About Us
Our Story
NWCDC is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), organization devoted to assisting new and existing cooperative businesses in every sector with a special emphasis on Resident Owned Communities, home care agencies, and converting existing businesses into worker-owned or community-owned cooperatives.
We understand that when consumers, producers or workers become business owners of a cooperative, their individual and collective responsibilities greatly increase. New owners face significant challenges to organize, get started and stay on track with a new cooperative business.
To help with these challenges, NWCDC provides facilitation, advising, analysis, and access to information and tools for cooperatives. Our pre-development work with startups helps to build business ownership, sound management practices, and economic health.
NWCDC is an active member of the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA), US Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC), and CooperationWorks!, the cooperative development network.
NWCDC aligns with the CooperationWorks! Principles and the Statement on the Cooperative Identity.
Meet our team
Where we are
We acknowledge
NWCDC’s physical location is in Olympia, WA part of the region covered by the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854 signed under duress. NWCDC acknowledges the Indigenous People of the Medicine Creek Treaty: Coast Salish People and Sahewamish Tribe who are the traditional custodians of this land. We also honor the Nisqually Tribe and Squaxin Island Tribe and pay respect to elders past and present and we extend that respect to other Native People with whom we engage throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
We serve
NWCDC primarily supports cooperatives in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho but has also supported projects as far away as Alaska and Hawai’i. Founded by cooperatives in 1979, the Center has grown into the Northwest’s leading provider of services for co-op business development. We have a long history of collaborating with communities, governments, economic development agencies, and other cooperatives, sharing expertise and building cross-sector support for new and existing cooperatives
Our Vision, Mission, Values, and Aspirations
Vision
To be the recognized leader in the development of cooperative businesses.
Mission
The Mission of the Northwest Cooperative Development Center is to foster community economic development, primarily through the cooperative business model.
Values
- True to Cooperative Spirit
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Quality
- Innovative
- Competence
Aspirations
Sustainability
NWCDC is the “Go To” agency, sought after for its skills and resources. It is recognized as the leader of co-op development, providing expertise and creative solutions leading to financial sustainability.
Funding
The Center provides services in a way that strengthens its own support network, in turn providing more stable funding opportunities for the future. Grants and investment based funding are supplemented by compelling successful projects to foster additional development through the Center.
Public Relations
NWCDC has a planned, proactive approach and culture of communication that informs the public of its skills and services. It continually maintains an ongoing dialogue and sharing of [project] stories.
Expertise
NWCDC has the appropriate skills and resources to assist its clients in meeting their business development needs. In anticipation of a dynamic changing world NWCDC offers consistent opportunities for professional and individual development, which constantly improves performance and range of services.
Teamwork
NWCDC has a plan that empowers the staff and board to contribute to the success and direction of the Center. Information is shared regularly that fosters open problem-solving and creative solutions.
Accountability
NWCDC clearly shows beneficial results of its work. It tracks and evaluates progress and challenges with transparent measurements.
The benefits of working with us
NWCDC offers unmatched expertise in cooperative development, providing essential education and technical support from inception to operation.
Through its revolving loan fund and partnerships with co-op centric lenders, NWCDC equips cooperatives with the financial resources needed for startup and growth.
NWCDC champions a commitment to community by promoting inclusivity and equitable development, ensuring the cooperative model benefits a diverse range of traditionally under-served populations.
