CDS was awarded a contract to provide development support through the City of Minneapolis’ Cooperative Technical Assistance Program in 2022-23. This program offers a free co-op feasibility training for both new cooperatives and existing businesses interested in converting into a cooperative. The program also provides one-on-one technical consulting assistance at no cost to those in the program.
The city desires to leverage the co-op model for maximum community benefit to:
Act as an economic development tool to reduce poverty and promote social cohesion.
Increase racial and ethnic diversity, and community ownership.
Support innovation, community building, and local investment by encouraging a more collaborative business model.
CDS has conducted the program since its inception in 2016. The first round of classes concluded in July, with another cohort taking place in October. To learn more about C-TAP, visit the city’s website.
