Anchor Institutions Create Economic Resilience (AICER) reimagines universities, hospitals, military bases and other major organizations across the U.S. as tools of sustainable economic development.  We help them radically increase their procurement and purchasing from firms that are minority-owned, rural, in COVID-impacted communities, and/or local.  We provide supplier identification, data analysis, staff support, policy recommendations, workshops, strategic planning, and a national community of practice.    

Are you a small business owner who is interested in participating in AICER? If so please, sign up in our CREATE Business Directory so you can be alerted of upcoming AICER trainings and workshops, and be connected with procurement staff looking to purchase the goods and services you sell.

Are you a purchaser at an anchor institution interested in increasing your utilization of local, historically underutilized businesses? If so, please email alyse_polly@kenan-flagler.unc.edu for more information.

AICER is made possible due to generous support from the Truist Foundation, Economic Development Administration, Golden Leaf Foundation, and JP Morgan Chase.