The Jackson County Chamber will host a Co-Op Academy in partnership with the Indiana Cooperative Development Center to help individuals with the necessary steps in creating a cooperative business.

The Jackson County Co-op Academy is a seven-week program designed to introduced participants to the cooperative business model and equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop a cooperative of their own.

Participants will learn from seasoned experts on a range of topics, including cooperative principles, business planning and governance, ensuring they are well-acquainted with all the necessary steps to create a cooperative business.

This academy is the first of its kind in Indiana and is being supported by a Rural Development Grant from the USDA. The Jackson County Chamber was selected as a partner to host the academy due to its history of growing and supporting successful home-grown businesses.

The Co-op Academy will provide another set of tools that can be used by individuals to address a problem or need common to each person that can only be solved through working together.

Those interested in participating in the Co-op Academy should email ICDC Director Deb Trocha at [email protected].