Fall is a time for celebration and new beginnings
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As fall descends upon us here in Southeast Alaska, the rain and fog settles in for the season and things start slowing down. We’re also celebrating the addition of Haley Goodman, who joins us through the Alaska Fellows Program. We also say thank you to our Path to Prosperity Business Competition facilitators, sponsors and partners for helping us host another in-person intensive with this year’s finalists cohort.
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Please welcome Haley Goodman to Spruce Root
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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.
After graduation, Haley worked for a community solar developer in New York where she focused on expanding access to renewable energy for underserved communities throughout the U.S.
In that role, Haley was lucky enough to partner with many community development nonprofits and CDFIs on the East Coast.
Her admiration of these organizations and their impact drove her to seek a position with Spruce Root, along with her desire to explore a new place and be around more trees.
She is excited to learn from and contribute to Spruce Root’s mission and hopes to center curiosity, care and connection during her time as a fellow.
Please welcome Haley to the team!
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The 2024 Path to Prosperity Business Competition finalists and facilitators enjoy a sunny fall day on the last day of the Business Competition Intensive. (Photo by Cale Green)
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Business Competition finalists participate in a three-day training and networking event
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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.
They also learned how to identify and define the values that guide their business, how to form a business plan, how to develop strong pitches, and what it means to operate a regenerative business on Indigenous land.
Finalists will submit their business plans, financial projections and pitches in December. Two winners will be announced in early 2025, with each winning $20,000 to grow their business.
We want to thank all the finalists, facilitators and mentors who helped put on a tremendous intensive. We couldn't have done this amazing work without the help of some excellent sponsors.
Thank you to Disney Cruise Line, Sealaska, Edgerton Foundation, Sustainable Southeast Partnership, the United States Department of Agriculture, Opportunity Finance Network, AK Litho, The Jorgenson House, Kensington Mine and Elgee Rehfeld.
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Upcoming Small Business Grants & Opportunities
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Upstart Alpha: Upstart Alpha is a program all about turning innovative ideas into successful businesses. Some of Alaska's standout startups, such as Finn, AK Quality Screens and Hey Bear!, started their journey with Upstart Alpha, and now they're looking for the next wave of entrepreneurial talent. What makes Upstart Alpha special?
- $1,800 Stipend: Entrepreneurs receive financial support to focus on building their business.
- Strong Network: Access to industry experts, mentors and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
- Proven Success: A track record of helping startups grow and thrive in Alaska and beyond.
If you know someone with a groundbreaking idea, point them toward Upstart Alpha!
High Five Grants for Moms: The High Five Grant for Moms opened a new round of funding from September 1st through 30th. The Grand Prize is $10,000. Runners-up will receive $5,000, $2,000 and five will receive $1,000 each. These grants are not venture capital and never need to be paid back. For eligibility requirements and to learn more, click here.
Deadline: September 30, 2024
The Transform Business Grant: Designed to support entrepreneurs in systemically marginalized groups, the TRANSFORM Business Grant provides a $1,000 microgrant and a customized, year-long business strategy and development program to each grantee. To learn more, click here.
Deadline: September 30, 2024
Path to Prosperity Business Basics for Artists: Calling all Southeast Alaska artists! Are you interested in starting or growing your arts-based business? If so, join us for Business Basics for Artists, a three-day virtual workshop held in partnership with the Sealaska Heritage Institute! You can learn more about Business Basics here.
Applications open September 30, and close on October 23, 2024.
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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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