Anchorage’s Cook Inlet Tribal Council recently launched a new initiative, Set Up Shop, aimed at supporting Indigenous Peoples in establishing and growing small businesses. This program is designed to revitalize neighborhoods like Fairview, Spenard, Muldoon, and Mountain View by promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and community leadership.
In partnership with organizations such as the Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT), the Cook Inlet Lending Center, and the Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Set Up Shop offers microloans and business training to aspiring entrepreneurs. ACLT CEO Kirk Rose emphasized the importance of believing in every person’s potential within a neighborhood and how that belief can positively impact the community.
Since its launch, Set Up Shop has supported nearly 400 small businesses and provided over 3,000 hours of direct support to entrepreneurs. The program has received recognition for its innovative approach with awards from the National Development Council and the Alaska Planning Association.
Guests on O’Hara Shipe’s show included Kirk Rose from ACLT, Jeff Tickle from the Cook Inlet Lending Center, Jamieann Bell from ACLT who also co-owns Arctic Moon Bakery, and Shane McHale from Blueberry Tours. Additional information about relevant organizations and businesses can be found through their respective links.
