Buffalo Mountain Market At a Glance
- Co-op Type: Food Co-op
- Industry: Grocery
- Founded: 1975
- Members: 4,000+
- Employees: 60 staff
- Annual Revenue: $6.8M
- Number of Locations: 1
- Loan Amount: $100,000 revolving loan
- Use of Loan: Working capital and cash flow management
More Than a Grocery Story—A Small-Town Anchor
For nearly 50 years, Buffalo Mountain Market has been more than a grocery store in Hardwick, Vermont. It’s a gathering place, a local employer, and a reliable source of healthy food in a rural community that depends on it. With more than 4,000 member-owners, 60 staff, and nearly $6.8 million in annual revenue, the co-op plays a vital role in the town’s economic and social life.
But even strong, well-loved cooperatives face moments when flexibility matters just as much as growth.
From Expansion to Integration
Founded in 1975 (with the help of CFNE’s first ever loan), Buffalo Mountain Market has evolved alongside Hardwick itself. In 2022, the co-op took a bold step: purchasing the town’s family-owned conventional grocery store and merging the two operations into one expanded market. The move ensured that Hardwick would retain a full-service grocery store—locally owned, community-rooted, and here for the long term.
The community showed up in force. Buffalo Mountain raised far more capital than expected through member loans and community investment, reducing the need to borrow. During that period, the co-op reached out to CFNE to learn about financing options—but ultimately didn’t need a loan at the time.
“Luckily our fundraising was much higher than expected,” the co-op shared. “CFNE was very supportive, even though we didn’t need them then.”
The merger succeeded, but rapid growth brought new realities. Integrating operations, staffing a larger store, and stabilizing finances after a major expansion required careful planning—and room to breathe.
Not the Right Fit for a Typical Bank
A couple of years later, Buffalo Mountain Market joined National Co+op Grocers (NCG), unlocking access to purchasing contracts, technical assistance, and peer support that could strengthen the co-op for years to come. But NCG membership comes with clear financial benchmarks, including “cash available” requirements to maintain membership.
Buffalo Mountain had already financed its major expansion with a bank mortgage. When they approached that same bank about additional flexibility for working capital, the answer was no.
“We were rejected by the bank that lent us the money for our mortgage,” they explained.
What the co-op needed wasn’t another large project loan—it was a safety net. A flexible source of capital that could help manage cash flow, meet NCG requirements, and provide peace of mind as the co-op planned for future infrastructure investments.
CFNE Steps In
In a fitting full-circle moment, Buffalo Mountain Market turned back to CFNE.
In May 2025, CFNE provided a $100,000 revolving loan for working capital and cash flow management. The loan wasn’t about immediate spending; it was about readiness. Having access to flexible capital allowed Buffalo Mountain to be part of NCG and move forward with confidence.
“Until the loan came through, it felt like we didn’t have a safety net,” the co-op shared. “[another co-op organization we work with] encouraged us to take this loan—it makes us feel much more secure.”
Importantly, the co-op hasn’t needed to draw on the loan yet. Instead, it sits available—ready to support future capital needs or smooth cash flow if challenges arise.
Stability, Security, and What Comes Next
With CFNE’s support, Buffalo Mountain Market is now firmly established as an NCG member, benefiting from purchasing power, technical assistance, and national co-op networks. Sales have grown faster than expected, and the co-op is better positioned to sustain its momentum without overextending itself.
Looking ahead, the co-op is developing a 10-year capital plan to address major infrastructure needs, including HVAC, refrigeration, roofing, and store layout improvements. Located next to a river, the building has already experienced the impacts of flooding—and climate resilience is now central to long-term planning.
As Hardwick grapples with how to grow while preparing for more frequent and severe flooding, Buffalo Mountain Market is doing the same: strengthening its foundation so it can continue serving its community for decades to come.
With a revolving loan from CFNE acting as a quiet but critical backstop, this small-town anchor is proving that resilience doesn’t have to be loud—it’s about having the right support at the right time.
Learn more about Buffalo Mountain Market: https://buffalomountainmarket.com/
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