The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) and Spruce Root offer free business planning, technical assistance, and loan and financing programs to help grow and support Alaska’s mariculture businesses.

Through the Mariculture Business Planning Program, Spruce Root provides one-on-one support for interested seaweed and shellfish farmers, mariculture product developers, and processors. This personalized support is intended to turn business ideas into reality through detailed business planning, financial modelling, narrative writing, and targeted education. Through this one-on-one support, industry connections, events, and communications, Spruce Root is also prioritizing network expansion, seeking to connect mariculture business owners with one another and build a strong foundation for relationship-building.

To learn more about any of these programs or to explore Spruce Root’s business planning resources, visit their website or email Andrew Jylkka: andrew@spruceroot.org.

Spruce Root is a subaward recipient of the AMC’s Revolving Loan Fund grant component. It is using grant funding to increase access to capital, stimulate private investment into the industry, and financing industry channels that spur job growth. Their offered services will further the business acumen of the state and help mariculture professionals grow their operations in seaweed farming, shellfish farming, and processing.

About the AMC Marketing Program

Funded through the AMC’s Market Development grant component, the Alaska Mariculture Alliance (AMA) and Southeast Conference (SEC) have launched a robust marketing program to increase awareness, demand, and long-term market opportunities for Alaska’s growing mariculture industry. The AMC Marketing Program is being advanced by Tastemaker Comms in partnership with Rising Tide Communications – two experienced firms with extensive backgrounds in seafood marketing, brand development, and campaign execution.

About the Alaska Mariculture Cluster

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to stimulate private investment and grow Alaska’s mariculture industry to $100 million in sales in 10 years.  The Alaska Mariculture Cluster grant involves a large coalition of state agencies, Tribes, non-profits, and others working together over a five year period ending May 2027.