About the Marketplace

Alaska Marketplace is the latest in AFN's long history of initiatives intended to foster growth in the rural economies where so many Alaska Natives live and work. This initiative ideas competition helps stimulate economic growth in Rural Alaska by tapping into the deep cultural knowledge and skills of Alaska residents. Applicants' ideas are evaluated based on their level of innovation, sustainability and profitability, poverty reduction/job creation and cultural heritage. Funds are then awarded to the winners to develop and implement their business plans and ideas.

The theme for 2007 is Culture and Development. Alaska residents possess strong cultural traditions, a rich history of innovation, and a powerful capacity to adapt to changing conditions. Just as Inuit peoples did when they invented the kayak long ago, we must now envision further innovations to fight our common challenges.

The Alaska Marketplace is an Alaska Federation of Natives initiative modeled after The World Bank's Development Marketplace. Initially underwritten by the Denali Commission, the Alaska Marketplace is also supported by a growing list of partners including BP, Telecommunications Development Fund, ConocoPhillips, Alaska Growth Capital, AMEP, Chugach Alaska Corporation, Rasmuson Foundation, and National Cooperative Bank.