Valerie at Walnut Studiolo on Hwy 53 graduated from the Accelerator program a few years ago if you have any questions about Start.coop or cooperative businesses in general.
-Valerie Franklin, Walnut Studiolo
walnutstudiolo@gmail.com
walnutstudiolo.com
From start.coop:
With the support of Shared Capital Cooperative, applications are now open for the Spring 2026 Cooperative Business Incubator, an 8-week online program designed for early-stage co-op entrepreneurs ready to turn ideas into action.
What is the Opportunity?
The Incubator uses the Lean Co-op approach, combining flexible, on-demand learning with live, facilitated workshops. You’ll learn alongside other cooperative founders and receive guidance from both the Shared Capital and Start.coop teams.
Program highlights include:
– Access to on-demand Lean Co-op learning modules
– 8 live, interactive workshops with your founder cohort
– Connection with fellow cooperative entrepreneurs across sectors
What will you learn?
Over 8 weeks, you’ll work with experienced facilitators to:
– Clarify your cooperative purpose and the customer problem you’re addressing
– Brainstorm, test, and refine solutions and business models
– Build a plan to drive sales and grow revenue
– Understand cooperative financing options
– Develop your cooperative ownership model
What’s included in the Lean Co-op curriculum?
– What is a Cooperative? Watch video: 46801523.hs-sites.com/share/hubspotvideo/204524956231
– Defining Your Cooperative Purpose
– Understanding the Customer Problem
– Product or Service Design
– Business and Financial Models
– Ownership Models
Who should apply?
This Incubator is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who want to explore and develop cooperative business ideas into viable ventures. We welcome a wide range of projects, including (but not limited to) child care cooperatives, home care cooperatives, housing cooperatives, food-related cooperatives, and more.
Learn more and apply: www.start.coop/shared-capital-cohort
