Spruce Root

09/09/2026

Are your business hours changing soon? Have any end-of-the-season promotions or events you need to get the word out about? Got any deals for locals?

As we transition out of a busy tourist season and start to set our eyes on fall, it’s a great time for small businesses to reconnect with local audiences. Underwriting with public radio programming is a powerful way to invest in your community, make your voice heard across the region, and support local media.

We reached out to Mariana Robertson, KCAW Raven Radio General Manager, to ask her about the benefits of underwriting.

“Underwriting helps with public recognition, gets information out to the community about your business and services, and supports your local radio station,” Mariana shares. “When people hear your name on public radio, they think ‘This is a business that not only is providing a good service, but also cares about my community.’ That means a lot to people when they’re deciding where they want to shop and do their business.”

Curious about cost? A 20-second spot on KCAW starts at $20/hour, and you can host a webtile on their site for $250/month.

Looking for another way to reach local customers? We compiled a list of tips from our conversation with Mariana — scroll for more advice about getting the most out of underwriting and reach out to your local radio station to find more info about getting your business’ name on air!

09/09/2026

Registration deadline extended! Sign up here: https://spruceroot.org/etn/marketing-for-artists-in-juneau-with-sealaska-heritage-institute/

JUNEAU: Sign up for Path to Prosperity: Marketing for Artists with instructor Spruce Root!

Apply by Sunday, Sept. 6 at http://bit.ly/Path-to-Prosperity-2026

09/04/2026

It’s Finalist Friday! This week, we’re introducing Bear Yates, owner of Spirit Bear Seafoods.

Spirit Bear is an Indigenous-owned, family-operated seafood company based in Craig, rooted in three generations of Haida fishing tradition.

Yates says his inspiration for Spirit Bear comes from his family lineage and a desire to keep the tradition alive for those yet to come.

“The main reason I started [Spirit Bear Seafoods] was because of my grandpa, who was a fisherman. This is a way of me honoring him, trying to pass his legacy, and provide for my family and the next generations,” he shares.

Ground by sustainable harvesting methods, low-impact processing, and strong cultural
foundation, Spirit Bear offers three varieties of high-quality smoked salmon. Yates’ operation catches their salmon using the hook and line method of power trolling, which significantly
reduces bycatch and environmental impact while ensuring the highest possible quality of fish. By selling his fish through Spirit Bear, Yates also has more control over ensuring his product is sustainably processed and distributed.

“I was just tired of selling my fish to the plant and not knowing where it was necessarily going. By getting rid of the middleman, I’m distributing and selling, and I know where all my fish is going. I feel better about it and I’m getting a better price for it,” he explains.

Yates says he hopes to grow Spirit Bear’s operations by developing an in-house processing facility and expanding his market to a variety of small and large buyers. He hopes that participating in the Path to Prosperity Business Competition will help give him the tools to meet these goals.

“I’m excited to go to Entrepreneur Camp. Regardless of whether or not I win, a 4-day business camp is something that I need to help my business grow.”

Congrats, Bear! We are excited to see you at Entrepreneur Camp!

08/31/2026

Sign up here: https://spruceroot.org/etn/marketing-for-artists-in-juneau-with-sealaska-heritage-institute/

JUNEAU: Sign up for Path to Prosperity: Marketing for Artists with instructor Spruce Root!

Apply by Sunday, Sept. 6 at http://bit.ly/Path-to-Prosperity-2026

08/28/2026

This Finalist Friday, we’re excited to introduce Carle Forestry, a natural resources consulting and contracting business on Prince of Wales Island.

Jon Carle and Quinn Aboudara teamed up to launch the business with a shared belief that “there are no better people to care for local lands than local professionals.”

They approach land management with a “local lands, local hands” mentality and are committed to providing the skills and knowledge needed to support a localized forest industry grounded in an understanding of the complex ecosystems of Prince of Wales Island.

Their focus is on sustainable and restorative forestry practices that blend Western science with local and traditional ecological knowledge for the benefit of local fish, wildlife, and communities.

Congratulations to Jon and Quinn, and best of luck as you move your startup forward through the Path to Prosperity Business Competition!

08/21/2026

There are still beautiful summer days ahead, but it’s hard not to notice that daylight hours are getting shorter. Fall is on the way, and with it comes the chance of finding time to get caught up with the things that slip by the wayside in the summer, including—for some of us—good financial management.

If you’re interested in learning some new skills to support your financial well-being, sign up for Financial Foundations, a two-day virtual workshop on October 15 & 16.

This workshop will teach you the skills you need to better understand your personal finances, make informed financial decisions, and develop strategies that support your financial goals.

Financial Foundations is open to all adult Southeast Alaskans and Sealaska shareholders.

Learn more and register: https://spruceroot.org/etn/virtual-financial-foundations/

08/14/2026

It’s Finalist Friday! This week we’re introducing Danielle Knudsen, the founder of Tlingit Fire & Ice Wellness. Danielle’s vision is to create a community centered wellness space focused on healing through sauna, cold plunge therapy, relaxation and connection. 

Danielle said that the idea for her business came from a transformative visit to a spa when she was coping with loss in her life. 

“After my grandmother passed away five years ago, I struggled with severe anxiety. She was my safe place, and when she was gone, it kind of felt like my body went into panic mode. 

That’s when I decided to go to a spa with a sauna and cold plunge. I walked in carrying so much stress, and after just one session, I just remember thinking I haven’t felt this peaceful in a long time.”

Danielle explains that what she experienced after that first visit to a spa was far beyond a relaxing experience, and she felt motivated to learn more. 

“I started researching the science behind it, and learned that regular sauna has been linked to so many benefits, like improved heart health and reduced stress, and better sleep. 

I worked nine years in domestic violence, supporting people through some of the hardest moments of their lives, and I feel like that work showed me just how important it is for people to have healthy ways to cope with stress and trauma and burnout.”

Danielle has a perfect spot in mind for Tlingit Fire & Ice Wellness.

“My grandparents have both passed on, but they have a oceanfront property in Kake that’s just been sitting empty for a while. 

I take my kids down there to relax, and it’s just such a peaceful place, that feel like the best place to build the spa is on their land. It’s a place that brings me peace, and I just hope that it brings others peace. And that’s the goal for this business.”

Congrats Danielle, we’re excited to see your vision come to life!

08/13/2026

Congratulations to Justyne Wheeler, owner of Village Coffee in Yakutat!

After years of operating her beloved drive-through coffee stand, Justyne, owner of Village Coffee, recently opened a beautiful new coffee shop with indoor seating.

“Growing my business into a larger space has been my goal since I opened seven years ago. I wanted to create a welcoming place for locals and visitors to gather year-round, and I’m extremely proud to have built this for the people of Yakutat.”

Justyne has been part of the Spruce Root community for years. Back in 2020, she won the Prosperity Business Competition, and last year she participated in our inaugural Resilience Circles cohort. During the final stages of building her new brick-and-mortar café in 2025, she received a Spruce Root microloan to help cover payroll costs while navigating unexpected construction expenses. Her new shop officially opened in April 2026.

“Spruce Root has supported me from the very beginning of my small business journey. Through their programs, I’ve strengthened my connection to my culture and built meaningful relationships with fellow Southeast entrepreneurs. Those connections have been incredibly valuable. I’m inspired by the work others are doing in their communities, and it’s been rewarding to share both the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship with people who truly understand the journey.”

Southeast Alaskans know just how important a year-round coffee shop and gathering place is in a small town. We’re so happy to see that Justyne is making it happen for Yakutat!

Are you looking for support on your entrepreneurial journey? Head on over to our website and fill out our intake form.
https://spruceroot.formstack.com/forms/spruce_root_inquiry_form

08/07/2026

This Finalist Friday, we’re featuring a finalist who got so much out of the Path to Prosperity competition last year that she decided to enter again. Welcome back, Jeren Schmidt of ABC Coastal Excursions!

ABC Coastal Excursions is a family-owned small-ship charter company based in Sitka, offering immersive multi-day expeditions aboard the 72-foot yacht Silver Lady. 

Jeren who runs the business with her partner, Brian Schmidt, explains that the first year as a finalist was a wild ride. 

“This is my second year as a finalist in the business competition, and the first time was a really big learning curve for me. We had just kind of jumped into our business head first. Putting a business plan together really opened up my eyes to how we can operate more efficiently.”

Jeren says that ABC Coastal Excursions operates in a way that has ripple effects in her home community of Sitka. 

“We work with a lot of local businesses in gathering our supplies. We purchase our fuel locally, our groceries come from local suppliers, and we support LFS Marine Supply with purchasing our fishing supplies and needs. We also bring in clientele that wouldn’t already be in Sitka, so we’re also supporting by bringing in more travelers.” 

Jeren says that ABC Excursions has been a rewarding venture for her family. 

“We really just enjoy bringing clientele to Alaska to share the beauty of the area, the amazing wildlife that we have, and the lifestyle that we live.”

Congrats Jeren!

08/06/2026

We’re partnering up with Organized Village of Kasaan (OVK) to offer a free financial wellness workshop for individuals in Kasaan and the surrounding area. Anyone who is looking to improve their ability to manage their personal financial health is welcome to join.

Register by August 25th: https://spruceroot.org/etn/financial-wellness-workshop-in-kasaan-4/

Topics covered include:
• Money mindset
• Personal financial management
• Creating clear financial goals & a plan to reach those goals
• Wealth building strategies

We’ll be covering all of that and more at the Totem Trail Cafe over the course of three evening sessions. Food will be provided.

Tuesday, September 1st | 4-6pm
Tuesday, September 8th | 4-6pm
Tuesday, September 15th | 4-6pm

Heads up for OVK citizens:
OVK Tribal citizens age 14 and older are eligible for a $25 stipend for each session they attend. Participants under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian.

Register: https://spruceroot.org/etn/financial-wellness-workshop-in-kasaan-4/