From Custom Atikluks to Lake Clark Cabins, Nine Win Marketplace Competitions

Three winners were selected for each region. The flagship North Slope Marketplace was open to ASRCshareholders. The winners are:

• Elizabeth Ahkivgak of Anchorage, owner of Sovereign Speech. This start-up provides accurate, culturally sensitive translations between English and Alaska Native languages, aiming to preserve and convey the rich heritage of Alaska’s Indigenous communities.
• Diane Stone, owner and operator of Qasiaq Atikluks in Anchorage. Specializing in custom Iñupiaq atikluks (jackets known as kuspuks in Yup’ik), Stone’s business reflects her cultural roots while offering unique designs and expanding to online sales and vendor booths.
• Kelly Engel of Palmer, owner of Happy Camper RV Services. This family-owned business provides essential repairs and services for recreational vehicles, catering to families who rely on RVs for outdoor adventures and subsistence activities.

The Bristol Bay Marketplace was open to BBNC shareholders, descendants, and spouses. The winners are:

• Beth Hill, owner and operator of Tulchina Adventures in Port Alsworth. With nearly fourteen years in business, Tulchina Adventures plans to offer Dry Creek Cabins, providing affordable lodging options for visitors to Lake Clark.
• Kayla Robson, owner of Sunshine Auto Parts in Talkeetna. Sunshine Auto Parts serves as a crucial lifeline for the Talkeetna community, offering essential auto parts and services with the reliability of a nationally recognized brand and the personalized touch of a local business.
• Nels Ure, founder of Bristol Bay Media in Naknek. This full-service creative agency specializes in content creation for public relations, communications, and marketing, empowering Indigenous and rural communities with authentic, culturally relevant media services.

The Aleut Shareholder Marketplace was open to Aleut corporation shareholders and descendants. Those winners are:

• Kjell Mack and his wife, Fanny Jo Newton, of King Cove, with their store, King Cove General. The store will operate as a convenience store providing more affordable prices, a centralized location with later hours, and a focused inventory to better serve community members.
• Arlene Wilson of King Cove, who will open Momma Bear’s Daycare. With a deep understanding of local families and a passion for early childhood education, Wilson’s daycare will focus on the needs of both families and children, creating a supportive environment.
• Madison Thompson from Sand Point, with her business Small Craft Café. This family-owned café and restaurant, located in Sand Point’s only boat harbor, offers a communal gathering space with high-quality café fare, catering to residents, seasonal workers, and visitors.

Winners will be publicly recognized at the February 11 Rural Small Business Conference in Anchorage. Organizers say the program wouldn’t be possible without the support and collaboration from strategic partners at Spruce Root and the participating Alaska Native regional corporations, Aleut corporation, ASRC, and BBNC. Other sponsors include: Northrim Bank, Aleutian Airways, Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, and Arctic Education Foundation, as well as entrepreneurial development partners at Element Agency, UA Center for Economic Development, Alaska Small Business Development Center, and Anchorage Community Land Trust.