Strengthening Communities, Innovating Community Wealth, And Building Local Prosperity, Together.
Our Mission
Our mission is to close the gap of economic disparities which harm the people of low-income, minority, and/or underserved areas of Metro Nashville and the Southeast. We will assist those who have been excluded and marginalized to build power and agency by creating cooperative ownership in business, housing and community development.
SEC4CD is dedicated to providing free cooperative business education and training to worker cooperatives at all stages of development in Tennessee, the Southeast, and beyond.
Education and Training Programs
Guidance for starting, expanding, or converting businesses to shared ownership models. Assistance with governance, strategic planning, and organizational development. Feasibility assessments, business planning, and marketing support
Technical Assistance and Business Support
Non-extractive financing options through the New Economy of Tennessee (NET) Fund
Access to Financing
In The Media
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How Nashville Entrepreneurs Get Their Business Ideas Off the Ground
Nashville Foodscapes
WPLN This is Nashville
June 8, 2023 -
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Memphis: Home of the Blues, Barbecue, and…Bagels?
Lulu’s Café and Bakery
Edible Memphis
April 18, 2023 -
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The traditions and challenges of being a Black farmer in Tennessee
Water Bear Cooperative Land Project
WPLN This is Nashville
April 18, 2023 -
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In Solidarity: Community Enterprise Clinic Transforms Businesses into Cooperatives
Grow2Learn
Vanderbilt University Law School
April 11, 2023 -
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Keep on truckin’ in Middle Tennessee
3rd Eye Trucking
WPLN This is Nashville
March 17, 2023 -
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Lulu’s Cafe and Bakery: New shop, same (tasty) signature plant-based fare and baked goods
Lulu’s Café and Bakery
Memphis Commercial Appeal
January 28, 2023
Co-op Cafés for networking, learning, and community engagement. Opportunities to meet other cooperative members and potential collaborators
Community Networking
Check out Limited-Equity Housing Cooperatives like Drakes Creek, FIRE, and more
Housing Cooperative Programs
Can Churches and Faith Communities be a part of creating a new economy? We Think so! Help us build the co-op movement