Certificate course
Starting a Community Co-operative
≈ 40 minutes total8 credits to earn the certificate
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion, learners will be able to:
- ▸Select an appropriate co-operative legal form for a community project.
- ▸Monitor essential cashflow for a small community association's sustainability.
- ▸Engage with European social-economy networks to enhance organisational impact.
- ▸Implement ethical procurement practices aligning with community group values.
- ▸Apply the International Co-operative Alliance principles to a new community venture.
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Compulsory modules · all 5 required
Co-operatives 101
The seven International Co-operative Alliance principles every member should know.
Choosing a Co-operative Legal Form
Learn what a co-operative legal form means, how it differs from other business structures, and how to pick the right type for your project.
What is the social economy in Europe?
Co-operatives, mutuals, associations, foundations, and social enterprises, the EU's fastest-growing economic family.
Cashflow Basics for Small Associations
Learn how to track money coming in and going out so your association stays healthy and avoids nasty surprises.
EU funding for social enterprises
The main funding streams a social enterprise can target.
Elective modules · choose 3 of 7
Worker-owned models
When a company is owned by the people who work in it.
Elective
Setting up a not-for-profit association
The minimal viable steps to register a community group as an association.
Elective
Pricing fairly for low-income communities
How to keep services accessible without becoming unsustainable.
Elective
Ethical procurement for community groups
How to spend your group's money in line with its values.
Elective
Working with EU Social-Economy Networks
Discover how European social-economy networks can open doors, share resources, and strengthen your organisation's impact.
Elective
Crowdfunding Ethically: Raise Money with Integrity
Learn how to run an honest, transparent crowdfunding campaign that builds trust and respects your backers.
Elective
Time accounting and non-monetary value
Counting what matters beyond cash.
Elective