BLACK COOPNOMICS ACADEMY
Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC) Black Coopnomics Academy initiative guides our strategic alignment for developing collective equity ownership in Black and Brown communities. The Black Coopnomics Academy aims to build racial and cultural strategies that advance economic investment in historically Black and Brown communities. As one organization, we are dedicated to transforming and economically empowering communities of color to move economic policies that create racial equitable communities.
The Black Coopnomics Academy promotes democratically owned cooperative modules through training and support for business growth and leadership development. Black Coopnomics Academy targets incubating cooperatives in economically dis-invested communities as places for establishing community-owned businesses embedded with solidarity principles such as equitable wages, local hiring practices, and local purchasing that support community based social enterprises.
The Black Coopnomics Academy is a team principal idea: Our objective for building cooperatives is based on only accepting teams (meaning two or more people) to our academy and we do encourage individuals interested in joining existing or start-up cooperatives.
There are four types of teams we typically accept:
Startups: Founders of new worker cooperatives that are in their startup phase or plan to open in the near future.
Expanders: Members of existing worker coops that are seeking to strengthen their business for growth and scale.
Converters: Owners and/or employees looking to transition an existing business to democratically governed, worker-owned business.
Developers: Nonprofits or other small business development organizations that are developing a worker cooperative that is already operational or opening in the near future. Developers must have at least two workers of their incubating coop as participants in the Black Coopnomics Academy and at least one staff member from the development organization.
Why the Black Coopnomics Academy?
Major cities lack training programs and job opportunities for low wage workers of color to create their own stable career path for sustaining their income. These cities need jobs and businesses that provide more stability and mobility for low wage earners. Worker-owned coops are an innovative and powerful business model that can provide high quality jobs and shared entrepreneurship opportunities, as well as broadening locally based economies.
Cooperative businesses increase job quality, invest locally, and have demonstrable positive impact on business creation and retention. Job stability is dramatically higher in worker co-ops. To increase our impact, we anticipate working with local community colleges to accredit and institutionalize portions of the Black Coopnomics Academy curriculum into existing and/or new courses and, hopefully, institute a certificate program, that may be offered at academic institutions.
The Black Coopnomics Academy is an intensive multi-month training course for teams of two or more who want to operate democratically-run, worker-owned enterprises.
BLACK COOPNOMICS ACADEMY
Cooperative Sessions
Empowering Equity: Black Voices and Leadership in the Cooperative Movement
This session aims to spotlight the crucial role of Black individuals in the cooperative movement, celebrating their contributions, addressing challenges, and exploring opportunities for increased representation and influence. Participants will engage in discussions around fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within cooperatives, sharing insights into successful initiatives led by Black cooperative leaders, and strategizing on how to amplify the impact of Black voices in shaping the future of cooperative enterprises. Join us for an inspiring dialogue on building a more inclusive and representative cooperative movement for all.
Financial Clarity: Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements for Cooperatives
This session is dedicated to demystifying financial statements and empowering cooperative leaders, members, and stakeholders with the knowledge to interpret and analyze financial data effectively. Participants will delve into the essentials of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Practical insights and real-life examples will be shared to illustrate how financial statements serve as critical tools for decision-making, strategic planning, and ensuring the financial health of cooperative enterprises. Join us for a comprehensive session on achieving financial clarity within cooperative structures.
Navigating Success: Innovative Marketing Strategies for Cooperatives
This session is designed to explore contemporary and innovative marketing strategies tailored to the unique needs of cooperatives. From branding and storytelling to digital marketing and community engagement, participants will gain insights into effective methods for promoting cooperative enterprises. The session will feature case studies, expert discussions, and interactive workshops, providing practical tools and inspiration for cooperative leaders and marketers to enhance their outreach and impact. Join us for an engaging session focused on navigating the path to success through strategic marketing for cooperatives.
Navigating Legality: Understanding the Legal Structures of Cooperatives
This informative session will delve into the legal foundations that underpin cooperative enterprises. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various legal structures available for cooperatives, including worker cooperatives, consumer cooperatives, and multi-stakeholder cooperatives. Expert speakers will provide insights into legal compliance, governance frameworks, and the key considerations involved in choosing the right legal structure for a cooperative. Whether you’re an established cooperative or considering forming one, this session will empower you with the knowledge to navigate the legal landscape successfully. Join us for a deep dive into the legal intricacies of cooperatives and ensure a solid foundation for your cooperative’s success.
Crafting Success: Mastering the Art of Business Plans
In this comprehensive session, participants will gain valuable insights into the art and science of creating effective business plans. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a cooperative leader, or a seasoned business professional, this session will cover the essential components of a business plan, from defining your mission and vision to developing a robust financial model. Engage in practical exercises, learn from successful case studies, and acquire the tools needed to articulate a clear and compelling business strategy. Join us for a hands-on journey towards mastering the art of business plans and setting the stage for success in your ventures.
Setting the Course: Building a Dynamic Steering Committee for Your Cooperative
This session is tailored for cooperative leaders, founders, and members interested in establishing a robust steering committee to guide their cooperative venture. Participants will explore the critical role of a steering committee, its composition, and the key attributes that contribute to its effectiveness. Practical insights and case studies will be shared, offering strategies for recruitment, collaboration, and fostering leadership within the committee. Join us for a hands-on session on setting the course for success by building a dynamic steering committee that steers your cooperative towards its goals.
Building Cooperatives in Community Through Organized Movement
Diving into what it takes to build a long living structure in community through moving in an organized way in a cooperative setting.
Harmony in Action: Nurturing Effective Cooperative Governance
This session is designed to illuminate the principles, practices, and challenges of cooperative governance. Participants will delve into the fundamental aspects of governance structures, decision-making processes, and the role of member engagement in cooperatives. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will gain practical insights on fostering transparency, accountability, and democratic participation within cooperative governance. Join us for an enriching session focused on cultivating a harmonious and effective governance framework for the sustained success of your cooperative.
Making Sense Of The Grant And Proposal Writing Process
This session will help organizations make sense of the grant and proposal writing process, plus position the organization to write proposals successfully. It describes the differences between grants, solicited and unsolicited proposals. It also explains how to align your strategic plan to potential corporations, businesses, foundational charities and investors.
Bridging the Divide: Advancing Race and Equity in Cooperative Spaces
Bridging the racial divide starts with sharing personal stories as a path to understanding and problem solving the race related inequities that plague the co-op sector today. Having authentic dialogue on racial inequities creates opportunities for growth and acceptance. Generate new ideas of business ownership and create ecosystems that support conscious ownership on a broader community scale, while developing and expanding networks for advancing economic progress for communities of color. / This impactful session aims to facilitate a crucial dialogue on the role of cooperatives in advancing racial equity and fostering inclusive practices. Participants will explore the intersection of race and cooperative principles, addressing systemic challenges, and sharing strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within cooperative structures.
Mentoring Exchange Among Cooperatives: Worker, Consumer, Service, Producer, Housing
Explore the power of formal and informal mentorship to weave resilient support systems in developing cooperative leadership. This session creates a web of support that enables attendees to access the expertise of peers to uplift their co-ops. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to participate in the interconnectedness of co-op communities both as a mentee and a mentor.
Capitalizing Progress: Strategies for Financing Cooperatives
Capital is critical for any business to learn 1) what kind of money they might need for their business, 2) how lenders and investors evaluate a loan request, 3) how to be sure that member-owners maintain control of their capital, and 4) how the cooperative can best prepare for and represent themselves through the borrowing process. Explore healthy lending practices and how debt has been used historically to extract wealth from communities. / This session is dedicated to exploring diverse and innovative strategies for securing financing and capital for cooperative enterprises. Participants will gain insights into traditional and alternative financing options, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by cooperative structures. From accessing grants and loans to crowdfunding and community investment models, this session will provide practical guidance for cooperative leaders, members, and entrepreneurs seeking to fund and grow their cooperative ventures. Join us for an informative and interactive session on capitalizing progress and unlocking financial opportunities for cooperatives.
