CHARLOTTE, Vt. — MILK MONEY L3C, an equity crowdfunding portal for Vermonters, announces its seventh Invest Local Campaign: City Market. Vermonters, who are Members of City Market Co-op will have the opportunity to learn more about and invest in this community-owned food cooperative via the Milk Money platform.
Milk Money offers the opportunity for true “impact investing” since a dollar invested in a local business generates potential financial return as well as tangible social return on investment. By investing in a local business such as City Market, you will circulate wealth and build a stronger community that fosters new relationships between businesses and community members. The Milk Money platform serves as a meeting place for Vermonters to discover local investment opportunities such as City Market.
City Market is a community-owned grocery store serving the greater Burlington community. The Co-op began as a buying club in the 1960s and incorporated with the State of Vermont in 1973. Over the years, the Co-op has moved location several times in line with modest incremental growth. The Co-op is Member-owned and democratically governed. Since its move to their Downtown location in 2002, Membership has grown by over 510%, from less than 2,000 Members to over 13,500 Members. In that same time period, their annual sales have grown over 160%, from less than $14 million to over $41 million. The Co-op’s capital needs are provided primarily by our Members, and any realized net earnings are used for the provision and extension of our services.
Throughout their over 45 year history, Members have invested in the Co-op to ensure its sustainability, growth and success. In 2002, when City Market moved to the Downtown location, 55 Members loaned the Co-op almost $378,000. These loans were integral to ensuring the viability of the Downtown store’s success. City Market just made another leap forward when it opened their South End store (on Flynn Avenue in Burlington) in mid-November. The community’s engagement and economic participation will once again ensure that City Market’s growth is sustainable and successful.
Vermonters who want to learn more about the City Market Loan Campaign opportunity can find investment details on the Milk Money website (www.MilkMoneyVT.com). The registration process is quick and easy.
–Milk Money L3C
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