WaterownFirst aims to support local, independent businesses that are more than 50% owned by people who reside in Watertown, NY, or the surrounding local communities—privately owned, not publicly traded, with owners who are the primary, autonomous decision-makers.
Donate to continue our mission of increasing awareness of the importance of supporting local businesses to our community's future via our Paypal!
This map features local independent businesses, including the businesses that have supported our Buy Local. Live Local. mission over the last 10 years. Want your business featured on the map? Shoot us a message.
#BuyLocal in Watertown, NY
5,000
Number of people WatertownFirst brought to Downtown Watertown in 2025
Buy Local. Live Local. Eat Local. Be Local.
WatertownFirst is a non-profit network uniting locally-owned businesses and individuals committed to fostering a sustainable local economy. Our mission is simple: encourage the community to “Buy Local and Live Local.” Working together, we aim to empower local businesses and help them thrive.
Our goal is to shift the culture of Watertown, NY, and the surrounding Northern New York communities to center around supporting independent businesses. Through community engagement, we encourage individuals to choose local options first and aim to offer valuable resources and facilitate networking opportunities for local business owners.
By promoting the benefits of buying local, WatertownFirst will engage all sectors of the community—businesses, education, and public services—to embrace the power of local commerce. We are here to drive change, raise awareness, and advance economic prosperity and social equity throughout the area.
