Discover how three transformative laws — two federal and one state — are helping Alaska move toward energy independence. With climate shifts and rising energy costs impacting residents, these laws support innovative, resilient energy solutions that align with Alaska’s unique needs.
Newsletter: Growth acceleration award paves way for green initiatives
Spruce Root is making significant strides in sustainability and economic development! We’re thrilled to announce that Spruce Root has won Stage Two of the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, positioning us to lead strategic development in our region. Additionally, the Coalition for Green Capital has chosen Spruce Root as its first network investment, underscoring our shared commitment to green growth initiatives.
Indigenous entrepreneurs gather for their second Resilience Circles retreat
Resilience Circles hosted there second intensive, three-day participant retreat for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Participants engaged in an array of in-person works sessions covering personal and business financial planning, marketing and branding, physical health and nutrition, Indigenous values exploration talking circle.
Spruce Root wins Stage Two of the U.S. SBA’s 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced late September that Spruce Root is a Stage Two winner for the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC). Spruce Root will receive a $150,000 cash prize for its approach to nurturing a collaborative national innovation ecosystem to advance small business research and development, from the idea stage to the market.
Congratulations to Rosita Worl on the recognition of your work
President Joe Biden awarded Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl with a 2023 National Humanities Medal at the White House. The award, from the National Endowment for the Humanities, honors an individual or organization whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the human experience, broadened citizen engagement with history and literature or helped preserve and expand Americans' access to cultural resources.
Newsletter: Empowering artists, embracing traditions: Fall highlights with Spruce Root
We hope you are as excited for fall as we are. Spruce Root is offering a Business Basics for Artists workshop for all Southeast Alaska residents and Sealaska shareholders. The Sustainable Southeast Partnership catalysts connect through virtual culture camp and Lingít traditions. Some of our team members presented at U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola's forum on solutions to Alaska's outmigration crisis.
Alaska leaders discuss rural-to-urban migration challenges
In September, U.S. Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola hosted a convening on outmigration to explore challenges and solutions related to rural-to-urban migration in Alaska and to the Lower 48. Topics included climate change, food security, housing, economic development, and education. Sustainable Southeast Partnership Deputy Director Shannon Stevens and Program Manager and Regional Catalyst for Workforce Development Michael Mausbach, shared success stories, covering workforce development and advocacy for Native CDFI funding.
Coalition for Green Capital announces first network investment in Spruce Root
Business Competition finalists participate in a three-day training and networking event
Twelve Path to Prosperity Business Competition finalists gathered at the Jorgenson House in Juneau to participate in a three-day intensive, where they learned about creating a business plan, the importance of financial projections and important customer service advice. During these highly interactive sessions, finalists engage with Spruce Root facilitators, local business leaders who serve as mentors and each other as they grow a support network for each business.
Please welcome Haley Goodman to Spruce Root
Haley grew up in the Lower Hudson Valley region in New York and will be working with Spruce Root as the Community Development Fellow through the Alaska Fellows Program through May of next year. She attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where she earned a B.A. in environmental studies and geography.