Applications Open Now
Storyknife, July/August 2025 Edition
The Best in the West application is OPEN NOW through September 15!
The competition is open to artistic entrepreneurs in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region.
The Best in the West competition is back and looking for artistic entrepreneurs in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region who want to take their business to the next level.
Participating art business owners receive a rigorous two-month crash course on running a successful business.
“Workshop topics include basic finance, social media marketing and how to pitch and position your business,” said Laura Ellsworth, Executive Director of Southwest Alaska Arts Group.
At the end of the competition, winners are announced and are connected to grant opportunities that help cover startup expenses, equipment or materials.
The application for the Best in the West Competition is open now through August 30 September 15.
Below is a winner from the 2024 Best in the West competition whose business benefited from participation.
Susan Jones, Designs by Suz
Susan Jones is a Calista Corporation Shareholder who picked up beading after trying new activities with her daughter. As she perfected her craft, she found more and more people requesting her work and thought it was a great opportunity to start her own business. She named it Designs by Suz.
She filed for a business license in 2021 and applied for the Best in the West competition in 2024. She was accepted into the competition and received one of the awards.
Susan noted how uplifting everybody involved was to her and the other contestants. She found it brought the best out of her.
For example, during the competition, she was encouraged to consider holding beading classes. That’s when Susan realized she had a passion for teaching.
“Some of the funding I received helped me sell and offer beading kits, which was something I was really happy to do.”
Susan realized that she was outsourcing a lot of brass and copper components used in her jewelry. Thanks to the Best in the West contest, Susan was able to invest in a fiber laser cutter. Now she independently creates and sells culturally inspired metal pieces.
Being able to step out of your comfort zone and trying something new opens up opportunities.
Susan Jones, a Calista Shareholder and owner of Designs by Suz
Susan’s advice to new business owners is to persevere, do the research, and to keep thinking about their community. There are many resources available to new businesses, and she encourages people to reach out to other artists with any questions.
“There is nothing wrong with trying and not getting approved,” Susan says. “The more you apply, the more likely you are going to succeed. Go for it!”
