Master Class Grant

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

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)

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