Fall DC Black CoopNomics Academy

Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC) Black Coopnomics Academy initiative guides our strategic alignment for developing collective equity ownership in Black and Brown communities. The Black Coopnomics Academy aims to build racial and cultural strategies that advance economic investment in historically Black and Brown communities. As one organization, we are dedicated to transforming and economically empowering communities of color to move economic policies that create racial equitable communities.

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.

Info: This first session examines the historical role of cooperative economics in Black communities from the 18th century to the present. Participants will trace the development of mutual aid societies, agricultural cooperatives, freedom colonies, credit unions, and worker-owned enterprises as critical responses to systemic exclusion from traditional economic systems. Drawing on the work of scholars like Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard, this session situates Black cooperative development within broader struggles for racial justice and economic sovereignty, offering insights into how historical models can inform contemporary cooperative strategies.

Info: Financial health is vital for cooperative success. In this session, participants will learn how to budget for a cooperative, read financial statements, plan for sustainability, and explore different strategies for raising capital without relying on traditional (and often exclusionary) banking systems.

Info: Black cooperatives often face systemic barriers to accessing funding. This session will demystify alternative capital strategies such as cooperative loan funds, community investment campaigns, and relationships with mission-aligned funders. Participants will also learn about new models for collective fundraising and wealth building.

Info: Storytelling is a powerful tool for movement building. This session will help cooperators craft compelling narratives about their enterprises, build authentic brands rooted in Black culture and liberation, and effectively use marketing to attract members, customers, and supporters.

Info: Strong governance is the backbone of any cooperative. Learn how to establish democratic decision-making processes, build effective leadership teams, and navigate challenges in group dynamics. This session will provide real-world strategies for maintaining accountability, equity, and shared ownership among members.

Info: A strong business plan is the foundation for launching and sustaining a successful cooperative. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to create business plans that reflect cooperative values while meeting practical needs for funding, membership growth, and long-term stability. We will cover key elements such as defining your mission and member benefits, building shared ownership structures, financial forecasting, marketing strategies, and operational planning. Participants will leave with tools and templates to begin drafting a business plan that moves their cooperative from vision to reality.

Info: Every cooperative will face challenges — financial shortfalls, leadership transitions, internal conflicts, or external crises like economic downturns. How we respond defines whether we survive or grow stronger. This session will equip participants with practical strategies for managing crises while staying rooted in cooperative principles. Learn how to create crisis response plans, maintain trust among members, communicate transparently during tough times, and make difficult decisions collectively. Participants will leave with tools to help their cooperatives weather storms and emerge more resilient and united.

Info: In today’s world, technology can be a powerful tool for cooperative growth — but it must be rooted in collective values. This session will introduce participants to digital tools for governance, communication, and financial management, and explore how Black cooperators can innovate while protecting ownership and data sovereignty.

Info: Understanding the legal side of starting and running a cooperative is critical to protecting your business and your members. This session will walk participants through the key legal considerations for cooperatives, including choosing the right legal structure, filing for incorporation, drafting bylaws, defining member rights and responsibilities, and understanding regulatory requirements. We’ll also cover cooperative-specific legal issues like patronage refunds, democratic governance obligations, and state or federal cooperative statutes. Participants will leave better equipped to navigate the legal landscape and ensure their cooperative is compliant, protected, and built for the long term.

Info: Building and maintaining cooperatives is beautiful — but also hard work. This session will introduce frameworks for collective care, anti-burnout strategies, and wellness models drawn from Black traditions. Because caring for ourselves and each other is key to sustaining our movements for the long haul.

Host or Publisher Network for Developing Conscious Communities