About the Co-op Academy
Cooperatives are growing in size, sector, industry, popularity, and need. The Georgia Co-op Academy is a cooperative partnership between Regenerate Atlanta Cooperative Wealth Fund (RA), Organization for Human Rights (OHRD), and Georgia Cooperative Development Center (GCDC), grounded in cooperative principle 5: Education and Training, principle 6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives, and principle 7: Concern for Community.
Students are immersed in an eight week virtual program which orients and initiates students into the co-op business model, co-op culture, principles, values, finances, legal topics, marketing, the business canvas, and the ownership canvas designed by Start.coop. It showcases a diverse array of local and national cooperative consultants, coaches, developers, educators, and community organizers and more, offering a variety of co-op startup topics, tools, and best practices in preparing to launch equitable and sustainable businesses utilizing the co-op business model. The Georgia Co-op Academy also serves as a great tool for existing cooperatives that want to refine their cooperative business practices or small businesses, non-profits or solopreneurs who wish to explore the model for application in their business.
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Don’t miss the exploration of the business model canvas and the business ownership models, key components to launching your co-op vision. We’ll take you through it and much more and get you ready for the next steps. Post-course coaching and technical assistance offered. Scholarships also available!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Academy
Who is the Co-op Academy for?
The Co-op Academy is for anyone who is starting or already operating a co-op who would like to dedicate time to strengthening the foundation of their business. All you need is at least one person and a product or service! We love people in the idea stage, people thriving, people in the pandemic pivot, or anywhere in between!
Are there scholarships available?
Yes! We have some full and partial scholarships available, first come first served. Please contact us before you register if you’re interested in receiving a scholarship. Once you apply for a scholarship, we will let you know of our decision and supply you with a promo code to sign up via Eventbrite.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes. Regardless of which payment option you choose, you have the option to pay in full up front or split your balance into 3 equal payments. The second payment is due 30 days after the first, and the third payment is due 60 days after the first.
What happens after I sign up?
Within 3-5 business days, we will confirm receipt of your registration, and you will receive a welcome packet with a welcome letter, the academy syllabus, group agreement, non-disclosure and technical assistance agreement, and a get to know you form so we can learn more about your co-op.
You should also receive Zoom information from Eventbrite, and you’ll have the ability to add our meetings to your Google, Outlook, or iCal calendar.
How many co-op members can participate? Do we have to pay extra for more members?
For existing organizations:
- If your co-op has 3 or more members, we ask that at least 2 of those members be consistent active participants. However, we encourage as many people to participate as possible! Feel free to share recordings with other members and invite them to live sessions!
- You do not have to pay extra for more participants!
For individuals:
- Your individual entry fee only covers one person. If your co-op has more than one member, we would recommend you utilize the organization pricing.
When will live sessions take place?
Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8. Thursday evenings from 6-8PM Eastern Time. Exact dates will be sent out to registered participants. (Week 2, 4, and 6 are self-study sessions on your own with directives and homework to complete and share for live sessions).
What happens if I miss a session?
You will have access to recordings of live sessions for the remainder of the Academy.
How long will we have access to Academy materials?
You and all members of your co-op will have one (1) year of access to all information provided. (Not including live session recordings.)
Our Academy Partners