Events

Virtual Kickoff and Summer Social: Join the Athens.coop Launch Activities

Athens.coop is taking its next steps—and we invite you to be part of the journey.

Following the Shared Futures training program, we are launching a new season of connection, collaboration, and cooperative development through a series of virtual and in-person events designed to support emerging ideas and strengthen our local cooperative ecosystem.

We begin with a Virtual Co-op Launch Kickoff on Saturday, April 25 from 1–2 PM, where participants will reconnect, share ideas, and take advantage of opportunities for start-up coaching, co-working, networking, and cooperative development support. This virtual session will introduce the next phase of engagement and help participants explore pathways for bringing their cooperative ideas to life.

Virtual Co-op Launch Kickoff

This session introduces the next phase of engagement and provides practical pathways to bring your cooperative ideas to life.

Reserve Your Spot

Details:

Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Format: Online Event

Description:

Reconnect with fellow participants, share ideas, and explore opportunities for:

Start-up coaching
Co-working support Networking
Cooperative development guidance

The momentum continues with our Summer Social Luncheon on Saturday, May 23 from 1–4 PM at the Athens Library, an in-person gathering designed to deepen relationships, celebrate progress, and create space for collaboration. This event will bring together Co-op educators and consultants, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents interested in building cooperative businesses and shared economic opportunities in Athens.

Summer Social Luncheon

Together, we’ll explore how to build cooperative businesses and shared economic opportunities in Athens.

Join the Luncheon

Details:

Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Athens Library

Description:

An in-person gathering designed to:

Deepen relationships
Celebrate progress
Spark collaboration

You’ll connect with:

Co-op educators & consultants
Community leaders
Entrepreneurs
Local residents

These events are open to:

Community leaders

Entrepreneurs & startups

Local businesses

Cooperative enthusiasts

Special Encouragement:

We especially welcome:

Women-led enterprises

Veterans

LGBTQ+ founders

BIPOC-owned businesses

Whether you are exploring a new cooperative idea, looking to connect with others, or seeking guidance on next steps, these gatherings are designed to support your journey.

What You'll Gain

Meaningful Connections

Build relationships with like-minded individuals.

Practical Support

Access coaching, tools, and expert guidance.

Real Opportunities

Turn ideas into cooperative ventures.

Join us. Connect. Collaborate. Build the future—together.

Join a growing movement of people committed to collaboration, shared ownership, and community-driven success.

About

The Georgia Cooperative Development Center (GCDC) empowers communities through cooperative business models. We provide technical assistance, education, and support to new and existing co-ops across the state.