North Slope Marketplace Overview
The North Slope Marketplace administered by Alaska Growth Capital (AGC) in partnership with Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, is a business plan competition dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation Shareholder Network. By providing financial and technical support, the program empowers small businesses, strengthens local economies, and encourages innovative, adaptive ventures in the North Slope and across Alaska.
2025 Alaska Marketplace Expansion
Originally launched in 2009 as the North Slope Marketplace focused on supporting Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) Shareholders, the Alaska Marketplace has grown to include the Aleut Marketplace (AM) and the Bristol Bay Marketplace (BBM). These parallel competitions are designed to equip Indigenous entrepreneurs with essential training, mentorship, and funding to build sustainable businesses that address regional economic needs.
A key partner in these efforts is Spruce Root, a Southeast Alaska-based nonprofit that runs the nationally recognized Path to Prosperity Business Competition (P2P). P2P has been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurs across the state, helping to launch and scale sustainable businesses in rural and Indigenous communities.
Recognizing the success and impact of the Spruce Root model, AGC began aligning its Marketplace programming with P2P’s approach in 2019. In 2023, AGC’s partnership with Spruce Root deepened, and they now play a strategic role in helping the Company administer and refine its Marketplace programming. Their expertise in business development, mentorship, and sustainable economic growth has been invaluable, making them an essential collaborator in AGC’s work of expanding opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
This year, AGC is excited to formally welcome Spruce Root’s P2P cohort into our Marketplace program, further strengthening our shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across Alaska. Additionally, this year’s program introduces a STEM/TEK Track, providing specialized support for businesses in science, technology, engineering, and math-related (STEM) industries and/or using traditional ecological knowledge (TEK).
While being a STEM/TEK business owner is not required, AGC and Spruce Root are making specialized support available to these industries.
Examples of STEM/TEK businesses include: natural resource management using LiDAR technology, tidal energy products designed for rural communities, heat pump installation, fishing fleet electrification, traditional plant teachings, and more.
These updates reflect the team’s ongoing dedication to innovation, collaboration, and economic empowerment for participants.
2025 Application
Key 2025 Dates
- April 1 – Business Concept Application opens
- May 30 – Business Concept Application submission deadline
- July – Finalists Announced
- August – September (dates TBD) – Pre-Entrepreneur Camp Training
- Business Mondel Canvas
- Financial Projections
- Customer Discovery
- September 29 – October 2 – Entrepreneur Camp in Anchorage (plus a travel day on either end)
- December 10 – Final Business Plan submission deadline
- February 2026, (date TBD) – Winners announced
Eligibility Criteria
Download full document with additional rules and regulations.
- Residency: All applicants must be residents of Alaska to enter the competition. Additional points will be awarded during the final submission process if applicants reside in communities of their respective regions (Bristol Bay, Aleutians, or North Slope).
- Age: All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Independent Thinking: All business ideas must represent unique, independent concepts. No entries related to pyramid sales, private clubs, gambling entities, or religious institutions will be accepted.
- Regional Impact: The business must demonstrate a positive social impact, contribute to community well-being, and utilize sustainable practices.
- Exclusions: Awards may not be used to refinance existing loans, pay personal debts, or cover operational expenses such as payroll or rent.
Past North Slope Marketplace Winners
2024 Winners
Elizabeth Ahkivgak
Sovereign Speech, LLC
Anchorage
Diane Stone
Qasiaqs Atikluks
Anchorage
Kelly Engel
Happy Camper RV
Palmer
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2023
Jocelyn Pili, Blue Goose Hauling, Utqiagvik
Aqquilluk Hank, Hank’s 48 Store, Point Hope
Anton Edwardson, Inu-IT, Utqiagvik
2022
Desiree Johnson, Dezi’s Delight, Point Hope
Alicia Marie Ferreras, Amferre Alaskan Jewelry, Anchorage
Kirsten Caldwell, Alaska Tuft, Anchorage
2019
Sophia Segevan, Soph’s Coffee, Wainwright
Ronette Panningona, Arctic Rose Beading, Utqiagvik
Floreen Stone, Parky Shop, Point Hope
2018
Leon Kinneeveauk, Arctic Treasures Art Gallery, Anchorage
Mary Hugo, Hugo Cafe, Anaktuvuk Pass
Leonard Felder, Cafe 57, Utqiagvik
Raymond Nashookpuk, Savik’s Designs, Wainwright
2017
Tariek Oviuk, AK2K Network Store, Point Hope
Price and Bobby Itta, Alaska Fur Cache, Utqiagvik
Brian Gordon, Chief’s Pizzeria, Anaktuvuk Pass
Robert and Pauline Bowers, Bowers Store, Nuiqsut
2016
Amanda and Eric Gerke, Alaska Adventure Lodge, Anaktuvuk Pass
Athena Thompson, The Polar Bear Den Tours, Kaktovik
Robert Alred, Ace Hardware- Top of the World, Utqiagvik
Mamie Pardue, prototype design, Nuiqsut
2015
Tonya Hunnicutt, Ezkimo Ice Cream, Point Hope
Will Saganna, Saganna 4X4 Tours, Utqiagvik
MaryAlyce Moss, Moss Construction LLC, Utqiagvik
Agatha Kalayauk, prototype design, Utqiagvik
Willie Sakeagak, Sakeagak Engineering & Design, Utqiagvik
Bruce Inglangasak, Kaktovik Arctic Tours, Kaktovik
2014
Jacquelyn Nayakik, Manuluuraq Designs, Utqiagvik
Elaine Garner, Lil Mo’s Hardware Store, Nuiqsut
Della Shugluk, Della Hoya’s, Atqasuk
Elizabeth Hollingsworth, Tauqsigvik, Atqasuk
Jane Thompson, Kaktovik Bed & Breakfast, Kaktovik
Tommi Lynn Ahmaogak,Tom-N-Jerry’s Restaurant, Wainwright
2013
Rachel Edwardsen, Naninaaaq Productions, Utqiagvik
Tommi Lynn Ahmaogak, Tom-N-Jerry’s Restaurant, Wainwright
Emma Kinneeveauk, Sylver’s, Point Hope
Tonya Hunnicutt, Ezkimo Ice Cream, Point Hope
Nancy Stotts, Snowbird Housekeeping, Utqiagvik
Jessica Itta, P&J Store, Atqasuk
Andrew Tooyak, Jr., Sam Rock’s Gifts, Utqiagvik
Kristine Bennett, Bennett’s Store, Nuiqsut
Arnold Arey, Arnie’s Northern Outfit & Cargo, Utqiagvik
2010
Mary Sage and Donald Darling, Amaguq Media, Utqiagvik
Nora Jane Burns, Arctic Chalet Tours, Kaktovik
Colleen Akpik, Lemen, Calz Services, Utqiagvik
Martha Monnin, CaptivateM Outdoors, Utqiagvik
Robin Mongoyak, Kiita ATV, Utqiagvik
Ben Frankson, P&B General Store, Point Hope
2009
Rachel Edwardson, Naninaaaq Film Productions, Utqiagvik
Eli Kalipsuk, Uula’s Auto Repair, Nuiqsut
Robin Mongoyak, Arctic ATV Excursions, Utqiagvik
Lela Ahgook, Lela’s Store, Anaktuvuk Pass
Helen Simmonds, Helen’s Courier Service, Utqiagvik
For regular updates on Marketplace activities, please visit:
