Sullivan said the Anchorage Assembly unanimously approved a resolution supporting continuation of the program. He and Young said it's important to "a socially and economically disadvantaged population," and that it delivers significant benefits to the state as a whole.
"This is very important to us for two reasons," Sullivan said. "Number one, it's the right thing, the fair thing to do. And number two, it's good for our economy, not only our city but our state as well."
Sheri Buretta, board chairman of Chugach Alaska Corp., said the SBA program has allowed Native corporations to survive and thrive since its inception. Many are beginning to transition out of it and into a more competitive global marketplace, she said.
"This program allows us to empower our people," Buretta said. "It's a shift from federal policy where there's a government handout. This actually creates organizations that are capable of providing for themselves, and it's a role model for our people to be able to stand up for themselves."
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