Swadeshi means ‘self-sufficiency’

Swadeshi Black Market & Coop-(previously Athens Black Market) includes live entertainment, food, clothing, art vendors and DIY craft table; community networking and much more.

Poverty is the cruelest form of discrimination therefore by launching Swadeshi Black Market and Coop, organizers aim to reduce the oppression of poverty by providing a marketplace where women and minority business owners can work together under a cooperative model to promote their business, sell their products, and generate additional income. 

What’s a cooperative (also known as co-operative, co-op, or coop) is “an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise”

The Swadeshi Movement was formulated by Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian Independence Movement.  The goal was to eliminate the oppressive economic conditions caused by British colonialism. By boycotting British made textiles and making their own homespun clothes, the independence movement was a success.

With the proper support and guidance, AADM believes over a period of time a successful entrepreneur or business owner can help to decrease welfare, increase income and tax base; decrease crime or break the cycle of generational poverty.

AADM goal is to increase black and minority-business ownership, stimulate economic development by encouraging local entrepreneurs to work together towards achieveing their business goals. In addition our goal is to promote culture, diversity, and inclusion within Downtown Athens.

How to get started and become a vendor:

Step 1: Click HERE to register for the next Swadeshi Black Market. $10 promotional-table $20 per retail vendor, $35 food vendors.  

Step 2: Fill out the form below to join the Swadeshi Black Market & Coop Network. This includes discounted or free access to  business workshops, network, and access to free business resources.