OUR MISSION

More than a dispensary.
Aspire® is a community resource rooted in purpose.

As a nonprofit dispensary, we reinvest part of every dollar into Challenge Industries to create meaningful employment, workforce training, and support services for people with disabilities and marginalized communities. Our mission is to use access as a vehicle for equity, empowerment, and lasting local impact.

Higher Purpose, Greater Impact

Your Purchase Powers Change

Every product you buy supports Challenge Workforce Solutions, creating real jobs and training programs for people with disabilities and others facing employment barriers.

Education-First Approach

We don’t just sell products, we empower customers with knowledge. Our team is trained to guide, inform, and support mindful choices at every experience level.

Equity in Action

We prioritize partnerships with local and minority-owned businesses, ensuring your purchase uplifts more than just one community, it supports an inclusive ecosystem.

Quality You Can Trust, Impact You Can See

From ethical sourcing to staff education, we put people before profit, ensuring a safe, trustworthy experience that gives back to the community every day.

Elevated Experience, Community-Driven

Premium products, personalized guidance, and community commitment—Aspire delivers a shopping experience that’s as responsible as it is refined.

Shop With Purpose

Unlike traditional dispensaries, Aspire operates with a mission. Your purchase helps fund job development and support services right here in Ithaca, NY.

Join the team

Aspire is more than a workplace—it’s a supportive community. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, especially those facing barriers to employment, to grow with us. Whether you're building skills, restarting your career, or seeking a place where your work truly matters, we’re here to support your path forward.

FAQs

  • No medical card is required. Aspire® operates as a NYS licensed adult-use dispensary. You just need to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID showing you’re 21 or older.

  • We offer a wide range of products including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and accessories. Not sure where to start? Our staff is here to help you choose what’s right for you!

  • Aspire® is a nonprofit dispensary. That means 100% of our profits go back into the community—funding job training, workforce development, and support services through our parent organization, Challenge Workforce Solutions.

  • We currently accept cash and debit cards. We also offer online ordering, so you can reserve your items ahead of time and pick them up in-store at your convenience.

  • Your purchase directly supports employment programs for people with disabilities and individuals facing barriers to work. When you shop at Aspire®, you're funding opportunity and empowerment in your community.

  • Yes. Accessibility is a top priority. Our store is ADA-compliant, and our team is trained to provide respectful, inclusive service to all visitors.