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.
Discover how three transformative laws — two federal and one state — are helping Alaska move toward energy independence. With climate shifts and rising energy costs impacting residents, these laws support innovative, resilient energy solutions that align with Alaska’s unique needs.
Spruce Root is making significant strides in sustainability and economic development! We’re thrilled to announce that Spruce Root has won Stage Two of the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, positioning us to lead strategic development in our region. Additionally, the Coalition for Green Capital has chosen Spruce Root as its first network investment, underscoring our shared commitment to green growth initiatives.
Resilience Circles hosted there second intensive, three-day participant retreat for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Participants engaged in an array of in-person works sessions covering personal and business financial planning, marketing and branding, physical health and nutrition, Indigenous values exploration talking circle.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced late September that Spruce Root is a Stage Two winner for the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC). Spruce Root will receive a $150,000 cash prize for its approach to nurturing a collaborative national innovation ecosystem to advance small business research and development, from the idea stage to the market.
The business partners and co-owners behind The Red Lantern are growing their burlesque performance show into an adult boutique that offers community space for events, wellness classes and rental opportunities, plus sex-positive products. In the process, Jillian Piazza and Jacquelyn “Jackie” Pope hope to highlight some of the history of Ketchikan.
We express our profound gratitude for the extraordinary individuals nominated for Resilience Circles. Additionally, our vibrant community on Prince of Wales Island is poised for transformative growth as local leaders and entrepreneurs embark on comprehensive business training. Together with the Sustainable Southeast Partnership, we're weaving a powerful vision for a regenerative economy rooted in the wisdom of Indigenous values.
Spruce Root, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting rural communities, is thrilled to announce that the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has selected the Path to Prosperity (P2P) suite of services as a 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Award Winner. IEDC is a non-profit membership organization for economic developers all over the world with more than 4,300 members.
It's an exciting time at Spruce Root, and we have some fantastic updates and opportunities to share with you. From welcoming a new member, Shaelene Grace Moler, to our team to the launch of the Native Craft Artist Readiness Program, there's a lot to dive into.
September is right around the corner and it has us feeling nostalgic for an amazing summer season. Going for hikes, hanging out on the beach or going for boat rides were a crucial part of our experiences. Summer is a time for culture camps, Alaskan youth stewards field seasons, etc. We hope you had a great summer.
The Spruce Root team enjoys many outdoor summer activities including hiking, boating and subsistence gathering. We also have been busy partnering with Chilkoot Indian Association to provide Business Basics Online for CIA and Haines-based Alaska Arts Confluence artists. In addition, the City and Borough of Yakutat Planning Commission encourages Yakutat residents to take a community planning survey to inform the direction of the community for the next 10 years.
