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Co-op Capital Dialogue considers creative solutions to access affordable capital

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NCBA CLUSA and the National Cooperative Bank last week co-hosted a virtual Co-op Capital Dialogue, an intimate gathering of cooperative leaders who discussed the current state of co-op capital-sourcing initiatives, and a continuation of NCBA CLUSA’s Principle 6 (P6) project. This event served as an opportunity to explore the feasibility of creating a central facility that could leverage our collective influence within and outside of the co-op system.

The event featured short presentations that illustrated some of the creative solutions that have been developed in this area. The entire group also held additional discussions in smaller groups, and together as a collective.

To ensure that diverse perspectives from thought leaders throughout the co-op system were included, participants included representatives from:

  • entrepreneurs and conveners
  • Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
  • mutual insurance companies
  • cooperative banks
  • cooperative associations

Questions that were considered included:

  • What innovations and initiatives are currently taking place to enhance co-op access to capital, equity and/or debt?
  • Would better access to affordable capital at every stage of development result in more co-op formation and better survivability?
  • Would it be possible/desirable to create a co-op system facility that could present itself to the capital markets with consolidated leverage?
  • Could funding for co-op capital come from within the co-op system, creating a more circular financial ecosystem?

The presentations from the Co-op Capital Dialogue on September 8 are available to read below.

Kachuwa Impact Fund – Presentation

Inclusiv – Presentation

Felipe Witchger – Presentation

Obran Cooperative – Presentation

Start.coop – Presentation

Zebras Unite Cooperative – Presentation

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