ANCA invites small businesses to access free and low-cost services

SARANAC LAKE | The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) is inviting local entrepreneurs to join more than 100 small businesses and nonprofits who have already enrolled in its Center for Pandemic Response (ANCA CPR). Made up of program navigators from ANCA and expert service providers from partner organizations, ANCA CPR helps North Country small businesses build stability and resilience. Whether or not they have experienced negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses and organizations can still benefit from the professional support and free and low-cost technical services ANCA CPR provides. ANCA is now launching a marketing campaign designed to engage new businesses in the program. "We want people to know that no matter what kind of business they operate and no matter where they are in their business journey, we can connect them with resources and professional networks to address their needs and plan for the future," said Danielle Delaini, ANCA's Entrepreneurial Economy Program director. "These services cover practical concerns like fixed costs, supply chain efficiencies and marketing, as well as holistic goals like improved communication, diversity and belonging in the workplace." The ANCA CPR team works closely with clients to: -Create or update a business or strategic plan to meet financial goals -Grow digital marketing, online presence, and social media to reach new customers -Reduce overhead and energy costs -Apply for and manage business funding assistance -Develop a transition plan to sell or change ownership -Improve workplace communication -Learn about health insurance opportunities -Strengthen welcoming and belonging for diverse staff and visitors -Participate in shared aggregation and distribution services -Stay up to date on other small business services and programs hosted by ANCA and partners across the region and beyond Jessy Jolicoeur, owner of Oval Craft Brewing in Plattsburgh, has utilized ANCA CPR services to improve energy efficiency and strategic planning for his business. "ANCA CPR has been a fountain of information for my small business coming out of the pandemic," he said. "ANCA informed me of programs and educational opportunities that will improve my business and make Oval Craft Brewing more sustainable. These will help me grow my business while maintaining my goals of energy efficiency and supporting the community." Jolicoeur worked with ANCA's Clean Energy Program staff to assess current electricity use, explore renewable energy options and obtain a heating audit. He also attended a strategic planning workshop with CITEC Business Solutions in May 2022. Jolicoeur is one of 80 ANCA CPR clients representing a wide range of industries — from restaurants and farms to museums and environmental groups to fitness centers and gift shops — that have begun accessing low- and no-cost services, including webinars, working groups, individual consultations and ongoing support. Over 20 more are working with program navigators to assess urgent and long-term needs, identify appropriate services and begin accessing technical support. ANCA CPR's network of expert service providers includes the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation, CITEC Business Solutions, Cooperative Development Institute, North Country Chamber of Commerce, SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center and the Center for Businesses in Transition partnership, which is led by ANCA and comprised of 12 regional organizations. Assistance is also provided by ANCA staff working in four key program areas: local food systems, clean energy, entrepreneurship and the Adirondack Diversity Initiative. In May 2021, ANCA received a combined grant award of $1.268 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) and The Mastercard Impact Fund, which is administered by The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, to develop and implement ANCA CPR. ANCA aims to support 305 businesses and organizations through the program by Fall 2023. Small businesses and local nonprofits are invited to complete an ANCA CPR interest form at adirondack.org/small-business-services/ and then schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a program navigator.

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ANCA invites small businesses to access free and low-cost services

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