The Winners' Circle

The Alaska Marketplace competition has inspired innovation and stimulated Alaska's economy - giving away over $1.5 million to some of Alaska's most creative entrepreneurs. It has become an important part of the Alaska Federation of Natives' education, health and economic prosperity programs, established to promote public sector reform alongside private sector development.

The 2006 inaugural competition received more than 170 concept papers from a broad range of communities, from the remote villages of Savoonga on St. Lawrence Island, to the regional hubs of Nome, Bethel, Dillingham and Cordova. 43 finalists competed. 22 entrepreneurs shared an award pool of $500,000, with prizes ranging from $8,000 to $50,000.

Building on the phenomenal success of 2006, the Alaska Marketplace launched its second competition in May 2007. 306 eligible Business Idea Applications poured in from across the state. The assessors selected 61 finalists to advance to the judging phase of the competition. During the 2007 AFN Convention in October, 21 finalists were awarded $700,000, with awards ranging from $15,000 to $60,000.

The third competition was announced on July 7, 2008 with submissions due by September 1, 2008. 136 eligible Innovative Idea Applications were received from across the state. 42 finalists competed during the 2008 AFN Convention at the ConocoPhillips Atrium. 11 winners were awarded funding, from $9,315 for Tundra Woodworks in Chevak to $46,575 to A Cut Above Quilting to Barbara Ramos in Bethel.

The fourth competition drew 101 applications from across Alaska. 22 finalists presented their Business and Innovative Ideas to judges in the ConocoPhillips Atrium on May 5, 2009. Nine awardees shared $300,000, with awards ranging in size from $10,650 for Wolf Pack Industries in Unalakleet, to $50,000 for Kuskokwim River Fisheries MicroFish Processing Plant in Bethel.

Click the links at left to learn about our winners!