Cortland ReUse Center
186 Homer Ave, Cortland, NY
Year Started:
2019
Building Size:
Mission Statement:
To strengthen the economy, community, and environment through reuse and sustainable materials management
Origins and Vision
It was during COVID that four friends in Cortland, NY, saw a growing need in their community for a reuse center. The local landfill had just 10 years left with no extension, so a reuse center was the perfect opportunity to divert materials from landfills while providing affordable, sustainable goods. The main goal was to launch a center that would serve not only as a storefront but also as a community and environmental hub.
Startup Story
Startup Funding
Pop-Ups and Early Outreach
Cortland ReUse began to apply for local start-up funding from organizations including the JM McDonald Foundation, Wilkins Foundation, and Central NY Community Foundation. They also ran fundraising campaigns through Go Fund Me and Kickstarter. Through a variety of sources, they were able to raise $75,000 to get started.
Before the storefront opened in 2021, Cortland ReUse was busy building the business. They held four pop-ups at local community spaces such as Catholic Charities and the armory and generated multiple press releases to spread the word within the area. At the pop-ups, they accepted goods, which helped to build both community support and an inventory of sellable items. The pop-ups also allowed them to conduct several surveys to gain an understanding of what people needed and gauge local demand – which was significant.
Operations Today
Today, furniture is Cortland ReUse’s top revenue generator, and books are its top-selling item. Staff carry out research to ensure pricing that is accurate and able to generate necessary revenue. They have also created four living wage jobs and are committed to hiring individuals who are passionate about reuse and the environment. The team also includes more than 100 volunteers.
Start with relationships
Collaborators, mentors, and community leaders are the backbone of sustainable success.
Expect the unexpected
Financial buffers and flexible planning are key when things go wrong.
Grow
thoughtfully
Survey your community, know your market, and only take on what you can truly manage.
Mission-first hires
Bring on people who care deeply about the mission.