Spruce Root

06/05/2026

The first year can be an especially vulnerable time for a new business. Unexpected expenses can shut down an operation before it even has a chance to turn a profit.

When Deer Heart restaurant opened in Haines last year, a micro loan quickly became a key ingredient for their survival.

Owner Travis Kukull has extensive experience in the restaurant industry, and he knew launching Deer Heart for the 2025 season without a significant cash reserve was a risk. His concerns quickly proved valid, as the restaurant immediately faced a series of expensive hurdles, including mechanical issues, refrigeration repairs, costly employee training, and delays transferring the beer and wine license.

“We were struggling, and so I reached out to Spruce Root and got an SBA micro loan. Spruce Root made the process easy and quick, and that loan helped us survive through those tough moments.

Soon enough, the staff was trained, the restaurant was functioning, and the beer and wine license transferred. By the end of the summer, I was able to pay off the loan completely.”

Now well into its second year, Deer Heart continues to offer an incredible dining experience, rooted in the abundance of the Chilkat Valley. Everything is prepared by hand, beautifully presented, and thoughtfully sourced.

Southeast Alaska is lucky to have restaurants like Deer Heart, and we’re proud Spruce Root can play a role in supporting entrepreneurs with timely capital when they need it most.

Spruce Root offers U.S. Small Business Administration Microloans up to $50,000 for Alaska-based, for-profit businesses. Loans can be used for working capital, machinery, equipment, and other needs. Funding may be available in as little as four weeks.

Learn more about our loan programs: https://spruceroot.org/programs/loan-services/

06/01/2026

Ketchikan Indian Community and Tribal Health Clinic - KIC members!

Join us June 12- 14th for a three-day Business Basics workshop focused on strategies for business success.

Register for this FREE workshop by June 4th. https://spruceroot.org/etn/business-basics-in-ketchikan-2/

We will focus on the basics of starting or strengthening a business, including:
👉defining mission, vision, and values
👉 understanding revenues, costs, and pricing
👉building strong customer relationships
👉responsibly using AI to support business operations

Sign up today!

05/15/2026

Have you been dreaming of starting or expanding a business?

This year's Business Competition is open to Alaska Native entrepreneurs based in SE Alaska.

Path to Prosperity supports aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners who are ready to grow their ideas, strengthen their businesses, and create lasting impact in their communities.

Past finalists and winners from across Southeast Alaska include beloved coffee shops, bakeries, sawmills, artists, and farms helping feed and sustain their communities.

The application deadline is May 31st. Learn more and apply at: https://spruceroot.org/programs/business-support/business-competition/

Need help with your application? Our team is happy to support you. Please reach out by May 22nd by emailing [email protected].

Business Competition…

05/14/2026

Looking for a new career path? We’re teaming up with Tongass Electrical and Schmolck Mechanical to offer a three-day introductory training for anyone interested in a heat pump installation, electrical, or mechanical career.

The training will take place June 9th, 10th, and 11th at the Generations Southeast POW Campus in Klawock.

Individuals from across Southeast Alaska are encouraged to apply, and to support participation, stipends of $1,200 are available for those who complete the three-day training.

Space is limited, and registration closes on June 2nd. Apply: https://spruceroot.org/etn/heat-pump-install-free-3-day-workshop/

05/11/2026

The summer season is make or break for many businesses in Southeast Alaska, and if you own a small business, you know that unexpected costs can threaten the future of your operation.

Maybe you’re a commercial fisherman and you suddenly need to replace the engine in your boat just months before the opener. Or maybe replacing the refrigeration system for your restaurant has meant that you can’t afford to pay your staff.

Spruce Root can help. A micro loan can get your small business back on its feet—and fast.

We offer U.S. Small Business Administration Micro loans up to $50,000 for Alaska-based, for-profit businesses. Loans can be used for working capital, supplies, furniture & fixtures, machinery, equipment, and similar business needs. Funding is available in as little as 4 weeks from the time of application submission.

Learn more about our micro loan program at spruceroot.org/loan-services

Photo: Bethany Goodrich

05/07/2026

Ketchikan Indian Community and Tribal Health Clinic - KIC tribal members: Join us for a free three-day workshop focused on building a solid foundation for small business success.

This workshop focuses on business basics for those interested in starting a business or strengthening an existing one. Topics include

👉defining mission, vision, and values
👉 understanding revenues, costs, and pricing
👉building strong customer relationships
👉responsibly using AI to support business operations

Whether you have an existing business or have an idea you want to turn into one, this workshop is a space to learn together, share experiences, and build skills that support both individual success and the wellbeing of the community.

The workshop will run virtually on Zoom from June 12-14th. Link in bio to register! Registration closes June 4th.

05/02/2026

Spruce Root is hiring a Finance Director to guide financial strategy in support of our work creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities and environment.

This leadership role partners with the Executive Director and Board to ensure long-term organizational health while supporting impactful programs across the region.

This position is based in Juneau, or remote in Southeast Alaska (preferred). Apply by May 22, 2026!

Learn more at spruceroot.org/careers

04/30/2026

Congrats to Kerin Crews, the new owner of Strictly Local in Craig, Alaska!

Our team has been working with Kerin over the past few months—primarily through a loan and business coaching—and it’s great to see her reach her goal of taking ownership of Strictly Local just in time for the summer season.

Strictly Local is known for showcasing local artwork, and while Kerin intends to keep that focus, she’s also excited to help fill a gap on Prince of Wales—the limited clothing retail options—by adding a consignment section:

“I’m adding a little resale boutique, with high-end consignment of women’s clothes and kids clothes. And so I’ll change the store just a little bit, but the main focus of the store will stay local products from local makers.”

With strong community support, Kerin shared that stepping into ownership has been a smooth transition. She shared that Spruce Root has played a significant role in that, and that she’s especially appreciated how approachable the team is:

“You know, everybody that I’ve worked with so far at Spruce Root has been really personable and they haven’t been intimidating. And I think that when you’re doing something like this, it’s so important that you feel supported and not intimidated by the people that are helping you get your future.”

Kerin received business coaching from Andrew Jylkka, who supports small business owners across Southeast. She shared that on a day she felt ready to quit, Andrew met the moment with exactly what she needed—a pep talk:

“He was like, ‘great, let’s get this out of the way now. You’re gonna do this. You’re doing really hard work. You’re doing really good. You’ve persevered every day.’ And so he really gave me a good pep talk. He’s a great coach.”

Great work, Kerin! We’re here for you anytime.

04/27/2026

Our wealth is not measured by what we have, but what we are able to give away.

This Financial Literacy Month we’re asking Spruce Root parents about the money lessons they teach their kids (and how they might apply to us as adults, too!)

Ashley Snookes is Spruce Root’s Senior Credit Officer. She shares that last December, her daughter Aya had big dreams about crafting a lemonade stand in their neighborhood. After the initial plan didn’t bring in the cash she was hoping for, Aya and her mom had a conversation about what other ventures might be more profitable. Aya ended up pivoting to selling hot chocolate on a neighborhood playground.

“She was a lot more successful with the hot chocolate (and ended up learning a helpful lesson about target markets!)” Ashley shares. While Aya has saved up from similar pursuits in the past to buy things for herself, the hot chocolate earnings were for a different purpose. “The reason she wanted to make money in the first place was to be able to buy people Christmas gifts,” says Ashley. Aya’s story reminds us that growing financial literacy skills isn’t only to our own benefit, but for the loved ones and communities who we share our money with.