Building a Solidarity Economy, One Business at a Time.
We believe that business should serve people and planet—not the other way around. That is why our business development services are designed to foster a solidarity economy here in Humboldt County: a local economic system rooted in cooperation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Whether you are launching a small business, scaling an existing venture, starting or converting to a worker-owned cooperative, we offer the expert guidance, proven frameworks, and community support you need to succeed—while keeping wealth and decision-making local.
From our Worker Co-Op Academy to CO.STARTERS bootcamps, we are here to help you build a business that builds community.
Worker co-op academy
A multi-week course led by cooperative economics expert Emily Kawano that equips teams of two or more with the knowledge and practical tools to start or transition a business to a democratic, worker-owned cooperative model.
co.starters bootcamp
A fast-paced, four-session workshop designed to help new or stuck businesses get unstuck, validate their ideas, and develop a clear action plan to move forward with confidence.
co.starters core program
A 10-week in-depth, cohort-based program that guides you through customer discovery, business modeling, and launch planning, now enhanced with FINSYNC’s digital tools and AI assistant to streamline your journey from idea to enterprise.