Initiatives

Connecticut Co-op Business Academy

The Connecticut Co-op Business Academy (CCBA) is a training and mentoring program for a collection of around 9 nascent and existing cooperative enterprises in or near northeast CT to usher them through a development process and help them to establish ties of mutual support among themselves. It is co-sponsored by the Willimantic Inter-Cooperative Zone, an emerging local co-op support organization co-founded by CDI Board Member Len Krimerman. This project is largely funded through a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG).

CCBA is a pilot program testing the model of delivering intermediate-level training to a group of groups, paired with one-one-one direct mentoring. The mentors and trainers received a training in democratic and participatory educational methods (see Training of Trainers and Mentors designed by project partner Toolbox for Education and Social Action). One of the aims of the program is to increase the amount of support available for co-op development from local cooperators and professionals.

Are you a participant in the Co-op Business Academy? Find the group forum. Are you interested in becoming a Sponsor of the Co-op Business Academy? Email info@cdi.coop.