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Dear Community Members,
The Network for Developing Conscious Communities is excited to invite you to join us as a speaker for our Fall Black CoopNomics Academy in Baltimore. This is an important opportunity to give back to the community by sharing your knowledge and experience with participants who are eager to build and sustain cooperative enterprises right here in Baltimore.
We are especially seeking speakers who can address critical topics such as:
- Managing money and finances within cooperative businesses
- Strategies for finding and securing funding for Black-led cooperatives
- Long-term sustainability and maintenance of cooperative enterprises
Your voice and expertise would be a tremendous asset in helping participants gain the tools, skills, and inspiration needed to strengthen their communities through cooperative economics.
The sessions will be offered in hybrid format—you may choose to present either in person at our office located at 4115 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD, or virtually via Zoom. We are happy to coordinate logistics in a way that works best for your schedule and availability.
Please let us know if you are interested, and we’d be glad to provide additional details or schedule a time to connect further.
We look forward to the possibility of your participation and appreciate your commitment to building strong, self-sustaining communities.
September 20, 2025, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cooperative Financial Literacy: Managing Money Together
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.
October 18, 2025, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Blueprints for Collective Success: Writing a Cooperative Business Plan
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.
If you are interested in participating as a presenter and believe it matches your expertise and interest, we encourage you to provide the following items:
- Select your session preference
- Copy of your headshot photo and bio
If interested, please send this information and any questions you have to Maki Chapman. His email is makilchapman@gmail.com
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