In the past two years, CDI has doubled in size, adding five new staff members. We would like to introduce: Rob Brown, Cooperative Development Specialist and Director of the Business Ownership Solutions program; and four more Housing Program Organizers under CDI’s NEROC program: Sarah Martin, focusing on Western Massachusetts and Vermont; Matt Meyer, focusing on
The rising trend of retiring baby-boomer business owners and collaborative millennial entrepreneurs has long been on the cooperative development radar. CDI is proud and excited about our strategic new initiative to meet the challenge: Business Ownership Solutions (BOS). Under this initiative, we work with business owners to help them consider whether conversion to a co-op
We’ve been delighted to be part of many educational, training, and networking events in the last two years, from workshops to tabling at co-op conferences. In that time, we led over 50 training events and reached about 1,700 people. We led workshops on what co-ops are and how they strengthen communities at the Belfast Food
With our 20th anniversary just around the corner (summer 2014!), 20 is our magic number. These last two years, CDI helped people from Maine to New York start 20 new co-ops—from housing co-ops to worker co-ops to tech co-ops. We love helping people follow their dreams! Even a brief consultation with CDI can go a
Reducing dependence on grant funding has long been a priority for CDI. More and more, we are increasing revenues by charging fees for our services, and this work is providing good-paying jobs to our new and existing staff members. We’re proud to say that very little is spent on operational costs, which we have endeavored
Here are just a few of the ways we work with others to help you work with others! In the spirit of cooperation among cooperatives, food co-op staff are frequently asked to help new food co-ops get started. The “ask” can range from questions every now and then to a request for mentoring the new
Ever wonder what it would take for urban cooperatives to thrive? In 2013, New York City spent 16.5 billion dollars on construction supplies and services, yet zero of those dollars found their way into the bank account of a democratic business. What would it take to change this discrepancy, and how would it alter the
Our friends at Cooperative Maine are helping put together an inspiring one-day conference, “Creating and Sustaining Vibrant Local Economies in Maine” on March 22 (this Saturday), 9 AM-4 PM, Randall Student Center, Augusta. We like the goals for the day! Goals for the Day (1) What are Vibrant Local Economies in Maine now (find out
The Sol Chariots Pedicab worker co-op in Providence, RI is hiring. Sounds like a fun way to stay in shape, learn some skills, see the city, and earn money. See http://solchariotspedicab.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/sol-chariots-pedicab-co-op-is-hiring/.
The Portland Food Co-op plans to open its doors this September. They currently have 1147 member-owners and need to reach 1400 to open, so are well on their way. They’ve had 100 new member-owners join in the past 10 days! Check out their new video: http://vimeo.com/87714644. CDI Board member and CFNE Outreach Officer Gloria LaBrecque
