Background
For the last several years, we have been supporting efforts to elevate local and broad-based ownership as a means to build community wealth. Nexus is particularly interested in cooperative ownership. What we know is that cooperation and cooperative economics have been practiced in cultural communities for hundreds of years. We also know that there are cooperative business models currently being used with great success. One example of this includes converting privately-held businesses to worker ownership.
To ensure these opportunities take root in Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, Nexus is implementing a Cooperative Development Fellowship. Our goal is to build a network of BIPOC practitioners that work to create a robust cooperative sector.
Applications are currently CLOSED
What is it and who should apply:
The seven-month program is targeted at individuals/consultants who would like to become cooperative developers, organizations wanting to add cooperative development to their services or incubate a cooperative, and other professionals (e.g. lawyers, capital providers) who are interested in supporting cooperative development. We are also interested in recruiting applicants who will focus on assisting business owners and their employees who want to convert to worker ownership. At this time, the fellowship is only available for people that live or work in the Twin Cities Metro Area.
Please note that the Fellowship is not designed for individuals wanting to start their own cooperative.
The Fellowship includes the following:
- Opening Retreat
- 3 intensive, in-person trainings
- Online training modules
- Group webinars with national cooperative practitioners
- Local Site Visit
- National Site Visit
- Project design and presentations
- Coaching and support from Nexus and DAWI
- Closing Celebration
All training, coaching and off-site travel expenses will be covered by Nexus.
The Fellowship requires a time commitment of 75-85 hours over the course of seven months, with participation in all program activities mandatory.
We are able to offer a $500 stipend, half up front, half when they successfully complete. A timeline for the program can be found in the application below.