small business

Coffee and baked goods go hand in hand. That's why one Soldotna bakery recently opened a second location to serve both.

Not everyone is given a second chance at life. But for one Soldotna woman who struggled with severe epilepsy, that new beginning meant pursuing her dream of opening a thrift store.

The newly-opened mercantile sells a variety of products from small businesses around the country. It'll also soon be home to a new coffee shop and cafe.

The City of Soldotna's Storefront Improvement Program offers up to $7,500 to cover 50% of building facade improvements. More than 20 local businesses over the last decade have received funding through the program.

After months of construction and planning, Soldotna's newest bakery is open. The Farmhouse Bakery and Deli began as a small stand that now specializes in breads, cookies, deli sandwiches and more.

Tundra River Boutique is Kenai's newest clothing shop. The locally-owned store also specializes in snarky gifts.

Not everyone owns a vehicle, that's why Red Eye Rides offers shuttle services between communities on or near the Kenai Peninsula. The company receives about 40% of its revenue in the winter, primarily from shipyard workers.

Kenai Peninsula College recently welcomed a new restaurant in its Enid S. McLane Building. Open to more than just college students, JoJo’s Kitchen is a one stop shop for sandwiches, coffees, snacks and more.

For some craft vendors on the central Kenai Peninsula, Soldotna's What Women Want Shopping Expo is the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The fundraising event will showcase the wares of several dozen women-run small businesses.

The Goods Sustainable Grocery in Soldotna recently began offering an alternative to local markets that charge vendor fees. The no-cost-to-participate market was first offered last year but gained traction this summer.