Two winners will each receive $20,000 to grow their businesses

Dzantik’i Heeni (Juneau, Alaska) — The Path to Prosperity (P2P) Business Competition has announced the 12 businesses advancing to the second round of its 2025 competition. Ranging from oyster farms and cultural apparel lines to eco-tourism and construction, these ventures exemplify the innovation and resilience of Southeast Alaska’s Alaska Native entrepreneurs.

This year’s competition focuses on fostering sustainable, regenerative, and community-led economic development by supporting Alaska Native-owned businesses throughout Southeast Alaska.

The 2025 Path to Prosperity finalists are:

• Aak’wtaatseen LLC (Michael Hoyt, Wrangell): Merging traditional Tlingit art, educational consulting, and cultural revitalization.
• Regular Roofing Co. LLC (Gregory Brown, Juneau): Offering professional roofing and construction services.
• Tsiin Designs (Tsiin’gyimgm’aatk/Eclipse (Jeremy Barrett), Ketchikan): Custom clothing and accessories inspired by Northwest Coast art, with plans to open a storefront this summer.
• Alaskan Oyster Shack (Jerry “Jase” Scudero II, Metlakatla/ Ketchikan): A vibrant waterfront oyster bar serving locals and tourists.
• Kasaan Trinkets (Randi Braz, Kasaan): A Haida matriarch-led venture blending food pop-ups, art, apparel, and storytelling.
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• Shinaku Shellfish Co. (Maranda Hamme, Klawock): A family-run oyster farm located off the coast of Prince of Wales Island.
• Xóots Hugs (Jessica Kinville, Juneau): Jewelry and regalia rooted in Indigenous culture and creativity.
• Kake Coastal & Mountain Adventures LLC (Lawrence “Larry” Jackson, Kake): Offering guided outdoor excursions and rentals in the Alaskan wilderness.
• Coastal Corporation (Michael Starr, Kasaan): Salvaging fallen burls and coastal debris using low-impact, sustainable methods.
• Haida Botanicals (Jennifer Mooney, Hydaburg): Jams, syrups, teas, and more made from sustainably harvested wild plants.
• Sea Fur Sewing (Robert Miller, Sitka): Handcrafted fur garments and decor made with ethical harvesting practices.
• ABC Coastal Excursions LLC (Jeren Schmidt, Sitka): Custom charter yacht tours exploring Southeast Alaska’s pristine waters.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies,” said Ashley Snookes, Client Services Director at Spruce Root. “We’re thrilled by the diversity and strength of this year’s applicants.”

In Round Two, finalists will attend a four-day Entrepreneur Camp in Anchorage this October. There, they will receive mentorship, one-on-one consulting, and training to refine their business models. They will also join 24 other Alaska Native entrepreneur shareholders of Aleut Corporation, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation for an intensive, collaborative learning exchange. Following the conclusion of the camp, the finalists will be invited to submit their business plans to compete for two $20,000 prizes to grow their businesses.

Path to Prosperity was launched in 2013 by Sealaska and The Nature Conservancy and is administered by Spruce Root. The program is designed to empower local businesses that address regional challenges while strengthening Southeast Alaska’s place-based economy.

In 2025, the program received 42 applications from entrepreneurs across 14 Southeast Alaska communities. Over the past 13 years, more than 500 applicants from 23 communities have participated in the competition. In total, 169 entrepreneurs have received intensive training, with 26 winners collectively receiving $760,000 in funding.

Participants are trained to implement a “triple-bottom-line” business model that evaluates financial success alongside social and environmental impact. Notable past winners include Raven’s Nest Regalia and Arts (Petersburg), Sitkana (Juneau), Skyaana Coffee Co. (Klawock), Barnacle Foods (Juneau), Foundroot (Haines), and Icy Straits Lumber (Hoonah).

Path to Prosperity is made possible with support from Disney Cruise Line, Sealaska, Edgerton Foundation, USDA, SBA, Opportunity Finance Network, and the Sustainable Southeast Partnership.

To learn more about Path to Prosperity or Spruce Root’s small business services, visit www.spruceroot.org, email grow@spruceroot.org, or call (907) 586-9251.

About Spruce Root: Spruce Root is a Native CDFI and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs across Southeast Alaska through coaching, training, and capital access. We are building a regenerative economy grounded in Indigenous place and values. Spruce Root is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at spruceroot.org. 

  Alaska, business, competition, juneau, southeast