Alaska
From Custom Atikluks to Lake Clark Cabins, Nine Win Marketplace Competitions – Alaska Business Magazine
The Alaska Marketplace Business Plan competition began in 2009 as the North Slope Marketplace, led by Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC). In 2022 ASRC sold its subsidiary, Alaska Growth Capital, which operated the marketplace, to McKinley Management. Last year, McKinley expanded the model into other regions with the cooperation of Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC) and Aleut corporation, and since then BBNC has taken majority control of Alaska Growth Capital, with McKinley as a minority partner.
Thirty entrepreneurs participated in a business boot camp last August, where they attended training in financial modeling and projections, business structuring, human resources, pitching techniques, and marketing tips and tricks. This enabled them to prepare business plans for submission.
The competition received seventy-six applications from twenty-seven communities. Organizers say the competition showcased the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of participants, who presented diverse business ideas aimed at addressing local community needs and opportunities.
