Transform Finance Briefing: Investing in Employee Ownership

In our new briefing, Transform Finance outlines various stages that investors may find themselves in exploring the space: understanding the landscape of EO funds, identifying the investment approaches of different funds, and comparing and evaluating the potential impact of funds. We provide recommendations for these stages as well as overall considerations to maximize impact and build the field. At the core of our recommendations is an analysis of 53 funds that finance EO in the United States and Canada, made across investment approaches, target financial returns, size, geographic focus and impact.

ResourcesinfoAugust 15, 2024learning, resources, economic opportunity, economy, small businesses

COO Learning Series: Economics for Emancipation in King County

Join us this summer for a deep dive into understanding the “economy” that you won’t find in economics class or by watching stock tickers. This is an opportunity for changemakers to join a learning community on collective root cause solutions.

Small Business Loan Programs - Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched the first of five planned small business loan and investment programs aimed at increasing access to capital for small businesses in Washington state, particularly those that have been historically underserved or underbanked.

Funding opportunitiesinfoMay 29, 2024economic opportunity

Commercial Affordability Summit: A Recap (Part 2)

In this second part of the Commercial Affordability Summit recap, read about other current programs and models of commercial affordability and access to capital and support for small business and entrepreneurs: from those led by the City of Seattle such as Restored; to some of the most community rooted examples of commercial affordability projects.

Commercial Affordability Summit: A Recap (Part 1)

With the Commercial Affordability Summit convening, COO sought to share what we learned from the pilot project, which concluded in 2022, and provide a platform for learning about additional strategies, models and programs that are currently being designed and implemented in support of an equitable and thriving small businesses environment and greater economic justice.

Equity Impact Investments: Igniting Partnership for Inclusive Prosperity

Through this program, New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN), and its partners will deliver meticulously crafted capacity building courses and tailored hands-on technical assistance to fortify partnerships. These offerings are rooted in the understanding that creating enduring partnerships between economic development organizations and community-based organizations are essential to achieving lasting, equitable, and inclusive economic development strategies and funding coalitions.

Resources, BloginfoNovember 27, 2023capacity building, resources, learning, economic opportunity, community development

Transform Finance: Alternative Ownership Enterprises Learning Hub

ResourcesinfoNovember 15, 2023resources, learning, economy, economic opportunity

Asset Management Training series with Grow America

Communities of Opportunity (COO) and Grow America (formerly National Development Council) hosted this 3 session Asset Management Training series for community-based organizations or individuals that own real estate, are developing a space to own, or considering ownership in the future.

Learning Community, BloginfoNovember 14, 2023learning, capacity building, community development, housing, economic opportunity, SCOOP

Tabor 100 small business technical assistance (TA)

ResourcesinfoOctober 16, 2023resources, capacity building, small businesses, economic opportunity

Business Community Ownership Fund

The Business Community Ownership (BCO) Fund is a new investment model that addresses the rising cost of commercial rent in Seattle, which often affects neighborhoods and businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people. These communities continue to have less access to capital due to systemic inequities, racism, and related barriers.

Resources, BloginfoAugust 11, 2023small businesses, economy, economic opportunity, resources, finance, Seattle, partner news

REThinking Economics - Econ 101

What is the Rethinking Econ101 course? It's a 10-session long online course starting in September, which will:

Guide you through the intellectual foundations of mainstream economics
Expose the myths that mainstream economics espouses
Introduce new approaches to understanding the economy
Equip you with the tools to take action at your school and join the campaign to rethink economics

ResourcesinfoAugust 10, 2023resources, economy, economic opportunity, learning, capacity building

Youth Maritime Career Launch Internship program

Through hands-on experiential learning and 1:1 networking opportunities, participants in the program gain industry-level training and employment via a 3-month paid internship. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling! Students may apply at any time.

ResourcesinfoJune 16, 2023youth, workforce, economic opportunity, resources

2021 Community Development Lunch & Learn series

2021 Community Development Lunch & Learns series’ recordings are now viewable. These alternating deep dives on specific topics and issues of equitable community development, offered opportunities for participants to ask questions and discuss their projects with peers and community development experts.

People's Economy 101 Part 1: Learn and Inspire

In this first session, participants explore community-based strategies to build an equitable and regenerative economy, using the Just Transition framework.

People's Economy 101 Part 2: Applying Concept

In this second workshop, the focus is on the need to create and build new economic structures rooted in the experiences of our community.

Webinar: Finance Options for Worker Co-ops

Knowing where to get the financing for your worker cooperative can be tricky. The U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives recorded this webinar help. Find out your options and learn about the finance institutions that have experience with worker-owned businesses. Understand how to prepare your business for loans and grants.

ResourcesWhitney JohnsonMarch 16, 2021learning, webinar, tools, finance, resources, economy, economic opportunity

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