Co-op U

Co-op Workplace Incubator Program

Co-op U is our deep dive co-op incubator program focused on helping your team plan the business side of your co-op and getting your initial cooperative structure set up. This program is for groups of two or more people, with a vision for a worker-owned co-op, who are ready to commit to launching a cooperative workplace.

This year we have restructured this program to run over 16 weeks, alternating between weeks of class with a cohort and weeks of individualized coaching with a co-op coach. We'll also be offering pre-coaching before the start of Co-op U.

Submit this form to apply for Co-op U by July 1st. Through the form your team can also sign up for complimentary 1:1 co-op coaching in June and July. We recommend this option to start Co-op U prepared to make the most of it.

Participants in Co-op U:
  • Conduct a feasibility analysis of the local supply and demand landscape for their idea
  • Develop a preliminary business plan of their own anchored in the proven co-op model
  • Learn about cooperative structural and cultural practices important for achieving workplace democracy
  • Receive 1-on-1 mentorship and technical assistance from co-op coaches
  • Benefit from peer-learning with a cohort teams all launching co-ops
  • Have an opportunity to access financing from the Cleveland Co-op Fund

How long is the program?
Co-op U lasts 16 weeks, alternating between 2 hour sessions of class (8 weeks) and 1 hour sessions of individualized coaching (8 weeks) in evenings from August to November. We are currently collecting interest through the application form to pick exact times. Most likely we will meet in person, although we can discuss accessibility options for meeting virtually.

Program expectations
We expect the majority of team members to attend the majority of sessions, showing up ready to work with their teammates and cohort peers to strengthen their co-op ideas. In addition to attending weekly evening sessions, participants are expected to dedicate additional time (2-5 hours a week) to conduct research, interview potential customers, develop their business plan, and test their product or service.

Pre-coaching
We are offering complimentary 1:1 coaching with all teams planning to join Co-op U. We recommend this option to start Co-op U prepared to make the most of it. We will be meeting with teams in June and July every other week.

Cost
$500 - $1,500 per team, with a sliding scale based on ability to pay. Limited stipends are available to help with participation. Please see this document for clarity on how to decide what rate to pay or whether to request a stipend.

Questions?
Please email them to info@clevelandowns.coop.

Submit this form to apply for Co-op U by July 1st.

Testimonials

 Co-op U had a wide array of tools to use for new or existing co-ops. One of the beautiful things about the course is that not everyone needs every tool, but they are all there to be used or modified for your co-op. Bogdan from Cleveland Owns is an amazing coach and facilitator and really helped us to see the usefulness of the tools. With a combination of cheerleading where we are strong, challenging us where we needed improvement and modifying tools to help them be more useful for us I don’t think we could have had a better facilitator. I’m confident that People’s Plumbing would not be where we are today without the support of Cleveland Owns and the knowledge gained from the Co-op U class. 

Cristobal Van Breen: People’s Plumbing, Operations Coordinator & Service Technician

 I highly recommend participating in the course! People’s Plumbing participated in Co-op U in early 2024. Before the course, People’s Plumbing worked a few jobs, but we struggled to find work and were overwhelmed with everything we needed to do to start our co-op. As part of Co-op U, we conducted interviews and did financial modeling. Now, we apply the skills and knowledge that we learned through Co-op U every day. And we built connections because of Cleveland Owns. We can now cover our expenses and pay ourselves each month, and we plan to buy a van and hire another plumber in the upcoming months. We would not be where we are today without Co-Op U and Cleveland Owns! 

Emma Folkerts: People’s Plumbing, Financial & Administrative Coordinator
  

FAQ

Co-op U is for teams of two or more with a specific vision for a cooperative business who are ready to dedicate serious time (4-7 hours) each week for the duration of the program to plan it, and likely more time after to get it off the ground.

This is unlikely to be everyone who wants to eventually start a co-op! In fact, there are earlier steps teams often find important to pursue before joining an incubator program like this one. You can take a look at our Steps for Starting a Cooperative Workplace document for a general outline of these steps along with how Cleveland Owns can support you along the way!

We're always available at info@clevelandowns.coop to point you in the right direction for your co-op development dreams!
If you need to a class, yes, we can provide accommodations for making it up. We'll share with you a recording after every session and the materials used. You'll also need to have at least one other person on your team, so ideally that person can help fill you in, but if you both need to miss it we will try to schedule a make up session with you (our ability to do so depends on all of our schedules).

Just note that a major benefit of Co-op U is the experience of taking it alongside other startup co-ops and receiving feedback from each other, so for the best experience we recommend not planning to miss more than 2 classes.