Spruce Root is more than a lender — it’s a partner in building a resilient and thriving Southeast Alaska. As a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we provide financing, business coaching and financial wellness programs tailored to the unique needs of our region. Our mission is to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses that sustain local economies and uplift our communities. We do this through small business coaching, workforce development and career skills support, and financial programs to meet the unique needs of our region.
Business Basics virtual participants learn how to root their business in their values
On Friday, March 7, Spruce Root facilitated a Business Basics workshop over Zoom. In attendance were 16 participants from diverse backgrounds. The group included people forming their business ideas as well as those who had already started their businesses. They represented a number of sectors, from the arts to construction to marketing services.
“We had a great group of folks who really participated fully in the class,” Program Manager for Small Business Marc Wheeler said. “We hope that they made some new connections as well as learned some useful business concepts and skills.”
During the six hour class, participants learned how to root their business in their own values and how use a business model canvas to guide the development of their business.
During the day, participants learned about how to target customers, how to write a value proposition, how to calculate their break-even sales, and how to think about marketing and branding.
After the workshop, one participant wrote that the most valuable part of the workshop was, “All of it!! Above and beyond what I anticipated. Lots of great info and direction! Think this is good for everyone starting out. Just to make sure your duckies are covered. Thought it was gonna be a basic common sense basic. Yet there was such deep takeaway!”
Spruce Root will continue to offer Business Basics workshops throughout the year, and the next class is planned for April 18 in Hoonah.
Hoonah residents can register for our free, in-person Business Basics workshop.
Newsletter: Spring into a brighter future with Spruce Root
Spring is a great reminder to take care of yourself, whether that’s through growing your business through workshops or lending, developing your career skills or increasing financial wellness understanding. In this edition of the Spruce Root newsletter, learn more about our Resilience Circles program for Indigenous entrepreneurs, how to make personal finances less complicated and how young people are discovering climate-resilient jobs.
Resilience Circles helps Indigenous entrepreneurs to scale their business up
Second annual Angoon Career Fair focuses on climate resilience
Spruce Root staff recently traveled to the community of Angoon to participate in a two-day career fair at Angoon High School. Held alongside the second annual Kookesh Basketball Invitational, the event provided an opportunity to connect with students, community members, and local partners in meaningful ways.
Client Stories: Jack Finnegan, Fishability
The cornerstone of Fishability Alaska will be a custom-built 37-foot landing craft, which is currently being built at Homestead Skiffs, a local boat-building shop. The vessel features innovations explicitly designed for accessibility, including a fold-down bow for beach landings, double-wide doors that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requirements, and flush deck-to-cabin transitions to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Southeast Alaska businesses win $40,000 to launch and expand
Newsletter: Building Southeast Alaska's future with a summit, new careers and community
Secure your spot at the 2025 Southeast Alaska Farmers Summit, explore new opportunities to join the Spruce Root team, discover what it means to be a Native CDFI, and explore career pathways at the Angoon Community Career Fair.
Spruce Root becomes SBA-approved microlender in Alaska
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that Spruce Root Inc. has become SBA-approved microlender in Alaska. Spruce Root is the first SBA Microlender to be founded and headquartered in the State of Alaska. This designation opens new doors for small business owners across the state, providing them with greater access to capital and resources to grow their ventures.
Newsletter: Weaving culture and community builds a stronger Southeast Alaska
In this newsletter, we spotlight a recent workshop for artists looking to grow their business skills, offer tips on starting your journey toward financial independence, and recap the Sustainable Southeast Partnership Catalyst gathering in Kake. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at an inspiring in-person retreat for Resilience Circles participants.