Category

Our Next Community Care Call is July 10!

Fred

We invite you to join our next Open Road Fund Community Care Call! The Care Calls are a series of three healing and learning sessions about African ancestry hosted by three Black mental health practitioners: Dr. Aja King, Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, and Dr. Cedric Weatherspoon.

As folks descended from African people who were enslaved, we understand that the questions about ancestry in our application, though necessary, can bring up a variety of feelings—some of us may experience uncertainty and not-knowing. We are offering these sessions as a way to help process and explore these emotions. Our intention is to hold a space where our people can heal from the sense of personal shame, sadness, and anger about our origins.

Our second call will be held Thursday, July 10, 6-8 pm CT on Zoom. We hope to see you there!

Register here

Space for these sessions is limited to 100 people on a first–come, first–served basis. If you already feel knowledgeable about your ancestry, please make space for folks seeking to learn. 

 

Since April, our Shared Ownership Center has been hosting business-planning webinars that break down the key components in running a successful business. From concept to plan, we’ve gone over structure, finances, and fundraising, with a focus on creating and transitioning to a worker-owner cooperative business. Thank you to everyone who’s been along for the journey!

Missed a session? Check out the recordings here!

Our final webinar, Application for the LOCAL Fund, is Thursday, June 26, 3-4:30 pm CT. Now that you know the business planning basics, it’s time to learn how the LOCAL Fund can help! We’ll review the parts, process, and timeline for the application. Fill out the form below to register!

Business Planning Webinar Series 
Session 7: How to Apply for the LOCAL Fund  

Thank you for your interest in the Shared Ownership Center's Business Planning Webinar Series. Registration for this session is now closed. 

 

To learn more about the LOCAL Fund, go to: https://nexuscp.org/program/shared-ownership-center-at-nexus/local-fund/

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1612 awarded to Nexus Community Partners by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Join us Wednesday, June 18, 3-4:30 pm CT to learn the Five C’s of Cooperative Credit, how to shop around for the right loan, and go over a sample loan application!

Each session in our Business Planning Webinar Series builds upon the last and is aligned with the LOCAL Fund application. By the end of the series, if the LOCAL Fund is a good fit for you and your team, you will be ready to apply!

Fill out the form below to register for Session 6: Access to Capital.

Business Planning Webinar Series 
Session 6: Access to Capital 

Thank you for your interest in the Shared Ownership Center's Business Planning Webinar Series. Registration for this session is now closed. 

 

To learn more about the LOCAL Fund, go to: https://nexuscp.org/program/shared-ownership-center-at-nexus/local-fund/

 

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1612 awarded to Nexus Community Partners by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Want to learn more about the Open Road Fund? Watch the recording of our June 4 information session or come to our next live webinar on June 25! We will talk about the Fund, the 2025 application process, and answer your questions. The 2025 Open Road Fund launches on Juneteenth (June 19)!

RSVP: Info Session 2, June 25, 12-1:30 pm

During these sessions, we:

  • Introduce the Open Road Fund (ORF) and the Open Road team
  • Show participants how to apply, including a live walkthrough of the application
  • Explain how the Open Road Fund selects grantees, and answer any questions you may have
  • Discuss what wealth-building grant awards can be used for

ORF info sessions are free, virtual, and open to the community. Watch our replay below!

Join our fifth Business Planning Webinar on Thursday, June 5, 3-4:30 pm CT! We’ll cover everything you need to know about startup costs, revenue, expenses and more.

Each webinar builds upon the last and is aligned with the LOCAL Fund application. By the end of the series, if the LOCAL Fund is a good fit for you and your team, you will be ready to apply! Missed a session? Find the recordings here.

Fill out the form below to register for Session 5: Projections, Sources & Uses.

Business Planning Webinar Series 
Session 5: Projections, Sources & Uses 

Thank you for your interest in the Shared Ownership Center's Business Planning Webinar Series. Registration for this session is now closed. 

To learn more about the LOCAL Fund, go to: https://nexuscp.org/program/shared-ownership-center-at-nexus/local-fund/ 

 

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1612 awarded to Nexus Community Partners by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The Open Road Fund will be hosting our first Community Care Call for the 2025 giftmaking season! These calls are set up to address the uncertainty and potential discomfort around filling out the Open Road Fund application and answering questions about your ancestry. Sessions are facilitated by three Black mental health practitioners: Dr. Aja King, Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, and Dr. Cedric Weatherspoon. Our first call will be held Thursday, May 29, 6-8 pm CT on Zoom. We hope to see you there!

Register here

Space for these sessions is limited to 100 people on a first–come, first–served basis. If you already feel knowledgeable about your ancestry, please make space for folks seeking to learn. 

 

Our Business Planning Webinar Series is in full swing! Join our fourth session, Conversion Basics, on Thursday, May 22, 3-4:30 pm CT. We’ll dive into the feasibility of converting existing businesses into cooperatives and go over the transition process.

Each webinar builds upon the last and is aligned with the LOCAL Fund application. By the end of the series, if the LOCAL Fund is a good fit for you and your team, you will be ready to apply!

Fill out the form below to register for Session 4: Conversion Basics.

Business Planning Webinar Series
Session 4: Conversion Basics

Thank you for your interest in the Shared Ownership Center's Business Planning Webinar Series. Registration for this session is now closed. 

To learn more about the LOCAL Fund, go to: https://nexuscp.org/program/shared-ownership-center-at-nexus/local-fund/ 

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1612 awarded to Nexus Community Partners by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Our friends at CoMinnesota, Minnesota Farmers Union, the University of Minnesota Morris, and West Central Initiative are launching the first-ever Minnesota Cooperative Summit this summer! Hear from speakers (including Nexus!) on how co-ops have been powering progress for generations.

Minnesota has a rich history of cooperative success, from rural electricity to credit unions to local food systems. The Minnesota Cooperative Summit is your chance to connect with this legacy, learn from innovators, and be part of the next chapter in cooperative development.

You don’t need to be in a co-op to attend. This event is designed to inspire newcomers, spark partnerships, and bring fresh energy to the idea of shared ownership. This event is for YOU if you’re:

  • Interested in launching a community-based project
  • A leader seeking new ways to retain employees or pass along your business
  • Curious about models that center people, not just profit

Join us July 30 at the University of Minnesota Morris! Learn more and register here.

Center your health and healing in the final workshop of our 2025 Community Education Session lineup! Fill out the form below to register.

Our guest speaker is Dr. Aja King, LPCC, Ed.D, a counseling psychologist and founder of Brave Defiance. Dr. King creates retreats and healing spaces for those seeking to be nurtured to their maximum health and potential. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. King has dedicated her life to guiding others through the mental health and wellness journey. She utilizes a holistic approach which includes Reiki, Healing Touch, Sound Therapy, Breathwork, and meditation.

Health and Healing                                                   Workshop #5 Registration

Open Road Fund Community Education Sessions


Rest is the Revolution:

Where do we get to be playful? Where do we get to relax?

Join the Open Road Fund for this workshop, which will explore how to resist being consumed by a chaotic world and find space for joy and play.


Guest presenter: Dr. Aja King Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, EdD, LPCC (she, her)


There will be a random prize drawing for two $50 Visa gift cards. You must be registered, attend the session in its entirety, and be present to win. 


Wednesday, May 14, 2025

6:00 - 7:30 pm CDT

Zoom


The Open Road Fund Community Education Sessions are free, virtual, live, and open to all while centering Black people and Black experiences. This is a Black-centered space where we will prioritize uplifting Black voices and safety.

The first 500 participants to enter the Zoom webinar will be admitted. If there is full capacity, any guests that registered but are not able to enter the Zoom webinar will receive a recording of the session.













Contact Information

We kicked off our LOCAL Fund webinar series with a business plan breakdown and co-op creation guidelines. Our third session, Finance 101, takes place Thursday, May 8, 3-4:30 pm CT on Zoom. Learn the ins and outs of budgeting, balance sheets, and cash flows!

Each webinar builds upon the last and is aligned with the LOCAL Fund application. By the end of the series, if the LOCAL Fund is a good fit for you and your team, you will be ready to apply!

Fill out the form below to register for Session 3: Finance 101.

Business Planning Webinar Series
Session 3: Finance 101

Thank you for your interest in the Shared Ownership Center's Business Planning Webinar Series. Registration for this session is now closed. 

To learn more about the LOCAL Fund, go to: https://nexuscp.org/program/shared-ownership-center-at-nexus/local-fund/ 

 

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1612 awarded to Nexus Community Partners by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Make your co-op dream a reality with the Shared Ownership Center @ Nexus! The second session in our spring webinar series takes place Thursday, April 24, 3-4:30 pm CT on Zoom. We’ll cover how to assemble your dream team, start planning your bylaws, and accessing an attorney and technical assistance.

Each webinar builds upon the last and is aligned with the LOCAL Fund application. By the end of the series, if the LOCAL Fund is a good fit for you and your team, you will be ready to apply!

Fill out the form below to register for Session 2: Creating Your Cooperative.

Business Planning Webinar Series
Session 2: Creating Your Cooperative

Sorry, this form is not available.

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1612 awarded to Nexus Community Partners by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Our April workshop explores pursuing and financing higher education through a university or college. Jered Pigeon, Campus Diversity Officer and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Minnesota State University – Moorhead, will also discuss some of the challenges and pressures of achieving an accredited education. Fill out the form below to register!

Jered Pigeon is a seasoned business analyst and company strategist with over 12 years of experience advising and consulting institutions in both the education and manufacturing sectors. Specializing in hiring and recruiting strategies, fostering organizational growth through cultural initiatives, and providing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion coaching, Jered is dedicated to facilitating positive change within organizations.

Education                                                                     Workshop #4 Registration

Open Road Fund Community Education Sessions


Liberation; Education:

Join the Open Road Fund for this workshop that explores pursuing and financing higher education through an accredited university or college. We will also explore some of the challenges and pressures of achieving an accredited education (being the first in one's family to earn a degree, etc). Jered Pigeon, Minnesota State University, will present during this workshop.


There will be a random prize drawing for two $50 Visa gift cards. You must be registered, attend the session in its entirety, and be present to win. 


Wednesday, April 23, 2025

6:00 - 7:30 pm CST

Zoom


The Open Road Fund Community Education Sessions are free, virtual, live, and open to all while centering Black people and Black experiences. This is a Black-centered space where we will prioritize uplifting Black voices and safety.

The first 500 participants to enter the Zoom webinar will be admitted. If there is full capacity, any guests that registered but are not able to enter the Zoom webinar will receive a recording of the session.













Contact Information