Establishing a robust and diversified regional economy is essential for our communities to prosper. Our partners support place-based economies where locally-owned and operated businesses thrive, natural resources are used sustainably and our unique cultural resources are honored. We work together to ensure that more money, expertise, and job opportunities remain in our rural villages.
Localized Economy
Workforce Development
Our workforce development initiatives prepare Alaskans for regionally available and culturally meaningful job opportunities while cultivating leadership and professional development opportunities in the process. Our Natural Resource Academies prepare Alaskans for careers in land and resource management because we believe that locals are natural stewards for the lands and waters they depend on.
Small Business Support
Our partners support small businesses by providing coaching and mentorship opportunities, entrepreneurial workshops catered to rural Alaska, unique financing options, and by holding the Path to Prosperity business competition which supports local businesses that integrate social, and environmental responsibility into their bottom lines.
Regenerative Tourism
As opportunities to develop our visitor industry grow within our rural villages, our partners work to ensure that this industry uplifts our communities, creates meaningful opportunities for our children, and respects and honors our culture and the health of our homelands. Our Regenerative Tourism initiatives support community-led planning, locally-owned visitor industry businesses, ensure that our lands, waters and fish are protected and that our unique Tlingit, Haida and Tshimsian cultures are celebrated, respected and valued. When tourism is done right, the benefits are reciprocal.
"We are modeling how people can prosper in this place, be stewards of our natural environment, and be self-determining as individual communities and as a region."
Alana Peterson
Executive Direector, Spruce Root, Inc.
Localized Economy Stories:
