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WAGES provides ongoing support to co-ops at all stages of development.
When founding a co-op, WAGES provides the organizing framework for each cooperative, although the businesses are owned completely by their workers from the start. We work intensively with the members during a 3 - 4 year incubation period, helping the members develop skills and the cooperative grow its client base.
During incubation, we offer a range of personal and professional development opportunities for co-op members including business basics, eco-friendly cleaning, financial literacy, quality control, marketing, customer service, and vocational ESL. Our group activities foster positive communication and democratic decision-making, cornerstones of successful cooperative businesses.
After co-ops graduate from our incubation program and operate without subsidies from WAGES, we continue to provide technical assistance and training for these mature businesses. We help them maintain a healthy work culture, sharpen core business functions, and develop the leadership skills of co-op members.
Members of mature co-ops are invited to participate in continuing education opportunities offered by WAGES designed to promote eco-friendly cleaning and co-operative business development.