- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Alaska Growth Capital is expanding support for Indigenous entrepreneurs across rural Alaska through its Alaska Marketplace Business Plan Competition, a program aimed at building business capacity in remote communities.
The initiative operates through three regional tracks — Bristol Bay, Aleut and North Slope — and provides Alaska Native entrepreneurs with training, mentorship and access to capital. In 2025, the program received 59 applications from 27 communities, highlighting demand for business development resources in areas often underserved by traditional financing systems.
Fourteen finalists advanced to an in-person “Entrepreneur Camp” in Anchorage, where participants developed business plans, financial projections and marketing strategies in partnership with Spruce Root’s Path to Prosperity program.
Following the training, finalists competed for awards of up to $20,000. Winners were selected across three regions:
In the Bristol Bay Marketplace, Beth Hill, founder of Camp Gibraltar in Kokhanok, is expanding a wilderness tourism business, while Kaylee Hill, founder of K’s Cup Coffee Company, is launching a mobile coffee trailer serving King Salmon and Naknek.
In the Aleut Marketplace, Piama Oleyer, founder of Bering Home in Unalaska, is developing an assisted living facility, and Steven Kashevarof, founder of Arlluk Adventures in Chenega, is building a marine transportation and charter business.
In the North Slope Marketplace, Aaron Tooyak, founder of Locked In Mobile Detailing, is launching a mobile vehicle detailing service, while Vasna Nou, founder of Burning Love Candles, is offering workshops focused on youth engagement and sobriety support.
“These entrepreneurs are solving real challenges in their communities—whether that’s access to services, care for elders, or creating spaces for connection,” said Mary Miner, vice president of community development at Alaska Growth Capital.
Winners were recognized April 8 at Alaska Impact Days in Anchorage.
The program is supported by regional Native corporations and partners working to expand access to capital and technical assistance in rural Alaska.
