Co-op Curious Learning Path

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Explore the basics of cooperative business through a guided path for people who want to understand shared ownership, local decision-making, and community-rooted action.

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Homegrown Prosperity is a two-year rural cooperative development initiative led by the Kansas Farmers Union (KFU), Missouri Farmers Union (MFU), and Common Ground Producers & Growers (CGPG) in partnership with NCBA CLUSA.

Supported by a 2025 grant from The Patterson Family Foundation, the initiative strengthens cooperative ecosystems and expands community-owned economic opportunities in underserved rural counties across Kansas and Missouri.

Core Program Components

1. Cooperative Education & Literacy

Partner-led training modules adapted for rural communities, covering: Cooperative principles and models Financial structures Governance and leadership

2. Community Outreach & Education

Locally-driven recruitment efforts to surface rural innovators and cooperative development opportunities.

3. Readiness Assessment & Selection

A two-step process using: Self-assessments Secondary readiness reviews to identify groups prepared for deeper incubation support.

4. Incubation & Technical Assistance

Early-stage cooperative development services, including: Business planning Governance development Financial strategies Feasibility analysis and support

Expected Outcomes

Homegrown Prosperity will:

Increase cooperative literacy across rural communities Strengthen local leadership and organizational readiness Support the launch of viable cooperative enterprises Contribute to long-term rural prosperity through community-led solutions.

Cooperative Business Opportunities

Cooperatives strengthen rural communities by meeting everyday needs through locally owned businesses—like child care, housing, grocery co ops, home care and shared purchasing that help families and small businesses afford reliable services. They also support the rural economy through agricultural and producer co-ops that give farmers and entrepreneurs more power in markets, keep value-added jobs nearby, and reinvest profits locally.

Project Catchment Area

Counties that are shaded are part of the project's catchment area.

For more information or partnership engagement, please contact:

Kara Walker - Cooperative Engagement & Outreach Specialist

kara@kansasfarmersunion.org 417.988.5898

Start your Co-op Curious learning journey.

Core Program Components

Expected Outcomes

Cooperative Business Opportunities

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