"All are fed. No one is hungry!"

Homegrown Prosperity Education

Ways you can learn about CO-OPs

  • LaunchBox Training Platform
  • Private Education Sessions
  • Monthly Vitural Sessions
  • CO-OP technical assistance
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Homegrown Prosperity is designed to prioritize people, communities, and cooperatives (co-ops) located in, or directly serving, rural counties in Kansas and western Missouri with fewer than 50,000 residents.

We believe strong cooperative ecosystems are built through shared learning, trusted relationships, and accessible support. Our educational offerings encourage broader participation, while our co-op development services remain centered on eligible rural communities.

We are powered by partners with a shared commitment to rural communities, local ownership, and cooperative solutions.

Together we…

  • Build locally owned, community-rooted businesses
  • Strengthen rural economies and leadership
  • Turn shared challenges into shared solutions

Co-op Curious Learning Path

Your Journey Starts Here!
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By clicking the button above you will have a chance to start a journey through our LaunchBox that breaks co-op concepts into approachable lessons. The Launchbox is open to all who are CO-OP Curious.

You can explore our Launchbox model, track progress, and decide whether shared ownership could fit a local need. So, grab your notebook and get ready to follow along with the interactive model.

Events & Trainings

The CO-OP Series

Event has ended. More educational co-op sessions will be available soon! If you’d like to host your own, scroll down and contact our coordinator.

Click "Register Here!" to register for all three sessions in the series. You do not have to attend all three, you can choose the ones you'd like to attend.
Register Here!

Join us on Tuesday, July 7 at noon for the first in a three-part series to explore cooperatives and connect with others interested in community-owned business solutions across Kansas and Missouri.

  • Tuesday, July 7 at noon: Co-op Introduction
  • Tuesday, July 14 at noon: Co-op Finances
  • Tuesday, July 21 at noon: Co-op Structure

We’d love to have you for all three webinars, but feel free to check out how ever many you’d like. We will have time for Q&As and discussion, so bring your questions and thoughts.

You’ll also learn about free trainings, customized support, technical assistance, and practical resources available through Homegrown Prosperity for groups exploring cooperative ideas, strengthening existing efforts, or looking for new ways to build local opportunities. No matter where you are in the process, we’re ready to meet you there.

Whether you’re just curious about cooperatives or already working on a community idea, we’d love to connect with you.

Come learn, connect, and explore what’s possible through cooperation.

To learn more about the program, participants can also review two short resources describing the Homegrown Prosperity educational convenings and the technical assistance opportunities available to groups interested in cooperative development.

The Partners

NCBA CLUSA

Bringing the cooperative model to life. NCBA CLUSA is: the national leader in cooperative development, has deep expertise in training, governance, and business development, and connects communities to proven tools, resources, and networks. Their role in Homegrown Prosperity is to guide the overall approach, deliver education and training, and support communities from idea to launch. CLICK to learn more.

Common Ground Producers & Growers

Connecting producers. Strengthening markets. Common Ground has a producer-led network focused on local and regional food systems, expertise in aggregation, distribution, and market access, and strong relationships with growers and buyers. Their role in Homegrown Prosperity is Providing real-world market insight and helping identify viable cooperative opportunities rooted in producer needs. CLICK to learn more.

Kansas Farmers Union

Rooted in Kansas. Trusted by producers. The Kansas Farmers Union has strong relationships across rural Kansas, history of farmer advocacy and cooperative leadership, and deep understanding of local challenges and opportunities. Their role in the Homegrown Prosperity is to lead outreach and engagement in Kansas and connect communities to cooperative education and support. CLICK to learn more.

Missouri Farmers Union

Building cooperative solutions in Missouri. The Missouri Farmers Union has a longstanding commitment to family farms and rural communities, experience in cooperative development and education, and a strong statewide network of producers and partners. Their role in Homegrown Prosperity is to expand access to cooperative training and support community-driven solutions across rural Missouri. CLICK to learn more.

Different strengths. One shared purpose.

To learn more about the Homegrown Prosperity Cooperative Education Program, download our FAQs sheet.

Download the FAQs Sheet

Where We Serve

The shaded counties is the catchment area of the project.
To get help starting your co-op or to learn more about the Homegrown Prosperity Program, click the contact button to sign up for the email list or contact Kara.

Kara Can:

  • Private Education Sessions
  • Monthly Vitural Community Education Sessions
  • Connect you with technical assistance.
Subscribe Here!

Kara Walker | Cooperative Engagement & Outreach Specialist | Kansas Farmers Union
kara@kansasfarmersunion.org | (417) 988-5898 (call or tex)