2020 North Slope Marketplace Accepting Applications

Today, Alaska Growth Capital announced the opening of the 2020 North Slope Marketplace business plan competition for Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) Shareholders. The competition aims to increase entrepreneurial activity in the North Slope region by supporting ASRC Shareholder-owned businesses with technical training, mentorship, and potential financial support. Competition winners receive up to $25,000 in grant funds that can be exclusively used to grow or expand their business idea. Applications are being accepted until April 30, 2020.

The North Slope Marketplace business plan competition, administered by Alaska Growth Capital, is open exclusively to ASRC shareholders who either live in one of the eight communities of the North Slope, or whose business would directly benefit the region. Since 2009, Alaska Growth Capital has awarded over $1 million to more than 50 North Slope businesses through the program.

Once applications are submitted, up to 10 Semi-Finalists will be selected to participate in a mandatory three-day business training in Utqiagvik in July 2020. The boot camp’s goals are to equip participants with the tools they need to write business plans, with the support of entrepreneur mentors and experts. Winners are chosen based on final submitted business plans.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Alaska Growth Capital with any questions. The North Slope Marketplace online application and staff contact information are at NorthSlopeMarketplace.com.

About ASRC

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation is owned by and represents the business interests of the Arctic Slope Iñupiat. Since opening enrollment in 1989 to Alaska Natives born after 1971, the corporation’s shareholder base has nearly tripled, growing from the 3,700 original enrollees to approximately 13,000 today. Corporate headquarters are based in Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska, with administrative and subsidiary offices located in Anchorage and throughout the United States. ASRC, along with its family of companies, is the largest Alaskan-owned company, employing approximately 13,500 people across Alaska and the Lower 48. The company has six major business segments: government contract services, petroleum refining and marketing, energy support services, industrial services, construction, and resource development.

About Alaska Growth Capital

Alaska Growth Capital is an innovative, alternative lending company based in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska Growth Capital is a leading provider of SBA and USDA business loans and is a Native-owned Community Development Financial Institution. Alaska Growth Capital is a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC). ASRC is owned by and represents the business interests of approximately 13,000 Iñupiat shareholders and is the largest locally owned and operated business in Alaska with more than 15,000 employees and over $3 billion in revenue.