Co-op Academy
Join a cohort of new cooperators from across the Mid-Atlantic in this virtual learning series. Cooperative groups will be guided through the phases of cooperative development – start to finish. Learn key concepts along the way through hands-on, collaborative work, guided by an expert KDC Co-op Developer and experienced cooperative members.
The Co-op Academy program is tailored to address the unique challenges and highlight best practices of starting and managing a cooperative enterprise for emerging cooperative leaders. This program is recommended for groups looking to start a cooperative or convert a business to a cooperative.
Our next session kicks off in September 2026. If you are interested in participating, Request Assistance
Let’s Dig Deeper
Curious about co-ops but still feel unsure of how to advise your clients and constituents? This professional development opportunity is for you!
The Keystone Development Center (KDC), in the Spring of 2025 presented a 6-session webinar series for economic and business development professionals. “Let’s Dig Deeper” was a follow-up to the 2024 program , “There’s a Co-op for That”, which introduced the cooperative business model as a solution for securing market access, fresh local food, affordable housing, business succession, and strong local economies. See last year’s presentation recording, slides, and handouts.
“Let’s Dig Deeper” presents several aspects of business from the point of view of specialists in their field. The sessions are:
- Favorable Conditions for Cooperative Businesses, presented by Nicole L. Tommell, Director, Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program
- Legal Considerations for Cooperative Businesses, presented by Komal Vaidya, Esq. Associate Professor of Law at Villanova Unviersity’s Charles Widger School of Law and Director of the Clinic for Law & Entrepreneurship. Reach out to admin@kdc.coop for webinar access!
- Mitigating Risk in Cooperative Businesses, presented by Corinne Elliott, Business & Risk Management Specialist, Agricultural Business Development Center, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Tax Basics for Supporting Cooperatives, presented by Mavery Davis, CPA and organizer with New Economy WV
- Lenders’ Perspectives on Cooperative Businesses, presented by Gerardo Espinoza, Executive Director, Local Enterprise Assistance Fund, and Dami Odetola, Vice President – Corporate Banking, National Cooperative Bank
- Preserving Business by Selling to Employees or Customers, presented by Jason Flowers, Business Intermediary/Acquisition specialist/Business Broker, Murphy Business & Financial Corporation
Boost Camp!
Invest in your co-op knowledge! These sessions hosted by seasoned professionals will help boost your cooperative impact! Links to the recordings below.
- 3/19: Capitalizing Your Co-op’s Next Big Move, presented by Kate Khatib of Seed Commons and Dami Odetola of National Cooperative Bank
- 4/2: Tips from Seasoned Cooperators, presented by Jim Johnson, Ben Ledewitz, and Ajowa Ifateyo
- 4/16: Making Membership Meaningful, presented by Leslie Watson of CDS Consulting Services
- 4/30: Taxes for New Cooperatives & LLCs, presented by Mavery Davis, CPA, New Economy Works WV
- 5/14: Leadership Development to Keep Your Co-op Strong, presented by Amber Jones of Namberjo Consulting
- 5/28: “Oh wait! I forgot to ask…” Legal Q&A, presented by Will Pillsbury, Esq.
- 6/11: Marketing Your Cooperative Advantage, presented by Audrey Broomfield, Maryland Department of Agriculture