Worker Co-ops
There are 3 million cooperatives across the globe, with 12% of the global population participating as cooperators. Right now we work closely with ten cooperatives in the Southeast region, and many more teams that are on their way to becoming worker co-ops. Our co-op ecosystem ranges far beyond just the Southeast, as we are always connecting with people in this work across the nation and globe. We are here to support the growth of this ecosystem.
Co-op Cafes
Co-op Cafés are an opportunity for community members in Tennessee to meet, network, and learn about cooperative development in the Southeast. Each time, we feature a short presentation on various topics like non-extractive lending or an emerging cooperative. We host them regularly in Nashville, and periodically across the state.
Co-op Academy
Co-op Academy is our flagship intensive training and support program that takes place over the course of 7 months that helps teams of aspiring entrepreneurs develop worker-owned businesses together. It’s a business boot camp for cooperative start-ups! The program includes synchronous in-person and online training options. Nine classes over the course of seven months are offered alongside 6 group coaching sessions with business experts, 1:1 office hours, a panel with current worker-owners, a pitch night for your co-op idea and a graduation celebration. Academy graduates have the opportunity to apply for non-extractive financial services.
Introduction to Co-ops
Our Intro to co-ops sessions are hour and a half long learning sessions that introduce community members to the history and possibility of worker-owned co-ops. Most often, these are done virtually and recorded for participants.