About Us
The MyceliaAk Story
This project was born out of a need to create change. COVID has brought to the surface income and wealth inequalities caused by the winners take all economic system we live in. We can change that by creating and sustaining businesses that meet the basic needs of the communities while creating prosperity for everyone. Cooperative businesses and nonprofits are bound by a set of principles that include economic participation, cooperation, and concern for community. MyceliaAk project is committed to helping those who want to join their mission to create prosperity for themselves and others. We are stronger together.
What we do: We will work with clients to help start new worker co-ops or convert an existing business to a co-op.
Founders
MyceliaAk is an initiative of First Entrepreneur LLC., a network of professionals who believe in local investing and mission-based businesses. We believe that worker co-ops are a good fit for Alaska for their potential to create lasting community impact. Cooperative businesses share responsibility, risks, and rewards with worker owners; they help create and keep generational wealth.
A tried and tested model, worker-owned businesses are appropriate for small business startups. Retiring business owners can exit by transitioning their businesses to a worker co-op as well. While popular in other parts of the country, worker owned cooperatives are not common in Alaska. It is our hope to introduce them to Alaska for all their benefits.
Project Advisors
Stephanie Holthaus, Climate Action Advisor, The Nature Conservancy
Nolan Klouda, Executive Director, Center for Economic Development, Business Enterprise Institute, UAA
Brian Holst, Executive Director, Juneau Economic Development Council
Isaac Vanderburg, CEO, Launch Alaska
Jennifer Opsut, CEO, Alaska Regional Hospital
Mary Miner, VP Community Development, Alaska Growth Capital
In the News
US Federation of Worker Cooperatives
A national grassroots membership organization for worker cooperatives provides education, advocacy to promote worker-owned enterprises.
The Ohio Employee Ownership Center
Provides guidance to business owners on Worker-owned Cooperatives and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
Democracy at Work Institute
A national organization dedicated to building the field of worker cooperative development.
Community Wealth Building
Community Wealth Building (CWB) is an economic development model that transforms local economies based on communities having direct ownership and control of their assets.
Helpful Articles
institute.coop
DAWI-Incubated Apis & Heritage Announces First Employee Ownership Transitions
democracycollaborative.org
New CHIPS law contains groundbreaking provisions to build community wealth, boost worker ownership.
Alaska Economic Resilience
A multi-stakeholder Business Model for Economic Resilience of Alaska: What and How.
Our Partners
