Building Southeast Alaska's future with a summit, new careers and community
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Photo by Kennedy Kruchoski
Beto Yarce, administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration Pacific Northwest Region 10 Administrator and Steven Brown, Director of the SBA District Office, traveled to Juneau and to meet with Spruce Root to congratulate them on becoming the U.S. Small Business Administration's newest microlender in Alaska.
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Spruce Root becomes SBA-approved microlender in Alaska
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that Spruce Root Inc. has become an SBA-approved microlender in Alaska. Spruce Root is the first SBA microlender to be founded and headquartered in 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.
As an SBA microlender, Spruce Root will be able to offer small loans up to $50,000 to eligible entrepreneurs, including those in underserved and remote communities. These loans will help support a variety of businesses, from startups to expanding small enterprises, enabling them to thrive and contribute to Alaska's local economies.
“Becoming the first SBA Microlender in Alaska is a tremendous honor and a testament to Spruce Root’s dedication to increasing investments into Southeast Alaska,” said Spruce Root Executive Director Alana Peterson. “This partnership with the SBA allows us to broaden our impact across Alaska, ensuring that those who have historically faced barriers to capital have access to the opportunities they deserve.”
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Photo by Shaelene Grace Moler
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Southeast Alaska Farmers Summit welcomes 2025 registrations
Join us for the 2025 Southeast Alaska Farmers Summit from February 20-22, 2025, in Juneau, Alaska.
The Southeast Alaska Farmers Summit convenes farmers, food advocates, and local enthusiasts every two years to exchange insights, resources, and practical skills.
With workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, and hands-on demonstrations, the summit provides all attendees — regardless of experience — with the connections and tools to contribute meaningfully to Alaska’s food systems.
We look forward to welcoming you to the summit! If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please email seakfarmerssummit@gmail.com.
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Photo by Lee House
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Join the Spruce Root Team!
Spruce Root is currently seeking two dynamic individuals to join our team:
- Arctic Willow Advisory Group Program Manager: Established in 2024, the Arctic Willow Advisory Group is a group of Alaska Native leaders with the goal of regranting Chorus Foundation funding called the Sinew Fund in Alaska. Spruce Root is hiring a Program Manager to maintain the administrative and overall coordination of the Sinew Fund and the Advisory Group going forward and ensure that the project continues over the next 10 years.
Primary tasks and areas of responsibility include proactively communicating with stakeholders and partners in the communities so that AWAG has open channels and rapport within the communities; working with AWAG to develop and implement a fund investment strategy through strong collaboration and outreach with the Community Planning Circle through an annual in-person convening; develop and track metrics of success for the Sinew Fund. Work will require regular travel throughout the state. Applications due January 31, 2025.
- Marketing and Communications Intern: Spruce Root is looking for an intern to support our mission to drive a regenerative economy across Southeast Alaska so communities can forge futures grounded in this uniquely Indigenous place. As the Marketing and Communications Intern for Community & Economic Development, you will be part of the action across many of Spruce Root’s programs and teams. Applications are due January 27, 2025. (This position is part of the Sealaska Corporation Internship program.)
For more information about possible and future career opportunities at Spruce Root, visit www.spruceroot.org/careers.
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Photo by Ḵaa Yahaayí Shkalneegi Muriel Reid
Kanik Corrine James sells postcards and art prints during the 2023 Alaska Native Artist and Makers Market, put on in partnership with Spruce Root, Sealaska Heritage Institute, Sealaska and Oweesta in 2023 at the Sealaska Plaza in downtown Juneau.
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What is a Native CDFI?
Eighty-six percent of Native communities lack access to financial institutions, creating barriers to affordable financial services.
Native CDFIs, or Community Development Financial Institutions, like Spruce Root, address these challenges with innovative programs that build financial assets and provide economic opportunities for communities deserving of equity.
Over the last decade, Native CDFIs have become essential in fostering healthy, vibrant Native economies.
Today, more than 69 certified Native CDFIs operate across 27 states, supporting Indian Country, Alaska and Hawaii with tailored financial solutions.
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Explore pathways into the workforce at Angoon Community Career Fair
Representatives from regional and Tribal organizations will discuss career pathways within Angoon and Southeast Alaska in education, construction, agriculture, forestry, wilderness guiding and energy.
Michael Mausbauch, Spruce Root’s Program Manager for Workforce Development, will attend to facilitate learning about climate-resilient and renewable energy jobs and more!
You can read about last year’s career fair here.
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Other opportunities
First Alaskans Magazine is Hiring an Editor/Publisher: First Alaskans Magazine is a publication dedicated to sharing Alaska Native voices, experiences, and cultural heritage with a diverse readership. Our mission is to uplift stories that highlight Alaska Native history, knowledge, and contemporary life. To ensure continued excellence and relevance, we seek an experienced editor and publisher to manage and enhance our magazine’s production and reach. Due January 31, 2025. Learn more.
Community Energy Educator: Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) seeks a Community Energy Educator to serve as the Regional Energy Catalyst for the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP). The Community Energy Educator will work with other SSP regional and community catalysts to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency throughout Southeast Alaska through education, community outreach, and collaboration with REAP’s staff and partners. Location: Juneau (preferred) or Sitka, Alaska, with travel across Southeast Alaska and to Anchorage. REAP works in a hybrid environment and currently has an office space in Juneau. Learn more and apply.
Tribal Youth Initiative Program by Bureau of Indian Affairs: The Tribal Youth Initiative Program supports projects that engage and educate Tribal Youth towards careers related to natural resource management in the context of fisheries, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. The Branch of Fisheries, Wildlife and Recreation (BFWR) provides competitive funding to federally recognized Tribes and Tribal Organizations’ programs to engage Tribal youth in natural resource management work and prepare them for careers related to fisheries, wildlife and outdoor recreation. BFWR is now accepting project proposals for 2025 funding. All applications must be submitted to the appropriate BIA Regional Office contact by January 31, 2025.
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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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