USDA announces Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding

The USDA Rural Development State Office in Palmer is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program funds agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.. A new and important feature of this program is that each USDA Rural Development State Office has an allocation of REAP funds this fiscal year, as opposed to funding traditionally done out of the National Office.  Read More

SWAMC Adds VISTA to Staff

Brett Welcher joined the SWAMC staff this week after making the journey from New York, his home state. He will be doing some economic planning and research for SWAMC during his one-year VISTA term, working on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy in particular. "I'm really excited to arrive in Alaska and join SWAMC," he said, "and I can't wait to learn more about the state's economy and its history, and to get the opportunity to witness all of the unique features it has to offer."  Read More

SWAMC Wraps Up Small Business Trainings

SWAMC wrapped up a series of free small business workshops in the Southwest Alaska region in February. The first workshop took place in King Salmon near the end of August 2008, King Cove came at the end of October, Dillingham in mid-November, and Kodiak in February. The three-day workshops focused on three core areas important to Southwest Alaska entrepreneurs: business plan writing and general business principles; the business of fishing; and tourism business development.  Read More