Departments
Economic Development
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MISSION:
To promote economic development that is consistent with the traditional culture and values of the people of the region. That promotion occurs through identification of programs and services that will encourage such development, coordination with other agencies and governments within and outside the region, direct administration of grant, loan and marketing programs, and the collection and distribution of employment, education and other demographic data.
Economic Development Office, Alaska Economic Development Organizations: http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/oed/ardor/ardor.htm
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Economic Development Department administers all Borough programs designed to promote economic opportunity for the Borough’s residents. The department also serves as staff support to the Economic Development Commission.
PROGRAMS:
Small Business Grant Program
The NWAB Assembly has made $60,000 available this year for grants to small businesses in a community within the Northwest Arctic Borough for expansion or start-up costs. These grants can be a maximum of $5,000 to organizations serving many people or up to $1,500 for individuals. Grants are for the purpose of purchasing tools, equipment, and supplies, acquiring training, or assisting with various start up costs. Upon approval of a grant request, payments will be made only to vendors for specific expenses. Grant applications are available at the Borough office in Kotzebue, from the NANA Resource Specialists in each of the ten outlying villages, or can be printed from this site. Small Business Application
Youth Group Revolving Loan Fund
This program provides youth groups with access to capital for fundraising ventures. These include, but are not limited to, sales of school logo clothing or purchase of income-producing equipment or supplies. Short-term loans of up to $2,000 are available and are interest free. Loan Application
Arts and Crafts Marketing Program
As a means of promoting traditional Native arts and crafts as a reliable source of income for residents, the borough takes an active role in assisting artists sell their products. A revolving art purchase fund has been established that enables the borough to actually purchase crafts directly from artists. The fund is reimbursed for that purchase cost by retail outlets. This program is exclusively for residents who are dedicated to producing work on a large scale, on a regular basis, as a means of producing a reliable source of continuing income. Artists are encouraged to contact: Vika Owens Sulianich Art Center (907) 442-2990 vowens @ nwabor.org
F.R. Ferguson Scholarship Program
In 1998, the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly created this scholarship program in recognition of the contributions made by Senator Frank R. Ferguson to honor his long career of public service to the residents of the State of Alaska and the Northwest Arctic Borough. For more information contact Kristen Walker at (907) 442-2500, ext. 102 or via email at kwalker @ nwabor.org. Scholarship Application
Scholarship Deadlines:
Fall Semester-Aug 15
Spring Semester-Jan 15
Summer-April 15
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF:
Lincoln Saito
Economic Development Director
(907)442-2500 Ex 111 lsaito @ nwabor.org
Ingemar Mathiasson
Energy Coordinator
(907) 445-2031
imathiasson @ nwabor.org
Kim Franklin
Sulianich Art Center Administrator
(907)442-2990
kfranklin @ nwabor.org
Vika Owens
Sulianich Art Center Arts Coordinator
(907)442-2990
vowens @ nwabor.org