Cleveland
Co-op Fund

Non-extractive financing for co-ops

The Cleveland Co-op Fund
The Cleveland Co-op Fund offers non-extractive loans to cooperative projects in the Cleveland area as a peer fund of the national Seed Commons network. Since 2023 we've made loans totaling more than $600,000 to co-ops such as Rust Belt Riders and Suddy Buddy's.

What is Non-Extractive Financing?
Unlike traditional financing, non-extractive financing is designed to never leave the borrower worse off. Loans made through non-extractive financing only require repayment when the business is profitable and no personal collateral or credit scores are required.

This type of financing works because we build supportive relationships with our borrowers and become invested in their success. We work together on the co-op's business plan to prepare a thorough loan application and continue providing technical assistance for the full duration of the loan in the following ways:

  • Business plan coaching
  • Setting up finance systems such as open-book accounting
  • Navigating governance and cultural questions in running a co-op
  • Marketing support
Through our national network of peer funds and co-ops, we make sure borrowers get the resources they need at every step! You can learn more by checking out these resources: Seed Commons Overview and Our Approach to Non-Extractive Finance.

Interested in Non-Extractive Financing?
Are you raising money to fund a new worker or community-owned co-op? Fill out this intake form to tell us more about your financing needs!
Rust Belt Riders worker-owners in 2023 - Celebrating the induction of 9 employees into co-ownership of the business.
New truck bought with loan provided by the Cleveland Co-op Fund - In July 2023, the Cleveland Co-op Fund provided a loan for Rust Belt Riders to buy a new truck they have since named "Tippy" to improve their hauling operations. This truck has an automated tipping arm for emptying bins, improving efficiency and helping bring more dignity to workers' everyday experience.
Food scraps collected by Rust Belt Riders - To be turned into compost!
Seed Commons Network - The Seed Commons Network is comprised of 38+ organizations across the country stewarding "peer funds" like the the Cleveland Co-op Fund. All loans and cooperative development work is done by these peers, which work directly with their local communities. If you're not in Cleveland and are interested in co-op development or looking for financing, reach out to a peer near you!

Rust Belt Riders worker-owners in 2023 - Celebrating the induction of 9 employees into co-ownership of the business.
New truck bought with loan provided by the Cleveland Co-op Fund - In July 2023, the Cleveland Co-op Fund provided a loan for Rust Belt Riders to buy a new truck they have since named "Tippy" to improve their hauling operations. This truck has an automated tipping arm for emptying bins, improving efficiency and helping bring more dignity to workers' everyday experience.
Food scraps collected by Rust Belt Riders - To be turned into compost!
Seed Commons Network - The Seed Commons Network is comprised of 38+ organizations across the country stewarding "peer funds" like the the Cleveland Co-op Fund. All loans and cooperative development work is done by these peers, which work directly with their local communities. If you're not in Cleveland and are interested in co-op development or looking for financing, reach out to a peer near you!