CDI Training Programs – Cooperative Development Institute

Cooperative Development Training Program

This free, introductory training program is designed to teach you how to start a co-op and provide you with the tools to become a co-op developer so you can teach others how to grow their cooperative.

12-month online program, meeting once a month for 2-hour online sessions
This course is offered in English and Spanish
Includes Community of Practice hours
Video recordings are available after each class
Receive a digital certificate of completion

Example course outline:

Intro to co-ops
The Development Process & Roadmap
Co-op Development: Explore Phase & Intro to Ecosystems
Co-op Development: Assess Phase
Co-op Development: Structure Phase
Co-op Development: Implement Phase
Co-op Development: Sustain Phase
Co-op Financials: A Deep Dive
Co-op Development: Growth & Transformation
Co-op Economies & Networks
Demystifying Conversions / Ownership Transitions
Communicating About Co-ops
Housing Co-ops

Participatory Management Program

This free, virtual program is designed for managers and owners of small businesses. It will provide you with the tools to implement participatory and democratic management practices at your workplace, increasing profitability and employee retention.

Six 2-hour sessions, every three to four weeks
This course is offered in English and Spanish
Optional drop-in office hours for more personalized assistance
Approximately 30-45 minutes of required homework in between sessions

Example course outline:

Session 1: Introduction to Participatory Management
Session 2: Financial Statement Storytelling
Session 3: Open Book Management
Session 4: Human Resource Management
Session 5: Communications and Feedback
Session 6: Delegation and Decision Making

NEW! Northeast Transition Initiative Fellowship

This fellowship program is designed for members of organizations who provide services to existing businesses with employees and want to expand their knowledge about employee ownership. This program moves fellows through a curriculum and projects that help each participant develop a strategic, region-specific model to support businesses and business owners in navigating the exit-planning process and the employee ownership option.

Length: 9 months beginning February 2024
Time commitment: 2-day expenses-paid kick-off retreat, followed by monthly 2-hour zoom workshops.
Plus 3 hours/month for homework and other projects.
In between workshops, participants will have technical assistance and coaching and the opportunity for peer check-ins.