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Master Class Grant

SPRUCE ROOT INC

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Funding Amount

Up to $5,000

Deadline

January 9, 2027

275 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Master Class / Leading Through Uncertainty: A Master Class for Entrepreneurs

Overview: A transformative three-day workshop for experienced mid-stage entrepreneurs to develop growth plans, explore internal limiting beliefs, learn latest research, and develop tools for planning through a shifting economy. Workshop participants who successfully complete their recovery/growth plan are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $5,000.

Geographic Scope: Southeast Alaska, with preference for rural community residents

Focus Areas:

  • Business growth and strategic planning

  • Leveraging AI for business

  • Planning for business continuity in face of changing climate

  • Unique marketing tactics

  • Financial planning and management

  • Leadership skills development

  • Mental strength and resilience building

    • Target Participants:

  • Mid-stage entrepreneurs

  • Business owners operating for at least 1 year

  • Businesses with 50 employees or fewer

  • Experienced entrepreneurs seeking to grow and thrive

  • Entrepreneurs from Black, Indigenous, people of color backgrounds (encouraged)

  • Entrepreneurs from rural Alaska outside Juneau/Sitka (encouraged)

    • What Participants Receive:

  • Three-day intensive workshop (January 23-25, 2026 in previous year)

  • Expert knowledge from financial and strategic planning experts

  • Network of mentors, community partners, and Alaskan business owners

  • One-year recovery/growth plan development

  • Insider knowledge and tools

  • Travel stipend available for rural community residents

  • Limited to 25 participants

  • Opportunity to apply for grant funding upon plan completion

    • Workshop Details:

  • Format: In-person

  • Location: Sealaska Plaza Event Room, downtown Juneau

  • Duration: 3 days

  • Cost: $75 per participant

  • Fee waivers available for financial hardship

    • Eligibility for Workshop:

  • Southeast Alaska entrepreneurs or Sealaska shareholders (any location)

  • At least 1 year of business operation

  • 50 employees or fewer

  • For-profit businesses only

  • Preference given to those with completed business plans (but not required)

  • Businesses without 1 year of operational experience directed to Business Basics workshop instead

    • Eligibility for Grant (Post-Workshop):

  • Workshop participants only

  • Those who complete recovery/growth plan successfully

  • Must have attended workshop in its entirety

    • What They Don't Fund:

  • Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3))

  • Businesses with less than 1 year operation

  • For businesses with <1 year operation: refer to Business Basics workshop, Path to Prosperity competition, or one-on-one coaching

    • Contact:

  • Ashley Guthrie: aguthrie@spruceroot.org

  • Phone: (907) 586-9251

  • Website: spruceroot.org/programs/business-support/master-class/

    • Address:

  • One Sealaska Plaza Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99801

    • History:

  • 2020: Master Class for the New Economy held with 18 business owners, participants developed recovery plans and were eligible for grants

  • Supported by Wells Fargo and Edgerton Foundation (2020)

    • How to Apply

    Application/Registration Process

    Registration Deadline: January 9, 2026 (for January 23-25 event)

    How to Register:
    1. Register online through Spruce Root website
    2. Submit registration by January 9 deadline
    3. Pay workshop fee ($75) via PayPal or check after registration

    Cost: $75 per participant

    Fee Waivers:

  • Available for applicants experiencing financial hardship

  • Request waiver by emailing: grow@spruceroot.org

    • Workshop Schedule:

  • Three consecutive days: January 23-25, 2026

  • Hours: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (subject to change)

  • Location: Sealaska Plaza Event Room, Downtown Juneau

  • In-person attendance required

    • What to Bring/Prepare:

  • Willingness to engage authentically

  • Open mind for learning

  • Notepad and pen

  • Commitment to full attendance and participation

    • Workshop Components:

  • Expert presenter sessions

  • Panel discussions on:

    • - Financial planning
    - Strategies for staying afloat/resilience
    - Leadership skills for entrepreneurs
  • One-on-one mentorship opportunities

  • Networking with other entrepreneurs

  • Development of one-year recovery/growth plan

  • Exploration and dispelling of internal limiting beliefs

  • Latest research on economic trends

  • Tools for planning during uncertain times

  • Mental strength and resilience building

    • Post-Workshop Grant Application:

  • Eligible participants: those who complete the workshop in its entirety and develop recovery/growth plan

  • Grant amount: Up to $5,000

  • Application process: Details not fully specified in provided text

  • Selection: Based on plan quality and completion

    • Session Recordings:

  • Some recordings may be available after workshop

  • Recordings prioritized for public availability but grants prioritized for full attendees

  • Future iterations planned, watch Facebook and email updates for announcements

    • Questions/More Information:

  • Contact: aguthrie@spruceroot.org

  • Phone: (907) 586-9251

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    small-businessesstartupsworkforce-development

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