Lean Co-op curriculum now available

Lean Co-op, a free online course developed by Start.coop for entrepreneurs building cooperatively-owned businesses, is now available online thanks to a grant from CDF's Cooperative Education Fund. The Lean Co-op course combines the best of values aligned cooperative ownership with the lean start-up approach. The course incorporates some of the best practices of entrepreneurs that participated in the Start.coop business accelerator.

"The materials we've developed will allow cooperative start-ups to grow and thrive by taking a highly effective methodology from traditional start-ups -- "the lean start-up methodology" -- and tailoring it to the unique characteristics and needs of cooperatives," said Jessica Mason, Co-Director, Start.coop.

The course is comprised of six modules that walk users through theory and practice, share examples, and provide users with recommended activities for business development. Additional resources for each module are also available. Register for the Lean Co-op course here.

About the CDF Cooperative Education Fund

The CDF Cooperative Education Fund supports cooperative research, sponsors cooperative education events and scholarships, and develops cooperative education materials and programs. The Fund provides $90,000-$100,000 in grants, scholarships, and sponsorships annually. For more information about the fund or to apply for a grant, go to cdf.coop/cooperative-education. The deadline for the 2021 Fall grant cycle is October 1.