Economic Opportunity

Building Community Wealth Through Cooperative Business Models: Watch the Nexus Webinar Replays

August 8th, 2025

At the East Metro Civic Alliance (EMCA), we know that economic justice and community ownership are central to building a thriving, inclusive future for all Minnesotans. That’s why we’re excited to share a valuable resource with our network: the Business Planning Webinar Series hosted by Nexus Community Partners’ Shared Ownership Center.

If you missed these live sessions, the replays are now available online: Missed Our Business Planning Webinars? Watch the Replays.

Why This Matters for EMCA Communities

Minnesotans of African Heritage and other communities of color continue to face deep barriers to wealth-building and business ownership. Too often, our neighborhoods see businesses close or change hands without opportunities for local ownership. Worker-owner cooperatives are one pathway to change this reality.

Cooperatives keep wealth circulating in our communities, create good jobs, and allow workers to have a real stake in the businesses they help build. These models are about more than economics — they are about self-determination, equity, and power-sharing.

This is why EMCA supports efforts like the Nexus webinar series, which gives practical tools to community members ready to launch or strengthen a cooperative.

EMCA’s Perspective

At EMCA, we see cooperative ownership as part of a broader housing and economic justice strategy. Just as we advocate for affordable, stable housing for African American families, we also support community-driven economic models that build wealth and stability.

This series is more than training; it is an invitation to reimagine what ownership looks like in our communities. It is a call to build businesses that reflect our values, strengthen our families, and sustain our neighborhoods.

Take the Next Step

We encourage our members and partners to:

  1. Watch the webinars at your own pace: Click here for the replay series.
  2. Discuss with your networks what kinds of cooperative businesses could meet local needs.
  3. Reach out to EMCA if you’re exploring cooperative ownership and want to connect with others doing this work.
  4. Apply for support through the LOCAL Fund or seek technical assistance from Nexus Community Partners.

Together Toward Community Wealth

Worker-owner cooperatives are a powerful tool for advancing EMCA’s mission of equity and opportunity. By watching these webinars and engaging in the conversation, you can help move us closer to a future where ownership — and the wealth it generates — stays in community hands.

Let’s build that future together.