Entrepreneur Camp

This program is an expanded partnership with fellow Native CDFI Spruce Root and their Path to Prosperity business plan competition. This year, Alaska Native entrepreneurs from Southeast Alaska will travel to Anchorage and join this year’s Entrepreneur Camp (September 29 – October 2) fostering further peer learning and increased collaboration across the State.

As the flagship training component to both the Alaska Marketplace and Path to Prosperity, Entrepreneur Camp covers a variety of topics critical to starting and growing a successful business: business structuring, financial projections, marketing, effective pitching techniques and triple bottom line business planning. Entrepreneurs are introduced to a curated network of mentors and have the opportunity to meet and learn from a wide range of business leaders from across Alaska. More than just a training program, Entrepreneur Camp is an investment in the future of these entrepreneurs and our State.

“Alaska Growth Capital is happy to once again lead the charge in organizing, facilitating and growing this amazing program and we’re thrilled to support these 22 entrepreneurs on their path to build their businesses, create jobs, and improve their communities,” said Logan Birch, President of Alaska Growth Capital. “We invest significant resources to support Alaska Native businesses and communities and I’m very appreciative of the work from our community development team and for the support from our Alaska Native regional corporation partners.”

“We’re proud to help elevate the voices of Alaska Native entrepreneurs who are building solutions grounded in culture, community, and innovation,” said Mary Miner, Vice President of Community Development at Alaska Growth Capital. “This program is about more than business plans — it’s about investing in people who are creating meaningful impact in their communities.”

Following Entrepreneur Camp, finalists will prepare a comprehensive business plan to be considered for up to $20,000 in award funds. The Alaska Marketplace will provide two $20,000 awards per regional cohort. Winners will be announced in early 2026.

2025 Alaska Marketplace Finalists:

Aleut Marketplace:

• Piama R. Oleyer – Bering Home (Unalaska)
• Sarah Stepetin – Kachigax Consulting LLC (Anchorage)
• Alexsis Mistler – Mistler’s Munchies (Palmer)
• Cameron Samuelson – Whirl Point Cafe (False Pass)
• Edwin Gundersen – Gundersen Drones (Sand Point)
• Steven Kashevarof – Arlluk Charters (Chenega)
• Leann Mack – Sip & Play Cafe (Wasilla)

Bristol Bay Marketplace:

• DaJonee Hale – Playful Paths: Day Care for Alaska’s Kids (Anchorage)
• Victoriano Solis – Dillingham Bike Rentals (Dillingham)
• Crystal Garrett – Arctic Dawn Massage & Wellness (Anchorage)
• Beth Hill – Camp Gibraltar (Kokhanok)
• Tatianna Anderson-Martin – Delicate Alaskan Designs (Chignik Lagoon)
• Kaylee Hill – K’s Cup Coffee Company (King Salmon)
• Jason Cloud – Cloud Brothers Restoration (Wasilla)
• Frank Woods IV – Woods Aerial Media, LLC (Anchorage)

North Slope Marketplace:

• Tonya Hunnicutt – TM Beads & Beyond (Point Hope)
• Aaron Tooyak – Locked In Mobile Detailing (Anchorage)
• Amanda Toorak – Amanda’s Jeep Tours (Kaktovik)
• Bryce Harrington – Ulimaq Trucking (Wasilla)
• Vasna Nou – Burning Love Candles (Anchorage)
• Karina Ahkivgak – Native DataTrust (Anchorage)
• Rose Miller – Zenith Bakery (Wasilla)