How does a small community in Athens, Ohio, turn local produce into a thriving business ecosystem? Join us as we unravel the evolutionary tale of ACEnet, a pioneering force in community-based economic development, through the eyes of our insightful guests Adam Kody, Cameron Shasteen, and Isabel Stitchick. Discover the origins of ACEnet, once known as the Worker-Owned Network, and its transformation into a beacon of innovation and support for food businesses in Central Appalachia. Inspired by models from Northern Italy, ACEnet's journey includes launching the Athens Food Venture Center, a hub that has empowered countless entrepreneurs since 1996.

Our conversation sheds light on the collaborative efforts between ACEnet, AmeriCorps, and local farmers, which have reshaped food access and education in Athens County. From transformative programs like the Veggie Van to educational initiatives that teach children about agriculture and cooking, listeners will hear firsthand how ACEnet is making a difference. The episode highlights the critical role of business incubation services in rural settings, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to flourish, and the role resources like community-scaled equipment provide for building solidarity and resilience.

With stories of shared resources and financial empowerment, we delve into the supportive networks that ACEnet nurtures, including tool libraries and financial guidance. Hear about the power of community networking, and how personal experiences, from starting a mushroom farm to engaging in business counseling, reflect ACEnet's impact on local entrepreneurship. Finally, we cast an eye on the future with ACEnet's exciting participation in the Regional Food Business Center program, a USDA-funded initiative poised to revolutionize regional food economies across Central Appalachia, offering new markets and transformative opportunities.

Check out ACEnet's work here: https://acenetworks.org/#

https://www.indianag.org/intertribalfbc

https://www.appalachiarfbc.org/

For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

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Key words:

Community-driven, Economic Empowerment, ACEnet, Worker-Owned Network, Rural Entrepreneurs, Athens, Ohio, Food Access, Business Counseling, Local Economies, Shared-Use Kitchen, Agricultural Producers, Food Entrepreneurs, Community Collaboration, Resource Sharing, Transformative, Food Systems, Community Economic Development, Northern Italy, Athens ACEnet Food Venture Center, Thermal Processing Room, AmeriCorps, Local Farmers, Rural Action, Fresh Produce, Schools, Agriculture, Nutrition, Business Incubation, Business Support, Rural Setting, Business Knowledge, Entrepreneurship, Business Structures, Cooperative Models, C-corp, S-corp, Equitable Ownership, CEO-led Models, LLCs, DBAs, Cost Considerations, Processing Sunchokes, One-time Intake Fee, Regulatory Processes, Privilege of Failure, Safety Net, Commonwealth Kitchen, Shared Resources Model, Tool Libraries, Community Networking, Financial Empowerment, Financial Literacy, Veggie Van Program, Food Accessibility, Healthy, Local Produce, Underserved Communities, Food Sovereignty, Food Justice, Career Paths, Regional Food Business Center Program, USDA, Technical Assistance, Appalachia Region, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, New Markets, Business Builder Sub-A