In 2025 GreenWave began working with Chris Janke of Small Business Butter – an experienced small business coach and financial analyst – to host one-on-one conversations with kelp farmers to model farm-level cost of production. These conversations are structured around a basic cost-accounting model that allows farmers visibility into how much it costs to produce a pound of farmed kelp, and where there is room within their own operations for cost savings.

Thanks to funding secured through the AMC Mariculture Business Planning Tools RFP, GreenWave will be able to offer these individualized consulting services for free to all active Alaskan kelp farmers and processors.

An individualized consultation takes roughly 2 hours, and involves an interview-style review of individual business expenses. During the consultation Chris and GreenWave team members will offer live-time analysis of areas for cost savings and comparative benchmarks to other industries. At the end of the meeting, participants will have access to an editable customized cost of production model for their business. All financial data shared will be kept confidential.

Please fill out the following form linked below to identify your interest in participating. A GreenWave team member will follow up directly to schedule an appointment.

GreenWave’s resources completement additional free business planning services offered by Spruce Root, a subaward recipient of the AMC’s Revolving Loan Fund grant component. Learn more about Spruce Root’s services with the link below.

Background

Southeast Conference (SEC) is the federally designated Economic Development District (EDD) for Southeast Alaska, as well as the state designated Alaska Regional Development Organization. SEC’s mission is to undertake and support activities that promote strong economies, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment in Southeast Alaska.

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) grant to catalyze a viable and sustainable mariculture industry in Alaska, supporting the production of shellfish and seaweed, for the long-term benefit of the state’s economy, environment, and communities.

SEC leads the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) grant coalition, which includes members of Alaska’s mariculture industry, tribal organizations, regulatory agencies, university system, regional EDDs, trade organizations, and others. A Governance Body, composed of AMC coalition leaders and Tribal executives from each of the project regions, guides the grant’s work and equity metrics.

The AMC has complementary grant components designed to break down barriers and develop Alaska’s mariculture industry. The Overarching Narrative explains how the grant components work together to grow the industry in an equitable and responsible manner. The full project period for the Alaska Mariculture Cluster is October 1, 2022 to September 38, 2026, though some projects may be extended up until May 28, 2027.