Co-op Academy

What is the Co-op Academy?

It is an intensive 10-week long training and support program that helps teams of aspiring entrepreneurs (two or more) develop worker-owned businesses together. It utilizes a fast-paced and intensive combination of training, coaching, and technical services. Think of it as a business boot camp for cooperative start-ups. The program includes online training, guest speakers, and the opportunity to apply for non-extractive financial services. (Loan acceptance is not guaranteed.)

• Over 20 hours of training 

• Access to a peer-support network beyond the length of the course

• Access worker-owners and co-op developers across the U.S.

• Greater visibility and name recognition for your cooperative

Who is offering this free course?

The Southeast Center for Cooperative Development (SEC4CD) is offering this course in conjunction with the New Economy of Tennessee Fund (NET Fund). Trainers are Benny Overton and Rosemarie Henkel-Rieger. 

Go to www.co-opsnow.org to read more abooout SEC4CD and our mission to support worker cooperative development.

Who should attend the Co-op Academy?

The Co-op Academy is designed for teams of two or more people working together on a single business concept. While the Co-op Academy is open to anyone, applications from teams with a majority of residents from low-income areas (Opportunity Zones, Promise Zones), especially North Nashville, formerly incarcerated individuals, women, the undocumented, and people of color receive higher priority in the application process.

We train entrepreneurs within any industry. We focus on all types of business sectors. However, we only support the start-up or conversion of worker cooperatives.

How many people need to be on your Co-op Academy team?

You must have at least one other person (besides yourself) on your team, and as many as you want - there's no maximum number. Each member of your team must complete the application form. 

Is there a fee for the course?

No. Co-op Academy is offered free of charge! That’s right. 

How long is the course?

It is a 10-week cooperative business start up intensive. 

The Co-op Academy will take place one evening per week. In addition to the weekly 2 hour evening sessions, all participants are expected to meet weekly with their teams and dedicate additional time towards research, interviewing potential customers and partners, and testing their product or service. Participants will also be required to meet occasionally with the teaching team and other supporting experts.

The Co-op Academy is designed to help you and your team launch your cooperative and grow successfully together.

What happens when the course is completed?

Once your team completes the course, we will continue to give technical assistance to support your co-op as our capacity allows.

Our goal is to make sure your co-op is on a pathway to becoming a successful business. Each cooperative has multiple needs and many decisions to make, and it depends on your timeline. We will continue to support your co-op in making those choices. 

We partner with other non-profits such as Free Hearts and are part of a non-extractive loan fund, the New Economy of Tennessee Fund. This loan fund is solely for worker cooperatives. Check out Seed Commons and the Working World for more information. While attending the academy does not automatically guarantee a loan, it will give your group access to apply for intake assessment and speak with our loan coordinator.

We also promote the co-ops that complete the co-op academy through our events, organizational networks, and social media. We will coordinate events that highlight the co-ops who have completed the academy. We will promote new co-op start-ups on our Facebook page and website. We want your worker co-op to become visible and let other entrepreneurs see co-ops as an option for their dream business as well. 

When are the classes?

The Co-op Academy will take place in the evenings from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm CST. Classes start September 6, 2023. We will have a break (no class September 27).

Where will the co-op academy be held? 

The Co-op Academy will be held in a hybrid format. Participants can join in-person in Nashville (6207 Centennial Blvd., 37209) or virtually through Zoom. Computer and Internet access as well as downloading the Zoom app (free) are required.

Are there any requirements to attend the Co-op Academy?

There are only four requirements to participate. Your team must fulfill all four:

  1. You must have at least two people on a team (and as many people as you want). 

  2. Each member of your team must complete the application form.

  3. Each member that applies must be able to commit to the 10 weeks of the course.

  4. You must have a single business concept in mind for you and your team when you apply.

Note: You do not need to already be in business and you can absolutely be at the idea stage. The Co-op Academy is designed to support teams in the early stages of their business, including the idea stage.

How do you apply for the Co-op Academy?

You can apply by clicking HERE for the next Academy in the Spring 2025.

All team members must apply separately. We will contact you and your team to schedule a 30-minute phone interview.

Do you have more questions?

Go to the CONTACT page on this website and sign up for virtual office hours or email you inquiry.