February 2023
 
Dear friends,
This Black History Month we invite you to celebrate the 2023 theme of “Black Resistance” with us. We deeply value all of the Black cooperators in our ecosystem and always look forward to our collaborations. Creating co-ops and developing an alternative economy are one piece of this resistance that we see in action. This month and onward, we are highlighting Black cooperators who are creating space for Black success. Together we are building a future where everyone can thrive and create wealth.

This month’s newsletter includes upcoming workshops, job postings, funding updates + other key co-opportunities that will help you unlock the power of your co-op community. As always, if you know someone else who would be interested in the resources below, be sure to share!

We also encourage you to share your updates & ideas with us by emailing cfne@coopfund.coop

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Co-op Curious?
We’ve got you covered. Check out these learning co-opportunities from CFNE & our friends.

Register: February 1 | Programing starts: 2/15 + 3/15 | Wednesdays 6-9 pm ET | Online | $50 or $125 with scholarships available

The Co-op Bootcamp is an accessible two-part annual course in which people learn what cooperatives are and how to start their own. Wellspring’s CBC is helping to build a local cooperative economy that promotes a more just and sustainable future in which workers learn how to run their own business together, share in the profits, and give back to the local communities that support them! Click here to register.


Next session is 2/2 (tomorrow!) | Online | Free with Registration

Will you be in the 2023 cohort of the Participatory Management Initiative? There are a few seats left for MA businesses. This in-depth training is all about helping co-ops / businesses learn ways to share information and decision making power with employees and members. This training is a great fit for current co-ops developing their members; businesses exploring a transition to worker-ownership; and business owners who want to benefit from a more engaged workforce. Email pmi@cdi.coop if you’d like to register.
La próxima sesión es el 27 de febrero | En Línea | Gratis con inscripción 

¿Participará en la cohorte 2023 de la Iniciativa de Gestión Participativa? Quedan algunas oportunidades para las empresas de MA. Esta formación en profundidad trata de ayudar a las cooperativas / empresas a aprender formas de compartir información y poder de decisión con los empleados y miembros. Este entrenamiento es un gran ajuste para las cooperativas actuales que desarrollan a sus miembros; negocios que exploran una transición a la propiedad de los trabajadores; y dueños de negocios que quieren beneficiarse de una fuerza de trabajo más comprometida. Envíe un correo electrónico a pmi@cdi.coop si desea inscribirse.

February 7 | 4-5:30 pm ET | Online/En línea | Free/Gratis

This workshop is geared towards cooperatives structured as LLCs or Limited Liability Companies. In it, participants will review different topics that will serve as a helpful guide in preparation for filing the cooperative tax return. Participants will also review the membership tax filing process. This webinar will be presented in Spanish with simultaneous interpretation into English. Register here. 

Este taller está dirigido a cooperativas estructuradas como LLCs o Sociedades de Responsabilidad Limitada. Quienes participen revisarán diferentes temas que servirán como guía de apoyo para estar preparados para la declaración de impuestos de la Cooperativa LLC. También revisarán el proceso de declaración de impuestos de la membresía. Este webinar será presentado en español con interpretación simultánea al inglés. Inscríbase aqui. 

Register Now! | Programing: 3/2/23 - 5/25/23 | Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm ET | Online | $100
The Black Coopnomics Academy promotes democratically owned cooperative modules through training and support for business growth and leadership development. Black Coopnomics Academy targets incubating cooperatives in economically dis-invested communities as places for establishing community-owned businesses embedded with solidarity principles such as equitable wages, local hiring practices, and local purchasing that support community based social enterprises. The Black Coopnomics Academy is a team principal idea: their objective for building cooperatives is based on only accepting teams (meaning two or more people) to this 12 week academy. They also encourage individuals interested in joining existing or start-up cooperatives. Click here to register.

Recordings of CFNE's workshops are all available for viewing on our YouTube channel. Click here to view.


If you’re interested in a 1-on-1 co-op coaching session, meet our coaches!
Emerging Co-op? Talk to Johan!

As our Community Engagement Facilitator, Johan helps develop supportive ecosystems and provides technical assistance to ensure that communities traditionally excluded from economic investment can engage in cooperative enterprise. Make an Appointment.


Existing Co-op? Talk to Carolyn!

As the Cooperative Business Support Officer, Carolyn works with Spanish- and English-speaking applicants and borrowers to assess project feasibility and connect with culturally-appropriate technical assistance resources. Make an Appointment.
Co-op Community
Stay connected to our co-op community.

February 3 + 17 | 10 am - 4 pm ET | Online | Free with Registration
This Friday, Food Solutions New England (FSNE) will host part 1 of their 2 part virtual gathering. It is designed to inspire, connect, and mobilize a values-aligned regional network from around the country and globe. FSNE will be joined by friends and partners from The Full Frame Initiative and the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. The gathering, free and open to the public, will create space for participants to explore ways to advance equitable well-being and belonging in food and related systems. Feb. 3rd Registration. Feb. 17th Registration


Register Now! | March 24-26 | Amherst, MA | Sliding Scale $25-100

In this time of economic crisis and ecological collapse, workers of all kinds are organizing to reject the alienation of racial capitalism. This conference explores the deep histories, current happenings, and future possibilities of collaborations between union organizing and worker-owned cooperatives. What to expect: the two-day conference will feature over 30 interactive workshops and panels, some of the most innovative and inspiring organizing work happening with unions and coops around the country, and will foster relationships to sustain your work. With keynote speakers Kali Akuno (Cooperation Jackson) & Chris Smalls (President, Amazon Labor Union). Click here to register.


Applications open until filled | Boston, MA | Full Time 

Democracy Brewing is a worker-owned brewery and restaurant located in the heart of downtown Boston committed to worker empowerment, community and providing quality food, beer, and exceptional service. With a constant strive to maintain a democratic approach to business, every worker has the opportunity to become an owner after 1 year of employment, as well as run for the board of directors. Applicants should possess a desire to learn about food, beer, and worker cooperatives. Possible opportunity to assist in opening a second location. 

Floor Manager | Full Description | $50,000 - $54,000
Events + Marketing Coordinator | Full Description | $50,000 with 5% commission on private events


Co-op Capital
Stay updated on relevant funding co-opportunities.

Up to $60,000 | Deadline February 28 
Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank is hosting its third-annual Small Business Big Wins contest. This year, small business owners have the chance to win up to $60,000 to help fund their small businesses. Applicants should submit a 500-word story detailing their journey to entrepreneurship to the contest page. Submissions will be accepted through February 28. Register here. *Note: Your business is required to have started on or prior to Jan. 10, 2022.


Informative Webinar | February 7th | 10-11 am ET | Online | Free
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) deferment periods are approaching an end. Because of this, business owners must start preparing to make payments. The topics in this session cover key points and resources for all COVID EIDL borrowers. Join SBA for an informative webinar on your COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) servicing requirements. 

TOPICS INCLUDE:
• How to apply for hardship
• Where to find your COVID EIDL loan details
• How to access SBA's digital loan platform
• Where to make payments on your COVID EIDL loan
• Where to view your COVID EIDL payment due dates and payment history
• How to identify your COVID EIDL loan servicing center
• Where to get help and much more!



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In cooperation,
Maggie Maiorana and the Learning Team
Program Associate
Cooperative Fund of the Northeast
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