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Caitlin Way, owner of Fisheye Coffee - Spruce Root client
21st
October
2021
Sitka, AK

Native, Woman-owned Business Thrives with Loan from Spruce Root

October 21, 2021

Client: Caitlin Way, owner of Fisheye Coffee

Client Location: Sitka, AK

CDFI: Spruce Root

CDFI Service Area: Alaska

CDFI Services Provided: 

Financing (2021 Native CDFI Seed Capital Awardee)

Financial and Social Impact

  • Native and woman-owned business able to grow her business in rural Alaska and pay it forward to fellow entrepreneurs

Caitlin Way (Tlingit) is the owner of Fisheye Coffee, a drive-thru coffee shop in Sitka, AK, providing wholesome alternatives to traditional drive-thru food and beverages. Fisheye Coffee’s opportunity for growth was initially stifled by the limitations of a restrictive family loan and the inability to obtain traditional financing.

However, through a small business loan from Spruce Root, Caitlin had the opportunity to explore her culinary skills and invest in her business. Caitlin recently paid off her loan in full, and, in 2021, she joined the Spruce Root team full time as a Program Manager helping entrepreneurs like herself to grow their businesses and strengthen their communities.

“I feel like I have this really strong support system that wants nothing but the best for Fisheye and the business as a whole,” said Caitlin. “I just know that Spruce Root has our back with anything.”

Tags: Native, Rural, Small Business, Technical Assistance, Women-owned Small Business

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