UW Center for Cooperatives

Supporting cooperatives through research, education, and outreach.

Introduction to UWCC

Resources

Training & Education

News

worker owners stand behind a desk at the Cooperative Veterinary Care Clinic

Two women hold signs that say " Co-ops build wealth in my community" and "Owners make the Best Employees"

Welcome to The UW Center for Cooperatives

We are a trusted, unbiased source of information about cooperatives, serving Wisconsin and beyond. As part of a major university, we use research, education, and outreach to help people better understand how co-ops work and why they matter.

Our team can help you at any stage. We support people who want to start a new co-op, improve an existing one, or turn a business into a cooperative.

We are the only university-based center in the U.S. that works with all types of cooperatives.

We provide useful education and research that support people and communities from many different backgrounds.

Learn About Our Work

Meet Our Team

Cooperative Resources

Whether you’re new to cooperatives or looking to grow, we offer research and practical resources—like toolkits, sample documents, and sector-specific guidance—to support you.

Learn the basics

Explore a co-op type or sector

Start or convert to a co-op

Strengthen your co-op

Featured Events

New Co-op Employee Training Available

Cooperative Roots helps co-op employees understand the co-op model, why it matters, and how to explain the cooperative difference—building pride, clarity, and connection to members and communities.

Learn about the training