The Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC) continues to push forward alternative and cooperative economics for the city of Brockton. A third grant cycle started in January 2024 and is funding the BIC team of Co-op Cultivators of Greater Brockton (CCGB). CoopMatters is proud to be working with a coalition of organizations in a collaborative effort to develop a cooperative business ecosystem as part of CCGB.

Businesses already established in Brockton are contributing real business and cultural perspective to CCGB. Black Owned Brockton, Resilient Roses Respite, and Coach Bri Nichols, bring business support, community support, and consulting expertise. Adding technical cooperative development assistance is the Dorchester-based Boston Center for Community Ownership (BCCO) with years of wide-ranging cooperative development experience. CoopMatters, based in Canton, is a marketing and technical support contributor. The Democracy at Work Institute will provide expertise from a national perspective.

The CCGB team wouldn’t be complete without the contributors to the cause from the BIC community. Directors, Community Organizers, and volunteers have helped guide the cause since its inception in 2018. Equal Exchange in West Bridgewater has contributed with use of their space and tours of their facility. CCGB is also grateful for the use of space at Brockton Community Access TV in past years as well as the Brockton Public Library.

In 2024 we have an exciting series of events and workshops for businesses or anyone interested in collaborative and cooperative business development. We look forward to engaging with potential, and current, business owners. The many practical and sustainable benefits of cooperative businesses is a valuable addition to any community. Stay tuned for our events in Brockton, MA.