Protecting the SBA 8(a) Program: Why It Matters to Goldbelt Shareholders

Goldbelt was created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to generate long-term economic opportunity and self-determination for our shareholders. Our mission is not simply to operate businesses, but to build lasting economic stability across the state for Alaska Native families and future generations.

An important tool for supporting our mission is the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program.

Congress intentionally included Alaska Native Corporations in the 8(a) program as part of fulfilling the commitments it made under ANCSA. The program enables ANCs to compete in the federal marketplace, grow sustainable businesses that support the federal government, and reinvest profits into shareholder benefits such as scholarships, workforce training and community infrastructure that help create long-term economic stability.

Unlike traditional corporations, Alaska Native Corporations exist to reinvest their success into their shareholders and communities. When Goldbelt grows, our shareholders benefit and our community flourishes. That structure is unique, and it was designed that way. For ANCs, the program helps support sustainable business growth that directly benefits tens of thousands of Alaska Native shareholders and hundreds of communities across our state.

Goldbelt’s participation in the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program instills an already strong feeling of patriotism in our shareholders. Alaska Natives enlist in the military at a higher percentage than any other ethnic group in the United States, and our shareholders hold great pride in being able to support national security initiatives.

Recent discussions at the federal level about altering the program, however, could detrimentally impact the future of the 8(a) program. Any significant weakening of the program would not only affect contracting opportunities — it could affect scholarships, jobs, regional investment and the economic tools Congress established to support Native self-determination.

Protecting the 8(a) program means protecting one of the key mechanisms that helps Goldbelt fulfill its purpose under ANCSA.

Shareholder Voices Matter

If you wish to share your perspective, Goldbelt has provided optional resources to make it easier.

You may personalize the letter below and send it to Alaska’s elected officials.

Contact Information

Rep. Nick Begich

• https://begich.house.gov/
• (202) 225-5765

Sen. Lisa Murkowski

• https://www.murkowski.senate.gov
• (202) 224-6665

Sen. Dan Sullivan

• https://www.sullivan.senate.gov
• (202) 224-3004

Gov. Mike Dunleavy

• https://gov.alaska.gov
• (907) 465-3500

Dear [Title + Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a shareholder of Goldbelt, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). As a shareholder, Goldbelt’s success is not abstract to me — it is directly connected to the well-being of my family, my community, and future generations of Alaska Native people.

Goldbelt was created to provide long-term economic opportunity and self-sufficiency for Alaska Native shareholders. Through responsible participation in the federal marketplace, Goldbelt delivers high-quality, cost-effective services to federal agencies while reinvesting its earnings into scholarships, workforce training, community infrastructure, and a wide range of shareholder support programs. These investments strengthen families, expand opportunity, and contribute to the long-term stability of communities across Alaska.

The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program plays a critical role in making this possible. For Alaska Native Corporations, participation in the 8(a) program supports sustainable business growth that generates revenue reinvested directly into shareholder and community benefits. For many of us, this means educational opportunities for our children, workforce development for our relatives, and economic activity that supports our regional economies.

ANCSA was landmark federal legislation designed to promote Native economic self-determination. Congress intentionally included Alaska Native Corporations in the SBA 8(a) program as part of fulfilling the economic promises made under ANCSA and create enduring economic tools that support long-term community stability. Weakening or significantly altering the program would reduce reinvestment in Alaska Native communities and shift federal contracting opportunities toward a small number of large corporations that do not share the same reinvestment mandate.

As a Goldbelt shareholder, I respectfully urge you to continue supporting and strengthening the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program. Protecting this program protects the economic future of Alaska Native families and honors the commitment made under ANCSA.

Thank you for your leadership and your service to our state and our nation.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Goldbelt Shareholder

[City, State]