Spruce Root continues supporting initiatives for economic resilience
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In this issue, we celebrate a year of remarkable achievements as detailed in our 2023 Annual Report, spotlight the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Edith Johnson, and share opportunities to empower artists and future construction professionals in Southeast Alaska.
Also in this newsletter:
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Empowering artists: Free workshop for Chilkat Valley creatives
Are you an artist in the Chilkat Valley interested in growing your arts-based business?
Spruce Root and Chilkoot Indian Association are partnering to offer a virtual workshop on merchandising art and customer service on August 13, 2024.
With generous support from the Chilkoot Indian Association, tribal members in any location and/or Chilkat Valley artists are able to attend this workshop for free.
By participating in this workshop, art entrepreneurs will build their knowledge and skills in effectively merchandising art and providing excellent customer service, helping equip them to build a thriving art business.
This workshop will take place over Zoom and you must register in advance.
Learn more and register at spruceroot.org/chilkootbusinessbasics
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Celebrating a year of achievements in Spruce Root's 2023 Annual Report
Reflecting on a year of growth and gratitude, our 2023 Annual Report highlights the milestones and successes that defined Spruce Root in 2023. Dive into the stories of transformation and see how we're making a difference in Southeast Alaska. Read the full report today!
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Photo by Bethany S. Goodrich
Spruce Root client and Tlingit chef Khaasda Tláa Edith Johnson shows off a salmon filet at a wild foods potluck.
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Spotlight on success: Edith Johnson's entrepreneurial journey
We recently spoke with Edith Johnson about her experience as a business owner and Spruce Root client.
“Edith is a true testament to the entrepreneurial drive and determination we see in our Alaska Native communities,” CDFI Director Michael Ching said. “She's creating jobs, supporting local suppliers and strengthening our economy. This is exactly the kind of impact we strive for at Spruce Root, and it shows just how powerful it is to invest in Indigenous entrepreneurs like Edith.”
As the owner of two Sitka businesses, her inspirational story demonstrates her commitment to her community, and we’re very proud to work with her. She is a wonderful example of the community members Spruce Root is able to serve as a non-traditional lender.
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Building Alaska's future with training programs for construction careers
Our partners at Alaska Operating Engineers Employers Training Trust prepare Alaskan workers with the skills necessary to meet the needs of the construction and related industries.
Heavy Equipment Mechanics is an 8,000-hour program that focuses on the repair and maintenance of many types of equipment, including dozers, scrapers, loaders, and large trucks. A workday may consist of minor adjustments and servicing all of the equipment on the job or a complete teardown and rebuild of equipment.
Heavy Equipment Operators is a 6,000-hour program that will allow an individual to operate a wide variety of equipment ranging from dozers to crusher plants throughout the state for various contractors. The work can range from small parking lot paving to construction of ice roads.
Heavy Duty Service Oilers is a 5,000-hour program that teaches apprentices how to lubricate all types of earthmoving equipment, from the largest crawler tractors to the smallest pumps and everything in between. The Service Oilers' job is the heartbeat of any construction project. They are the eyes and ears of the Master Mechanic.
Apply online September 1-15, 2024
For more information, go to https://aoeett.org/apprentice-programs/
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Photo by Eric Benedict
Haley Armstrong, right, Spruce Root’s Program Manager for Financial Wellness, leads the Angoon Alaska Youth Stewards crew through fundamental money management strategies.
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Angoon Alaska Youth Stewards learn strategies for financial wellness
Haley Armstrong, Spruce Root’s Program Manager for Financial Wellness, joined the Angoon Alaska Youth Stewards (AYS) crew for two days in July to lead sessions on Financial Wellness. During her visit, Haley and the crew spent the mornings in the classroom and the afternoons in the field.
Throughout the program, crew members recognized their strengths and skills in natural resource management and applied these to develop their financial management abilities.
Each crew member set a short-term financial goal and future financial goal, equipping themselves with the tools for personal and communal success.
Spruce Root offers one-on-one financial wellness coaching for individuals looking for strategies to save money, pay off debt and improve their credit score.
For more information, go to www.spruceroot.org/financialwellness.
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Spruce Root is hiring a Deputy Director
Spruce Root is seeking a Deputy Director to lead the operationalization of Spruce Root’s overall strategy and to ensure effective programming, efficient operations, and well-being across the organization.
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Spruce Root’s Fast Start Loan offers rapid funding with personalized support
Spruce Root’s Fast Start Loan offers loans of up to $50,000 to Southeast Alaska entrepreneurs and has a quicker turnaround time than our standard business loan. The loan requires a credit score of 675 or higher. We offer one-on-one support throughout the application process.
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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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