Overview - Competition Details - APPLY - Past Winners - FAQ

Competition History

For 12 years, more than 458 businesses and start-ups in 23 Southeast Alaska communities applied to the Path to Prosperity Business Competition, an annual business development competition for businesses with a positive economic, environmental and community impact on Southeast Alaska. The program trained 168 entrepreneurs and awarded 26 winners a total of $760,000 to build their local businesses.

In 2025, we will be partnering with Alaska Growth Capital (AGC), a Native-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Anchorage, in supporting entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth across Alaska. Since 2019, we’ve been honored to see AGC align its Marketplace programming with our Path to Prosperity (P2P) model, reflecting a shared commitment to uplifting local businesses. Our partnership deepened in 2023, as we began working more closely with AGC to help administer and refine the Marketplace program. It’s been a privilege to contribute our experience in business development, mentorship, and sustainable economic growth to AGC’s efforts to expand opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

This year, we’re especially excited to see our 12 P2P finalists join AGC’s Marketplace finalists in Anchorage for Entrepreneur Camp — a unique opportunity for collaborative learning and connection. Bringing these talented entrepreneurs together creates an incredible environment to share knowledge, build relationships, and strengthen networks across the state.

Who should apply? 

This year’s competition cycle is open to Alaska Native individuals who reside in Southeast Alaska and are building businesses that intend to have a positive social, ecological and economic impact on their communities. 

Entries can be for a new business or an expansion of a current business. Additionally, this year’s program introduces a STEM/TEK Track, providing specialized support for businesses in science, technology, engineering, and math-related (STEM) industries and/or using traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). While STEM/TEK-related businesses are encouraged to apply, the competition is open to all industries. 

Southeast Alaska offers many opportunities for STEM- and TEK-related businesses. Examples could include: businesses based on traditional plant teachings, natural resource management using LiDAR technology, tidal energy products designed for rural communities, heat pump installation, fishing fleet electrification, and more.

Businesses must be located and operate primarily in Southeast Alaska and owners must be residents of Southeast Alaska. We especially encourage participation from smaller communities in Southeast Alaska.

Please reach out to us if you have additional questions about eligibility.

For the complete 2025 competition rules and regulations, click here.

Many of our other workshops including Business Basics, Master Class, and Financial Wellness remain open to all residents of Southeast Alaska. Check out our upcoming opportunities on our homepage.

This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law.