HVADC People: Anita Pierce

To many, Anita Pierce is more than a mentor; she’s an “O.G.” – Original Guardian – committed to uplifting and inspiring every entrepreneur she encounters. She is passionate about breaking down generational barriers in financial literacy and empowering individuals to secure their financial future through entrepreneurship.

Pierce’s rich experience and dedication to purposeful mentorship have made her an invaluable advisor to the HVADC BIPOC Microloan Accelerator Program. Through one-on-one coaching, custom workshops, and tailored guidance, she helps BIPOC Microloan Accelerator participants build a business mindset, develop financial resilience, and set a solid foundation for long-term success.

It Begins With a Visit

During the six-month Accelerator program, Pierce visits each agribusiness to learn how it operates. Immersing herself in the agribusiness environment deepens her understanding of these entrepreneurs’ unique challenges and highlights the importance of HVADC’s work in the region.

“Whenever I see a client in person, I’m learning, I’m experiencing, and I’m getting a clear picture of their specific needs,” says Pierce.

Pierce’s first engagement with the BIPOC Microloan Accelerator participants was attending a block party at Catalyst Collaborative Farm in Millerton. This community-focused farm supports queer and BIPOC land stewards, entrepreneurs, and allies in growing food and creating value-added products for the community.

“It was a well-put-together event. I gave [Catalyst] feedback about creating an activity or event plan to help with next year’s planning, ensuring they have the appropriate funders, promoting save-the-date information, etc. These are the things I notice when I go in person.”

She also visited Moor Acres Aboriginal and Indigenous Farm in Sullivan County. The farm grows native herbs and crafts a line of personal care products.

“I am a Brooklyn-born city woman, and when I had a chance to see Moor Acres, [owner] Nu had me picking and eating berries from a juniper tree. It was a beautiful experience. I could see their vision for that space and how I could help.”

Focusing on Fundamentals

Business fundamentals can feel overwhelming for entrepreneurs just starting their journey – especially when balancing a new venture’s financial and personal demands. As a coach and mentor, Pierce understands these pressures firsthand, drawing on her journey to guide and empower others.

Her experience mentoring and empowering organizations – from startups to enterprises - realize their full potential, runs deep. She is the founder of consulting firm Eleven3seven5, and has over two decades of experience in finance, strategy and management. She is a SCORE Mentor, Business Coach at Brooklyn Women’s Center in East New York Brooklyn, and serves as an advisor to small and emerging businesses.

"When I started my business, I had no blueprint, no real intention to become an entrepreneur,” Pierce recalls. “I was downsized after maternity leave, so I had to quickly figure out what I needed to do to maintain my basic living expenses.” This experience shapes her practical, empathetic approach to helping her clients thrive.

One of Pierce’s top priorities for new business owners is establishing a foundation of financial health. Credit is crucial. “When you’re just starting, you may not have immediate access to capital, but maintaining good credit can open doors to the funding needed for growth.”

She advises entrepreneurs to proactively manage their credit, build a solid business plan, and ensure they are prepared to secure financing when opportunities arise. This financial discipline and staying on top of compliance requirements – such as New York State’s biennial filing for LLCs – helps clients establish credibility and maintain stability.

Pierce’s approach extends far beyond financial guidance; she emphasizes the importance of personal resilience and mental health in entrepreneurial success.

“Before diving into business strategy, I like to unpack how well my clients are doing personally,” she says. “For many, especially those balancing family and other obligations, the pressures are intense, and burnout can be a real issue.”

Recognizing the toll of seasonal challenges, like increased stress during the winter months, Pierce encourages her clients to seek support systems, including coaching and therapy when needed. By focusing on the wellness of the “whole entrepreneur,” she believes they can better sustain the demands of business ownership and achieve long-term success.

Nurturing Connections

As Pierce reflects on her work with HVADC agribusinesses, she’s inspired by the profound connection between people, the earth, and the economy.

“This group has me focusing more on the connection between humans and the earth and our responsibility to take care of this space,” she says. “It’s amazing to watch them take a seed, put it in the ground, nurture it, and see it grow. I’m proud of what they’re accomplishing and the courage they show in contributing to this cycle.”

For Pierce, supporting these entrepreneurs is about more than financial success – it’s a chance to celebrate and support their vision for a sustainable and responsible future.