UW Center for Cooperatives

We’re proud to be part of statewide efforts to strengthen Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The latest announcement from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation highlights how partners across the state are working to build Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial base, supporting new business development, expanding access to technical assistance, and creating more opportunities for locally rooted enterprises to thrive.

At the UW Center for Cooperatives, we know cooperatives are a vital part of that ecosystem. Co-ops help entrepreneurs start businesses, keep wealth in their communities, and create shared ownership models that strengthen Wisconsin’s economy for the long term.

Read the full release:

Building Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial base - WEDC WEDC Small Business Technical Assistance Grants will support organizations assisting startups, small businesses statewide MADISON, WI. MARCH 23, 2026 – Twenty organizations that support Wisconsin entrepreneurs through technical and financial assistance have been awarded nearly $2 million in the in...

We were honored to facilitate a session at the recent Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative - RWHC board retreat, bringing members together to explore how they can best support one another in a changing rural healthcare landscape. Their dedication and creativity is inspiring!

✨ Latest from the UW Center for Cooperatives ✨

This month we’re highlighting:
🛠️ Dendroyka, Wisconsin’s newest worker co‑op
🎓 Our 2026 Graduate Student Scholarship awardees
🤝 CCMA 2026 in Tacoma (May 28–30)
🏡 A new home care worker co‑op in Bayfield County
📜 Progress on employee ownership legislation in Wisconsin

Cooperatives continue to build community wealth through democratic ownership.

👉 Read the full newsletter:

🔗 https://explore.wisc.edu/UWCC_2026_march

The UW Center for Cooperatives December newsletter is available!

This issue includes:

* A tribute to Margaret Bau and her contributions to the cooperative movement
* Highlights from the 2024 Cooperative Governance Research Initiative report
* An update on new rural cooperative development funding
* Upcoming events, resources, and opportunities for co-op leaders and practitioners

Read the full newsletter here: https://explore.wisc.edu/UWCC_2025_dec

Te invitamos a este taller introductorio para aprender cómo crear tu propia cooperativa. Aprovecha esta oportunidad paraacceder a recursos u herramientas gratuitias para iniciar tu cooperativa.

Fecha y hora: Octubre 15, 2025, 5:00 pm por zoom.

Mas information: https://uwcc.wisc.edu/educacion-sobre-cooperativas/

Este evento es presentado con Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce.

How are rural communities building wealth through forestry cooperatives?
What technical assistance and financing models are helping them succeed?
This exciting webinar explores how forestry professionals are leveraging cooperative models to strengthen local economies, raise capital, and access federal support. From grassroots organizing to cooperative business development, this session showcases the power of collaboration in the timber industry. UWCC's Kelly Maynard will participate on a panel of cooperative experts. Register today: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_WakebluaRPe2_xYhhDLgUw #/registration

Registration is now open for UWCC's Fall Co-op Employee Training, Cooperative Roots!

This training is designed for employees of cooperatives seeking to deepen their understanding of the cooperative model. Participants will explore the unique aspects of cooperatives, including:

Different types of co-ops and their representation in Wisconsin and the U.S.
The reasons people form cooperatives and the benefits they provide to members, customers, and communities.
How cooperatives differ from other business models and how to effectively communicate the “cooperative difference.”

By the end of this training, attendees will have a stronger grasp of the cooperative identity and its impact on communities and economies.

Registration is limited to employees of cooperatives in Wisconsin. For details and registration: https://uwcc.wisc.edu/training-new-employee/

Madison area cooperators: Join us this Friday, July 25 at Aubergine for a discussion with Jerome Warren! Jerome is a German-American political economist focused on the intersection between democracy, cooperation, sustainability, and business. This event is free and open to the public! More info: https://uwcc.wisc.edu/cooperatives-as-a-form-of-resilience-and-resistance/