Our Cooperative Model
Our cooperative model makes us very different from other entrepreneurship programs. As a cooperative, we are owned by our members. This means that you are part of a real community that shares in our profits and has a say in how we are run.
Our Cooperative Members
We are a multi-stakeholder cooperative comprised of entrepreneur, worker, and investor members.
Entrepreneur Members
Entrepreneurs who we have worked with in our Bootcamp, Academy, and Advising programs who have met all the requirements for membership.
Worker Members
Our instructors and mentors, who support you in building a thriving business, as well as our support staff, who run day-to-day operations of our programs.
Investor Members
Investors who provide capital for our cooperative to grow and expand into other areas.
Become an Entrepreneur Member
To become an entrepreneur member of the cooperative, you must complete one of our programs and meet our membership requirements.
Entrepreneur Member Benefits
Create a Resilient, Thriving Business
Through your enrollment in our programs, you receive hands-on guidance in starting, planning, growing, funding, leading, and keeping your business in your community. Even after completing a program with us, we provide you with opportunities to extend your experience and plug into our alumni network to help your business thrive.
Be a Part of a Community
As an Uptima entrepreneur, you are part of a nationwide community that includes other entrepreneurs, business mentors and staff, and mission-aligned partners. Through this community, you have ongoing access to our online content, community discussions and special discount offers to events and business resources.
Share in Our Profits
You are investing in a business that shares wealth with its community. That includes providing you with a share in the operating profits of the cooperative and the cash proceeds from the fund created by the equity stakes of past, present, and future entrepreneur members.
Shape Our Direction
You have the opportunity to participate in shaping the cooperative. As an entrepreneur member, you can help direct and influence the direction of the cooperative by electing the Board of Directors to represent you. You also have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors or one of its committees and vote on items relevant to maintaining a healthy cooperative.
