Spruce Root celebrates success, empowering growth and building connections
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We're elated to announce that three Southeast Alaska businesses secured a total of $60,000 in funding to kickstart and expand their ventures. Spruce Root is excited to witness the positive impacts these businesses will have on our local economy. The U.S. Department of Energy also selected Spruce Root to receive a $2.5 million grant. This recognition not only underscores our commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy but also serves as a testament to the impactful work being done by our dedicated team and partners.
Also in this newsletter:
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Photo by Shaelene Grace Moler
Holly Adams, left, of Muskeg Munchkins Baby Boutique stands with Path to Prosperity Business Competition Coordinator Izzy Haywood and Robert Chadwell of Adventure Harvest after Adams and Chadwell were each awarded $20,000 grants to grow their respective businesses. Sally Boisvert of Four Winds Farm, Haines, also won one of the three prizes announced at the 2024 annual Sustainable Southeast Partnership spring retreat in Sitka, Alaska.
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Southeast Alaska businesses win $60,000 to launch and expand
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Congratulations to Sally Boisvert of Four Winds Farm of Haines, Holly Adams of Muskeg Munchkins Baby Boutique and Tawny Darling and Robert Chadwell of Adventure Harvest on winning the 2023 Path to Prosperity Business Competition.
After careful deliberation, the judges selected these three phenomenal businesses to be awarded $20,000 each to grow their businesses. They also each received cedar-woven medicine pouches made by Deborah Head of Craig to commemorate their achievements.
The winners were announced at the annual Sustainable Southeast Partnership spring retreat in Sitka.
The 2024 Path to Prosperity Business Competition applications are now open.
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Photo by Bethany Goodrich
Klawock City Administrator Leslie Isaacs guides a tour of Sustainable Southeast Partnership participants during a walk around the city in 2018. Klawock is a Tlingit community on Prince of Wales. Isaacs chairs Spruce Root’s Board of Directors.
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Spruce Root selected by U.S. Department of Energy to receive $2.5 million grant
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The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Spruce Root $2.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for their green bank project aiming to decarbonize Alaska's Tongass region through air source heat pumps powered by renewable energy.
Through this initiative, Spruce Root plans to install energy-efficient heat pumps in up to 240 Tribal buildings on Prince of Wales to address the region's high heating demands and foster workforce development by training local technicians.
Partnering with entities like Alaska Power & Telephone Company, Spruce Root aims to utilize excess local hydropower, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and external resources.
It's among 19 initiatives nationwide receiving over $78 million to promote clean energy and enhance energy access in rural and remote areas.
Spruce Root is excited to utilize the green bank model to build on clean energy investments and solutions with partners like Alaska Power & Telephone Company and the Coalition for Green Capital. |
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Spruce Root is hiring an Executive Assistant & Special Projects Coordinator!
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Spruce Root is seeking an Executive Assistant & Special Projects Coordinator to catalyze work across the entire organization.
This role is responsible for providing administrative support to the Executive Director, Board of Directors and committees.
They are also a core member of the Administrative and Operations team and provide a wide range of general administrative and support services for the organization, including event planning and logistics.
The ideal candidate is an organized and thoughtful doer, who excels in clear, proactive and timely communication.
Deadline to Apply: May 20, 2024
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Photo by Marc Wheeler
Tina Steffen, left, who owns Skya’ana Coffee Company in Klawock, talks with Derek James of Sitka Construction Solutions, Chloey Cavanaugh of Black & White Raven Co. and Spruce Root Facilitation Manager Izzy Haywood during the Resilience Circles participant cohort in Juneau.
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Resilience Circles participants gather for in-person workshops, networking
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The first cohort of Resilience Circles participants gathered in Juneau to participate in a three-day workshop featuring personalized mentorship, training and collaborative forums designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Kris Karsunky, Dereck James, Edith Johnson, Tina Steffen, Lisa Andersson, Chloey Cavanaugh, Connor Meyer, Mary Goddard and Justyne Wheeler joined Spruce Root team members and Resilience Circles practitioners.
“Through this program, we aim to amplify their voices, scale their impact, and weave a stronger economic fabric for our communities,” Resilience Circles Program Director Lisa Nelson said. “These leaders are not just building businesses; they are nurturing the resilience that has always been at the heart of our Indigenous heritage.”
By fostering a supportive community of like-minded individuals, Resilience Circles aims to create a lasting impact on the region's economic landscape by strengthening the capacities of Alaska Native enterprises for ecosystem guardianship, long-term economic resilience, comprehensive well-being and community mental health.
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Tlingit & Haida wants to hear from you!
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The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida is updating the 2018 Southeast Alaska Tribal Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
This project needs your input to help Tlingit & Haida develop ideas and strategies to support Tribal economic health and rural economies in Southeast for the next five years.
Learn more and take the 10-minute survey to share your ideas at https://tlingithaidaceds.com. The survey is open to all Southeast Alaska residents.
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Thank you to all our partners, supporters, donors and communities for continuing to share in our vision for the region!
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Spruce Root is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Our services for small businesses include coaching, training and lending for startup enterprises, working capital, business expansion, leasehold improvements and other business capital needs. We are a driver of a regenerative economy across Southeast Alaska so communities can forge futures grounded in this uniquely Indigenous place.
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