About this Event
Athens-Clarke county is full of folks with great ideas worth building.
Small business owners, nonprofit leaders, workers, artists, farmers, freelancers, organizers, caregivers, students, and neighbors who want to lead and solve real problems in practical ways.
This event is for you.
Come share a meal, meet other Athens residents, and learn how cooperative business models help us pool resources, share ownership, lower costs, build wealth, and keep more value rooted in the Athens community.
Hosted by the Georgia Cooperative Development Center (GCDC), a statewide organization that helps startup and existing cooperative businesses through education, technical assistance, networking, and hands-on support. Our work is grounded in the simple but powerful belief that ordinary people and communities can build more equitable local economies when we have tools, relationships, and support to own, work, and self-determine together.
The luncheon will also introduce attendees to the Athens Co-op Training Academy. "Shared Futures, Shared Services" is a hybrid training program (live and on-demand ) developed to help Athens-based participants move through the stages of cooperative development, from early idea to launch. Participants learn from cooperative experts, explore real-world case studies, and gain access to incredible treasure trove of resources, mentors, coaches, and consultants who can support their co-op journey.
At the event, you can expect:
- To break bread and make connections with Athens residents, entrepreneurs, organizers, and local leaders
- To get a clear, plain-spoken introduction to cooperative business models
- To receive information about GCDC’s technical assistance, education, and support for your co-op journey
- To see a preview of the Athens Co-op Training Academy and how it can help you turn ideas into a viable cooperative venture
- To have meaningful conversations about shared services, local ownership, democratic decision-making, and community wealth
- To learn from 1-on-1 coaching and engage with potential collaborators, partners, members, customers, and supporters
Instead of your typical info session, we are setting the table for Athens people who are ready to meet one another, learn what's possible, and start building something useful together.
Come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to find your people!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2025 Baxter St, Athens Library, Athens, United States
USD 0.00
