Our local economies rely on locally owned small businesses. ANCA is uniquely positioned to provide direct support for these small-scale local businesses, which also create jobs and diversity of income for local communities, and increased wages. These benefits, combined with those provided by large businesses, drive the region to greater self-reliance.
Local Economies
ANCA is growing the region’s New Economy by strengthening connections between small businesses and new markets. Adirondack Buyer Days supports local makers and the retailers who purchase their goods—creating a stronger, more resilient economy for Adirondack North Country communities. ANCA’s juried wholesale gift show offers the best handmade gifts and specialty foods from around the region, New York State and...
The Drive for 25 Farm to School Grant works with schools, communities and farmers to build healthy Farm to School programs with strong local food procurement in cafeterias. The 2017-18 program enables school districts in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties to purchase New York State grown and minimally processed food items to serve in K-12 public school meals. Best practices...
The fourth annual Made in the Adirondacks Fair took place on Saturday, July 22 from 10am-5pm at Adirondack Experience (formerly Adirondack Museum) in Blue Mountain Lake, NY. This fair, free with museum admission, hosted over 50 artisan vendors from all over the Adirondacks. Shoppers visited talented vendors featuring products such as paintings, furniture, specialty foods, sculptures, clothing, stained glass, and...
Working with stakeholders in the Keeseville area, ANCA applied for and received a federal planning assistance award for 2016 called Local Foods, Local Places that is building the momentum around local food by connecting this movement with the broader community and revitalization efforts. The project worked with a wide variety of Keeseville residents, businesses and organizations to integrate existing revitalization...
ANCA works directly with farmers, food entrepreneurs, and not for profit organizations to access funding; develop and integrate infrastructure; and help grow opportunities in the local economy. Projects have included food hub development, supply chain coordination, business startup support, and grant writing assistance. Recently, the USDA awarded ANCA a $95,000 grant to help establish The Hub on the Hill food...
