Best small businesses in Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
May 15, 2019
The Kuskokwim Campus Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center and the Alaska-based Best in the West partners have announced the winners of the 11th annual small business competition for 2019. The awards go to ventures based in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
- Carole Jung and John Jordan — Jung-Jordan Trucking
- Joe John Pete — Apollo Home Solutions
- Patrick Samson — Tundra Leather
- Yvonne Jackson — Alaska Rural Professional Development
- Aleashia Huber — Cooper Cleaning Company
- Teddy Berry — Berry’s Upholstery
“Participating in this program takes dedication and it has successfully created thriving businesses in the Y-K Delta,” said Reyne Athanas, program director from Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center, part of the Kuskokwim Campus. “Eighty percent of the businesses we’ve funded are still in business today.”
The 2019 funding sponsors include KUC/YPCC, the Bethel Community Services Foundation, First National Bank Alaska, Donlin Gold, Calista Corp., Bethel Native Corp., Kuskokwim Art Guild, the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo, ConocoPhillips Alaska, BP Alaska, LYNDEN and Crowley Petroleum. All of the partners are committed to building small businesses in the Y-K region in order to promote jobs and economic stability.
A total of $33,500 was awarded this year, with total awards distributed over 11 years reaching $282,070. Since 2009, 76 small businesses started with assistance of Best in the West. Regional small businesses keep this region vibrant and growing. Although all the 2019 winners are based in Bethel, Best in the West welcomes applicants from throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Applications will be available for the 2020 competition on Dec. 1, 2019.
For more information email Reyne Athanas at rmathanas@alaska.edu.