes developing a larger multi-use space capable of supporting multiple programs and services for youth and families under one roof. Since participating in the program, Marcianna has continued refining her vision by exploring ways to blend nonprofit impact with sustainable business operations. She has focused on learning how to test ideas gradually, understand community needs, and create a welcoming environment that reflects her values of compassion, encouragement, and belonging.
Sean Neal – Silverback Protection Group
Sean Neal is the co-founder of Silverback Protection Group (SPG), a veteran- and minority-owned private security company providing professional security services throughout Alaska. SPG specializes in venue security, event security, protective services, operational oversight, and security consulting, with a strong focus on professionalism, accountability, and community trust.
Drawing from his extensive background in law enforcement and public service, Sean brings years of experience in school safety, narcotics investigations, and federal service to the company’s operations. His leadership has helped shape SPG into a business focused not only on safety and compliance, but also on building respectful relationships within the communities and businesses they serve.
Since joining the program, Sean has worked to strengthen SPG’s operational structure by implementing clear standard operating procedures (SOPs), improving screening and security processes, and refining internal systems to support long-term growth. The company has also focused on increasing professionalism across all operations, positioning current contracts as examples of the quality and reliability SPG provides to clients. Sean has identified key growth opportunities through strategic partnerships, networking, and expanding staff training and certifications. His long-term vision includes building a highly trained team capable of taking on larger contracts, executive protection services, and more advanced security operations throughout Alaska. Throughout the program, Sean has demonstrated a thoughtful and disciplined approach to scaling the business responsibly. From prioritizing staff training and liability management to developing financial tracking systems and maintaining strong service standards, his focus remains on sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Samantha Matipa – Divine & Delicious
Samantha Matipa is the founder of Divine & Delicious, a baked goods business in Anchorage, Alaska, focused on creating intentional, soul-nourishing treats. Her menu includes handcrafted cinnamon rolls, brownies, sugar cookies, soft vanilla cakes, and she is currently experimenting with madeleines (yum!). Samantha launched her business in February 2025 and operates as a mobile vendor, participating in local markets, including Juneteenth and Bear Paw, gaining early customer feedback and exposure. Divine & Delicious is committed to providing baked goods that foster warmth, culture, and community connection.
Currently, Samantha is focused on marketing and digital promotion, including social media presence and online sales platforms like Shef, as well as ensuring compliance with cottage food regulations. She envisions expanding Divine & Delicious into a brick-and-mortar location, potentially supporting other bakers and creating a community-focused bakery space. Samantha is focused next on growing her licensing and compliance, and growth strategies to strengthen her business foundation, expand her reach, and build toward her long-term goal of a storefront operation.
Shaurresia Moore – L’Element Studio
Shaurresia Moore is the founder and artist behind L’Element Studio, a Spenard-based handmade jewelry business specializing in filigree, lampwork, and fine handcrafted jewelry. What began as a creative hobby has evolved into a recognized local brand known for its detailed craftsmanship, artistic expression, and commitment to handmade quality. Every piece is carefully created by hand, reflecting Shaurresia’s passion for traditional techniques and her dedication to creating unique wearable art. Since launching her business in 2012, Shaurresia has built a loyal customer base through local markets, custom orders, and community connections. She regularly participates in local vendor events and farmers markets while continuing to refine her online presence through digital sales platforms and her website. Her work combines creativity and authenticity, helping preserve and revitalize the traditional art of filigree while bringing contemporary handmade jewelry to the local community.
Throughout the program, Shaurresia has focused on strengthening the business side of L’Element Studio by exploring new marketing opportunities, researching additional markets and festivals, and considering partnerships with local retail stores. She is also working toward expanding online sales and increasing visibility for her products beyond seasonal events. As a solo entrepreneur, Shaurresia has been intentional about building a business that supports both sustainability and personal balance. She has thoughtfully identified the importance of preventing burnout, maintaining manageable growth, and making strategic decisions about which opportunities best align with her goals and creative energy.