Path to Prosperity Business Competition (P2P)
PATH TO PROSPERITY KICKS OFF YEAR TWO
March 20, 2014
Applications are solicited from southeast
JUNEAU, Alaska – Do you or someone you know have an idea or dream to run a business? The Path to Prosperity Competition (P2P) identifies and supports innovative business ideas in Southeast Alaska. Year two of the P2P business development competition is now open. In round one, applicants must submit an “Apply to Compete” registration form and a description of the business concept by May 30, 2014.
Path To Prosperity is a collaboration between the Nature Conservancy (Alaska), and Haa Aaní, LLC. Sealaska established Haa Aaní, LLC in 2009 to reflect a commitment to sustaining rural economies. Thriving communities allow shareholders to live and work in their home regions. “Whether from Kake or Prince of Wales Island, outmigration from Southeast rural communities threatens the health and well-being,” said Haa Aaní, LLC president and CEO Russell Dick.
One requirement of the application process is that the business concept must be for a business located in Southeast Alaska. “P2P applicants can be existing businesses or start-ups, but do not need to submit a business plan in the first round of the application process,” said Alana Peterson, Haa Aaní, LLC economic development coordinator. “We want the application to be simple and accessible to all.”
Participants can expect some changes from the 2013 competition. First, the UAS School of Management will provide each of the twelve finalists a scholarship to attend one (3 credit) course of their choice at the School of Management. Additionally, because of the overwhelming response and success in year one, funding is being committed to provide for a third award. This third award will be a People’s Choice; to be determined by an online popular vote.
P2P recently announced two finalists for the 2013 competition. Raven Guitars (Steve Helgeson and Kevin Skeek) and Icy Straits Lumber and Milling (Wes and Sue Tyler).
“P2P is the perfect gateway for me to finally accomplish my dream of having a career I would fall in love with,” said Kevin Skeek. “During the process I was able to find Steve who had the same dream as I did. With winning the competition, Steve and I will be able to get the proper training needed for us to make sure we provide jobs to our rural communities and top quality guitars for our customers.”
“Wes and I express our deepest thank you to Haa Aaní, LLC, The Nature Conservancy and all of the generous sponsors who had a part in the Path to Prosperity technical grant,” said Sue Tyler. “The inter-action with the sponsors and other participants throughout the process was such a wonderful experience. We appreciate being a recipient from the depths of our heart.”
Timeline of year two for Path To Prosperity:
Monday March 17, 2014 –Open Application Period (round 1)
Tuesday April 8, 2014 –Webinar
Friday May 30, 2014 – Applications Due (round 1)
Monday July 7, 2014 –Announce top 12 semifinalists
August 29 – September 1, 2014 –Boot Camp Weekend (round 2)
Monday December 1, 2014 –Business Plan Submissions Due (round 2)
Thursday January 29, 2015 –Two Winners Announced
February 2015 – People’s Choice Competition
The competition is open to all Southeast Alaska residents. This includes individuals, for profit businesses and tribal entities.
To apply or learn more please visit p2pweb.org
Path to Prosperity Questions
Please contact Alana Peterson at P2P@Sealaska.com or call 907.209.7352.
