Spruce Root

Join us in building regenerative economies in Indigenous and rural communities. Spruce Root seeks a Program Manager for Small Business to increase our capacity to serve Indigenous entrepreneurs and rural communities in Southeast Alaska. This role will provide business coaching, training programs and lead the annual Path to Prosperity Business Competition. Primary tasks and areas of responsibility : ??Lead development and delivery of high-quality group training events, playing a key role as project administrator and as an expert in business development. ??Assist entrepreneurs in creating business plans and financial projections through group workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions. ??Assist Southeast Alaskans interested in improving their entrepreneurial skills through individual and group training programs. ??Conduct introductory meetings to orient new clients to Spruce Root’s programs and services and identify next steps for program enrollment, including referrals to our loan program. Take the next step in creating change — apply now at spruceroot.org/careers

Join us in empowering Indigenous and rural communities! Spruce Root is seeking a passionate Tongass Energy Bank Lending Director to lead our new clean energy initiative. The Tongass Energy Bank, established in 2024, aims to address the unique energy needs of Indigenous and rural communities in the Tongass National Forest. The Bank will focus on providing financial solutions for clean energy projects, such as establishing a revolving loan fund for renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, and beneficial electrification initiatives. Additionally, the Bank will offer debt relief and loan guarantees for renewable energy projects facing economic challenges. The Tongass Energy Bank Lending Director is responsible for implementing the newly established lending program and will play a key role in driving the program's success through coordination and support of clean energy initiatives. This position is funded through a variety of partner organizations and will involve a range of responsibilities aimed at the successful deployment of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funding (GGRF) to establish the Tongass Energy Bank. If you're driven to make a difference, apply now at https://lnkd.in/e5QM_pRq

Thank you for visiting! We're thrilled to be a microlender in Alaska.

Spruce Root is looking for an intern to support their mission to drive a regenerative economy across Southeast Alaska so communities can forge futures grounded in this uniquely Indigenous place. As the Marketing and Communications Intern for Community & Economic Development, you will be part of the action across many of Spruce Root’s programs and teams. You will experience and gain skills in supporting small business outreach, working with a cohesive team located in various locations across the region and providing communications and marketing support for workshops, events and fundraising. Together with your manager, this internship is an opportunity to craft a workplan that aligns with your skills, interests, and career direction. ? The preferred location for this internship is at Spruce Root’s office in Juneau, Alaska, although arrangements may be made for a remote/hybrid placement, depending on a candidate’s circumstances. You may have the opportunity to travel to Sitka, Alaska, or other Southeast Alaska communities to meet team members and learn about Spruce Root’s regional partners and projects. Learn more at www.spruceroot.org/careers Photo by Lione Clare. About Sealaska Intern Program The Sealaska intern program exists to uplift Sealaska shareholders and their descendants pursuing post-secondary education with meaningful career experience, learning opportunities, and a supportive community. Interns explore career interests, grow professional skills, and connect with the unique and vibrant cultures of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. You will spend the summer with peers who share an Alaska Native heritage, learning from each other and building a community as you venture into your careers. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gyudXZY6. About Spruce Root Spruce Root, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities and environment. We are shifting the paradigms of power to support localized economies grounded in Indigenous values and ways of living. Spruce Root is a team of ambitious people dedicated to a new way of working in our region; working collaboratively with others, prioritizing family and well-being, and honoring our ancestors while building for the future. As a federally-certified Native CDFI, Spruce Root works to create positive change and equitable access to economic development through financial products and services to individuals in Southeast Alaska. Other programs include Path to Prosperity, workforce development, community planning and facilitation, and the administration of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) and the Seacoast Trust.

Spruce Root is excited to announce a new position in 2025: the Arctic Willow Advisory Group Program Manager. Established in 2024, the Arctic Willow Advisory Group is a group of Alaska Native leaders with the goal of regranting Chorus Foundation funding called the Sinew Fund in the state of Alaska. Spruce Root is hiring a Program Manager to maintain the administrative and overall coordination of the Sinew Fund and the Advisory Group going forward and ensure that the project continues over the next 10 years. Responsibilities include the identification and development of new investments, projects and initiatives that align with the fund investment decisions of Arctic Willow Advisory Group. In addition to working with partners statewide, the position also is responsible for representing Spruce Root within Southeast Alaska communities to achieve the objectives of the organization. Deadline to Apply: January 31, 2025 Join our team! Find out more and apply at spruceroot.org/careers. Photo by Lione Clare. About Spruce Root Spruce Root, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities and environment. We are shifting the paradigms of power to support localized economies grounded in Indigenous values and ways of living. Spruce Root is a team of ambitious people dedicated to a new way of working in our region; working collaboratively with others, prioritizing family and well-being, and honoring our ancestors while building for the future. As a federally-certified Native CDFI, Spruce Root works to create positive change and equitable access to economic development through financial products and services to individuals in Southeast Alaska. Other programs include Path to Prosperity, workforce development, community planning and facilitation, and the administration of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) and the Seacoast Trust.

Gunalchéesh! Spruce Root is excited to be included in MacKenzie Scott’s recent blog post as one of several Native CDFIs to receive a gift from her philanthropic organization, Yield Giving. In an announcement earlier this week from the Native CDFI Network, Inc., the nation’s leading NCDFI advocacy group, they called Scott's investment of more than $103 million in Native community development financial institutions “an unprecedented commitment to Native-led and Native-serving financial institutions.” “Native CDFI's like Spruce Root foster the growth of local economies in ways that benefit the planet, strengthen communities and promote financial wellbeing,” Spruce Root Executive Director Alana Peterson said. “As Ms. Scott put it in her blog, she clearly understands the power of funding for-profit solutions as a way of building the future we want. Native CDFI’s have been doing this work and she wants to support that.” Since its inception, Spruce Root has invested more than $5 million directly into the hands of Native-owned businesses, Native-led organizations, and Native communities in rural Southeast Alaska. With critical investments like the one from Yield Giving, it is confirmation that Native CDFIs have and will continue to play a key role in equitable, sustainable development in the markets they serve. “We are entering a new era where we can increase funding and investments into our region and continue to be a driver of a regenerative economy in Southeast Alaska so our communities and future generations can continue to thrive,” Peterson said. Photo by Bethany Sonsini Goodrich. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gtaJSMp6

We're thrilled to announce this year's cohort of Path to Prosperity Business Competition finalists! From a sustainable boat technician to a third-generation cannery, a garment maker utilizing biodegradable and upcycled fabrics, and many more, the 2024 Path to Prosperity finalists are creating jobs and driving regenerative economic growth in Southeast Alaska. The 2024 cycle of the Path to Prosperity competition aims to assist Southeast Alaskan entrepreneurs in contributing to a sustainable and regenerative economy in the region that is community-led and locally owned. Congratulations! Natural Connections ~ Juneau Alpine Physical Therapy ~ Sitka Southeast Sparks ~ Sitka Triple S Ranch ~ Naukati Bay Sitkana ~ Juneau Alaska Soles ~ Yakutat Taylor2Uart ~ Klawock Miner’s Gold ~ Haines Pure Alaskan Water ~ Ketchikan Chilkat Valley News ~ Haines/Klukwan Wildfish Cannery ~ Klawock Malo Ni?ta Catering ~ Haines Sunset photo by Brooke Leslie; Wildfish Cannery photo by Andrew Rutledge; and Malo Nista photo by Melissa Ganey. Thank you to our sponsors! This program is supported by Disney, Sealaska, Edgerton, US Department of Agriculture, and Opportunity Finance Network, The Sustainable Southeast Partnership; Kensington Mine; AK Litho, and Elgee Rehfeld. Spruce Root is grateful for their contributions. https://lnkd.in/gJtjArwc

Reflecting on a year of growth and gratitude, our 2023 Annual Report highlights the milestones and successes that defined Spruce Root in 2023. Dive into the stories of transformation and see how we're making a difference in Southeast Alaska. Read the full report today! #growwithus #cdfi #supportingcommunities

Spruce Root is hiring a Deputy Director! Spruce Root is seeking a Deputy Director to lead the operationalization of Spruce Root’s overall strategy and to ensure effective programming, efficient operations, and well-being across the organization. As a core member of the Spruce Root leadership team, the Deputy Director will manage a diverse team of Program Directors to offer support and ensure the quality of our programs. The ideal candidate is a strategic systems thinker, skilled at developing processes for effectively managing work in a collaborative environment. This role will be responsible for supporting a team of highly capable individuals, and ensuring functional team coordination and strategic alignment to amplify our mission. Deadline to Apply: August 25, 2024 Join our team! Apply today at spruceroot.org/careers About Spruce Root Spruce Root, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities and environment. We are shifting the paradigms of power to support localized economies grounded in Indigenous values and ways of living. Spruce Root is a team of ambitious people dedicated to a new way of working in our region; working collaboratively with others, prioritizing family and well-being, and honoring our ancestors while building for the future. As a federally-certified Native CDFI, Spruce Root works to create positive change and equitable access to economic development through financial products and services to individuals in Southeast Alaska. Other programs include Path to Prosperity, workforce development, community planning and facilitation, and the administration of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) and the Seacoast Trust.

Spruce Root is hiring an Executive Assistant & Special Projects Coordinator! Spruce Root is seeking an Executive Assistant & Special Projects Coordinator to catalyze work across the entire organization. This role is responsible for providing administrative support to the Executive Director, Board of Directors and committees. They are also a core member of the Administrative and Operations team and provide a wide range of general administrative and support services for the organization, including event planning and logistics. The ideal candidate is an organized and thoughtful doer, who excels in clear, proactive and timely communication. Deadline to Apply: May 20, 2024 Join our team! Apply today at spruceroot.org/careers About Spruce Root Spruce Root, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities and environment. We are shifting the paradigms of power to support localized economies grounded in Indigenous values and ways of living. Spruce Root is a team of ambitious people dedicated to a new way of working in our region; working collaboratively with others, prioritizing family and well-being, and honoring our ancestors while building for the future. As a federally-certified Native CDFI, Spruce Root works to create positive change and equitable access to economic development through financial products and services to individuals in Southeast Alaska. Other programs include Path to Prosperity, workforce development, community planning and facilitation, and the administration of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) and the Seacoast Trust.