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.

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.

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.