The USFWC Co-op Clinic has a network of peer advisors, all with strong social and professional ties, who provide technical assistance services to worker cooperatives and democratic workplaces. 

Though we can support you in all-around small business areas, we specialize in technical assistance that cooperatives need specifically: decision-making, co-op finances, boards, bylaws and more.

Our staff and peer advisors can help you…

  • Create a roadmap for starting or converting to a cooperative.
  • Find the right structure and governance for your democratic workplace.
  • Get training in cooperative finances.
  • Become loan ready.
  • Finish your business plan.
  • Create policies that work for your team.
  • AND MORE!

We offer high-quality technical assistance and development advice, and increase worker cooperative peer support capacity from inside the movement.

Learn More

Complete this short Request Support form, which allows you to instantly book a 30 minute intake meeting with staff.  Then you get a free list of customized resources via email and we’ll discuss what type of ongoing support is possible. Or we may refer you to someone in your area or who specializes in what you’re looking for.  If there’s a budget, either from your end or a grant we can leverage, we then come to agreement on a scope of work and match you up with a Peer Advisor from our network.

 

Lots more info in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and don’t forget to check out the Peer Advisor and Staff Bios, and the Packages and Pricing in the sections below, which can serve as a starting place to find what you need.

Governance
  • Drafting Bylaws
  • Drafting Articles
  • Roles and Responsibility for Boards
  • Board basics
  • Rights & Responsibilities, Decision Clarity
  • Strategic planning and member engagement
  • Good Meetings and Facilitation

Human Resources

  • Development of Accountability Systems
  • Development of Accountability Systems
  • Communication/Coaching
  • Onboarding & Orientation
  • Conflict Resolution Training
 Financial
  • Setting up chart of accounts and accounting filing system
  • Providing a draft Bookkeeping Manual
  • Setting up Payroll and HR Policies
  • Consulting with end of year tax accountant
  • Accounting facilitation and training
  • Open Book Management
  • Help in applying for Loan Financing

Technology

  • Using Project Management Tools
  • CRM tools
  • Social Media Tools
  • Video editing tools
 Marketing
  • Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy
  • Brand Strategy and identity
  • Business development (market making)

Start-up Support

  • Business Model Development
  • Business Plans
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Governance
  • Worker Co-op 101

Next level support

  • Project Management Training
  • Anti Oppression Training
  • Preventing Board Burn Out

Co-op Clinic Packages menu, click link for a PDF version

Our services are fee-for-service at $85/hr for USFWC members and $125/hr for non-members. Pro-bono services are offered when funds are available, particularly for eligible rural areas. Please contact clinic@usworker.coop for more information.

Our professional and culturally competent Peer Advisors are here to provide you with high-quality technical assistance based on their lived experience working in and developing cooperative businesses.

Check back soon for pictures and bios of our Co-op Clinic Peer Advisors & Staff!

Meet the Peer Advisors: 

[EN] = English speaking
[SP] = Spanish speaking

  • Devra Gartenstein [EN]
  • Kateri Gutierrez [EN/SP]
  • McKenzie Jones [EN]
  • brandon king [EN]
  • John McNamara [EN]
  • Daniella Preisler [EN/SP]
  • James Razsa [EN]
  • Iliana Reinhardt [EN/SP]
  • Andrew Stachiw [EN]
  • Stephen Rye Switzer [EN]
  • Damon Terrell [EN]
  • Annie Winkler [EN]
  • Emma Yorra [EN/SP]

The Co-op Clinic hosts a free Worker Co-op Startup Webinar on the First Friday of every month to help guide the initial process of launching a new Worker Co-op business.  Register for our monthly Startup Webinar and other Co-op Clinic webinars at usworker.coop/calendar 

For Startup webinar recordings, mini guides and more information, visit our Startup Resources Page.

If you’re a USFWC Developer Member or Federation Partner, we’re already looking out for clients to refer your way.  If you’re not, consider joining USFWC. Either way, we’re happy to discuss how we can collaborate.  Some ideas for collaboration:

  • Joint application for workforce development or industry focused funds to support affordable / pro-bono TA to low resource communities.
  • Cross-promote our educational events (Reach our Comms team direct messaging USWFC on social media or emailing comms@usworker.coop) 
  • Shared clients bringing in our unique specialties to the project.
  • Co-op Developer networking events with new co-op development tool sharing and troubleshooting sessions.

Please reach out here (clinic@usworker.coop) or set up a meeting with staff to discuss potential collaboration.

Here are some specific benefits of working with Co-op Clinic:

  1. There are many strengths of the peer to peer model, such as finding advisors with the necessary industry experience.
  2. In larger co-op development efforts such as municipal projects, Peer Advisors could have an early role showing successful co-ops and later role in specialized TA offerings.
  3. USFWC’s Co-op Clinic has a national reach.
  4. USFWC staff and Peer Advisors have a high level of cultural competency and experience in anti-oppression work.

Check out the Staff and Peer Advisor bios and the Packages section to see what we offer. We appreciate any referrals you send our way.  Please refer people to this page, usworker.coop/clinic or our email clinic@usworker.coop.