Shareholder Entrepreneurs: Building up small businesses in communities statewide.

• Author: Mottl, Judy
• Position: Alaska Native

There are 193 miles of terrain between Robert and Denise May, who live in the village of Port Lions on Kodiak Island, and Charlotte Nicolet and son Nick Koerber, who reside in Seward--but the two families have much in common.

Both are small business owners and Alaska Native corporation shareholders who have embarked on new occupational journeys with help and support from their respective Alaska Native Corporations.

Both have learned more than a few lessons from launching small businesses and overcoming their share of unique hurdles and challenges.

And both represent what many politicians and economic scholars have longed hailed as the "backbone of America."

Tapping Shareholder Business Support

With a bachelor's degree in psychology and an associate degree in digital art, running a campsite in Alaska was never at the top of Charlotte Nicolet's to-do list--or even on the list.

An author and artist whose work has been showcased abroad, Nicolet was called home to Seward a few years back to help a family member and launched a search to find steady work: a tricky proposition for many in rural Alaska.

When she took stock of her options, the Chugach Alaska Corporation shareholder realized she was living in the perfect place to operate a campsite and decided to pursue the business idea. In talking with other shareholders, she learned of a Chugach Alaska Corporation grant program and applied.

The grant, which awards up to $5,000 per recipient, is available to shareholders living inside and outside of Alaska.

"It's seed money--not a lot--but enough to get an individual to the next step, to be able to move the company forward," explains Millie Johnson, vice president of Chugach Alaska shareholder development and relations. "It's a stepping stone for those opening a small business."

Applicants are scored on a broad spectrum of criteria, such as the business plan and budget and must have a business license. Those applying are also provided feedback on their business ideas from award judges.

"They [the judges] provide meaningful comments. Going through these criteria also helps entrepreneurs in efforts where they may seek out other funding," says Johnson.

The seed money can't be used to pay off loans and it is taxable. So far more than one hundred shareholders have been provided funding support.

Interest in the program has varied through the years since it was launched in 2004. Last year was a boom year, says Johnson, with twelve individuals applying and...