Financial Management in a Recession:
Economic participation through member equity contributions is a core principle of the cooperative model. But member equity is sometimes not enough to grow or sustain the business. Securing outside sources of capital has always been a challenge for co-ops and in this ailing economy, co-ops face an even greater uphill battle to find capital. But it is a time for innovation and for taking advantage of some of the public and private financing programs that are available. This panel will present ideas and information about where to find capital -- both from within the co-op and from outside sources -- and how to save the world, one co-op at a time.

Mary Griffin, Panel Chair - Will discuss opportunities in the stimulus bill for federal financing.

Rebecca Dunn - Will discuss how private co-op loan and equity funds can help change the world by supporting cooperative development.

Brian Hennehan - Will discuss what one large co-op did to bring outside venture capital to support growth of a co-op.

Alistair Williamson - Will talk about how members and nonmembers can invest in a co-op through the use of preferred shares.