Economic developers across the country are applying innovative strategies to develop co-ops at a scale that has a significant impact. We have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes and emerging best practices from the growing field of co-op developers. In this workshop we’ll look at how existing small businesses can be converted to co-ops as an ownership succession strategy to preserve businesses and jobs after owners retire. We’ll explore the ways that large anchor institutions like hospitals and universities can play a key role in developing co-ops as a strategy for procurement dollars to invest in the communities where those anchors exist. We’ll also look at how a non-profit can incubate multiple new co-ops to serve their constituents needs. All of these strategies and the collective talent of our region’s economic development field serve as an overarching regional ecosystem strategy that PACA has been right here in the Philadelphia area.
This workshop is for you if you’re already familiar with co-ops, and your organization is considering launching a co-op development program.
About PACA
The Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA) is a cooperative whose members are co-ops in the Philadelphia region. PACA is also a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to growing the cooperative economy. Our mission is to improve the lives of people in the Philadelphia region by supporting democratically organized businesses, promoting the principles of the international cooperative movement, and growing the cooperative economy.
To learn more about PACA, visit https://philadelphia.coop