About UWCC
About UWCC
The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives was established in 1962. We seek to increase understanding and encourage critical thinking about cooperatives by fostering scholarship and mutual learning among academics, the cooperative community, policymakers, and the public.
We examine cooperative issues across business and social sectors through a research, education, and outreach agenda. Our interdisciplinary programs build on the resources of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, and are implemented through partnerships with UW faculty and staff, Extension staff, federal and state agencies, state cooperative councils, cooperative business groups, and others.
What We Do
The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) is a trusted and unbiased voice on the cooperative business model serving the needs of cooperatives in Wisconsin and beyond. With a strong public service orientation and access to world-class university resources, we leverage research, education, and outreach capabilities to foster critical thinking and understanding about cooperatives. As the only U.S. university-based center that studies and supports all forms of cooperative business, UWCC provides valued education and research to a diverse range of communities.
Cooperative Development
Our team of cooperative development specialists is available to help you start a new co-op, strengthen an established co-op, or convert an existing business to the cooperative structure. If you are located in a rural area of Wisconsin, technical assistance may be covered by our USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant.
Cooperative Start-Up
UWCC assists start-up co-ops in the following areas: organizational development, member surveys, community and stakeholder meetings, feasibility analysis and business plans, membership drives, capitalization strategies, development of bylaws and articles of incorporation, board training, and policy development. Additionally, we provide referrals to legal, accounting, and other professional service providers. Please see our cooperative start-up page for more information.
Support for Established Cooperatives
Support to established cooperatives includes member training and education, strategic planning, meeting facilitation, board training, policy development, board and management evaluations, and referrals to appropriate legal, accounting, and other professional services.
Succession Planning and Cooperative Conversions
UWCC assists businesses looking to transition to the cooperative model. Support includes transition planning and timeline development, management and governance succession planning, and referrals to appropriate legal, accounting, and other professional services. Please see our Cooperative Conversion page for more resources.
Whether you’re starting a new co-op, strengthening an existing one, or exploring a cooperative conversion, UWCC can help you navigate the process.
Education and Training
We believe people learn best when they learn from one another. UWCC brings cooperative leaders, staff, and supporters together through conferences, workshops, webinars, and customized training programs.
Director Training
Strong boards are essential to strong cooperatives. UWCC offers governance training programs that help directors understand their roles and responsibilities and build the skills needed to lead effectively. Learn more about director training opportunities.
Employee Training
Employees play an important role in the success of a cooperative. UWCC provides training designed for cooperative employees who want to deepen their understanding of the cooperative business model and how cooperatives operate. Learn more about employee training opportunities.
CCMA
CCMA is the national conference for food cooperative directors, managers, staff, and sector allies. Organized annually by the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, CCMA brings together food co-op leaders and partners from across the country to learn, connect, and strengthen the cooperative movement. Learn about the CCMA conference.
Custom Board and Leadership Training
Every cooperative has unique needs. UWCC can create customized training programs for boards and leadership teams that focus on your organization’s governance, strategy, and leadership challenges. Contact UWCC about custom training opportunities.
International Cooperative Groups
We also host international cooperative groups interested in learning about the U.S. cooperative movement and visiting local cooperatives. Contact UWCC about International Cooperative visits.
Developing Future Cooperative Leaders
UWCC helps prepare the next generation of cooperative leaders through university courses, student engagement opportunities, and scholarship programs. For more information, please see our Students page.
Research
UWCC’s research is guided by the needs and experiences of cooperatives. The questions we explore come from our work with cooperative members, leaders, and communities. In turn, the information we learn helps improve our education, outreach, and cooperative development programs.
Our research focuses on topics that help cooperatives succeed, including governance, member engagement, and the economic and social impact of cooperatives.
Cooperative Governance Research Initiative
UWCC leads a national research project that examines governance practices across different types of cooperatives. The goal is to provide data and insights that help cooperatives strengthen their boards, decision-making processes, and organizational culture. Learn more about the Cooperative Governance Research Initiative.
Research on Emerging Issues
UWCC also studies new and evolving issues that affect cooperatives and their members. By staying connected to the cooperative community, we can identify important questions and explore topics that matter most.
Recent areas of research include: the role of cooperatives in supporting economic and social well-being; workplace democracy, member experiences and engagement; and cooperative governance. Learn more about our work on the Research page.
Mission, Vision, & Values
Mission Statement
Rooted in Wisconsin’s rich cooperative legacy, UWCC delivers collaborative, innovative, and research‑informed education and resources to help people start and sustain cooperatives that meet the needs of communities in Wisconsin and beyond.
Vision Statement
UWCC works toward a future of collective wellbeing for all, where cooperatives are a vital part of a society grounded in dignity, fairness, and interconnection.
Values Statements:
Solidarity: We stand in solidarity with people improving lives and communities, fostering voice and agency within our team and beyond.
Humility: We approach our work with humility, cultivating reciprocal relationships built on trust and shared purpose.
Integrity: We act with integrity, stewarding entrusted resources and ideas with accountability and care.
Excellence: We strive for excellence anchored by cooperative values, taking pride in rigorous scholarship and responsive service that create lasting impact.
Land Acknowledgement
The UW Center for Cooperatives occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary land of the Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) Nation, who have referred to this place as Teejop (day-JOPE) since time immemorial. In an 1832 treaty, the Hoocąk were forced to cede this territory. Decades of ethnic cleansing followed when both the federal and state government repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, sought to forcibly remove the Hoocąk from Wisconsin.
We acknowledge the circumstances that led to the forced removal of the Hoocąk people and honor their legacy of resistance and resilience. We humbly approach our shared future and collaboration with a recognition of this history of colonization.
We recognize, honor and respect the Hoocąk Nation, the other eleven Native Nations whose territories are within Wisconsin, and the more than 50,000 tribal members, who call Wisconsin home.