Competition Theme

The Alaska Marketplace is an initiative that recognizes, celebrates, and nurtures true grassroots innovators in becoming successful entrepreneurs who will help shape the future of Alaska as a great state with a formidable economy. To ensure a proposal's best chance of success in rural Alaska, all Ideas must fall within the theme of Planting Seeds of Change described below.

PLANTING SEEDS OF CHANGE
Planting Seeds of Change is a broad theme that pays tribute to a dynamic economy. This theme is intended to encompass the myriad different ways that Alaskans can build a foundation now to create sustainable success for generations to come.

2011 AKM Applications must address the competition theme and one of the following sub-themes:

• Emerging Technology: Practical use of new technology to create village enterprises, such as use of cell phones or digital media.
• Education & Development: Innovative ideas to encourage life-long learning and enable people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
• Health & Well-Being: New and inventive plans to support the physical and mental health of Rural Alaska residents.
• Land, Natural Resources & the Environment: Innovative ways to implement affordable, alternative energy sources, and sustainably reap the fruits of our land and natural resources.
• Youth & Children: Fresh, pragmatic ideas from and/or for those under 18 about fostering economic development, strengthening communities and improving the quality of life in Rural Alaska.

Essay Writers may choose to address one additional sub-theme:

• Native Rights Protection & Legal Empowerment: Ideas to protect Native rights and empower Alaska Native peoples through law.