During the summer of 2018, Alaska SBDC launched an initiative to reinvigorate its approach to rural development by establishing a new director of rural development position, filled by long-time Alaska SBDC business advisor Ian Grant, and ramping up its community outreach efforts. One of Grant’s first journeys was to beautiful Hoonah, Alaska, where he discovered an active, eager and growing small business sector.
Travel to Hoonah is only accessible via seaplane. It is about 20 minutes of airtime from Juneau.
Alaska SBDC Director of Rural Development Ian Grant got a tour of Hoonah and some bear safety tips from Hoonah’s chief of police.
“Icy Straits Lodge is owned by amazingly kind and welcoming folks,” says Grant.
Wes Tyler, owner of Icy Straits Lumber.
Alaska SBDC’s Ian Grant with Susan Tyler, owner of Icy Straits Lumber.