Spruce Root

Southeast Alaska is a big wild place. And every community is a little (or a lot) different from the next.

We have offices in Sitka and Juneau, but many of our employees work remotely from communities across the region. We see our remote team as one of our greatest strengths. 

Employees like Shannon Stevens in Haines, SSP Deputy Director, bring more than her professional expertise. They bring local knowledge. Shannon knows how things get done in Haines, understands community needs, knows the right people to talk to when we’re hosting an event, and can help direct local business owners to our services. 

Spruce Root is focused on serving rural and Indigenous communities throughout Southeast Alaska. When we hire professionals from these communities, our capacity to connect our work to those places gets even stronger. 

Do you live in rural Southeast Alaska and want to work with a regional team of professionals who love this place as much as you do? Good news! We’re currently hiring for two positions: Finance Director and Small Business Program Manager.

Learn more and apply at spruceroot.org/careers

Do you love small businesses in Southeast Alaska? 

We’re looking for somebody with a passion for entrepreneurship AND a knack for brand marketing to join our team as a Small Business Program Manager. 

This dynamic role offers the opportunity to lead small business workshops across Southeast Alaska, support entrepreneurs with one-on-one coaching, and provide strategic marketing guidance to a variety of small businesses across the region. 

If you’re excited about using your skills to help regional businesses grow and find their voice for marketing, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply by June 29th to be included in the first application review cycle.

Learn more and apply at spruceroot.org/careers

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/

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!

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 Business Competition…

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/

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

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.

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