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2026 Montana Co-Op Academy
Building Montana’s next generation of cooperative leaders and community builders.
The 2026 Montana Co-op Academy is a two-track training and connection event for cooperative leaders, rising leaders, outreach staff, community partners, and people supporting cooperative development work across Montana.
Hosted by the Montana Council of Cooperatives and co-hosted with Montana’s Credit Unions, the Academy will bring together people working inside existing co-ops and people helping communities explore cooperative solutions.
Made possible with support from the Cooperative Development Foundation and the Montana Department of Commerce.
Event Details
October 19–21, 2026
Bozeman, Montana
SpringHill Suites Bozeman
Monday afternoon
Tuesday full day
Wednesday morning
Two tracks available:
Cooperative Leadership
Cooperative Development & Community Engagement
Choose The Track That Fits Your Role
Cooperative Leadership Track
For people leading inside existing co-ops or preparing for greater responsibility.
Best fit for:
- managers, directors, and department heads
- senior staff and rising leaders
- branch managers and team leads
- outreach, communications, and member engagement staff inside co-ops
- people preparing for future leadership roles
Participants will focus on leadership foundations, communication, cooperative culture, governance, succession, conflict management, and leading inside a member-owned business.
Cooperative Development & Community Engagement Track
For people helping communities explore shared needs and cooperative solutions.
Best fit for:
- Extension and economic development professionals
- community partners
- cooperative development supporters
- food systems, rural development, and local ownership partners
- students or emerging professionals interested in cooperative development
- people helping communities organize around shared needs
Participants will focus on cooperative models, Montana’s cooperative ecosystem, community engagement, ethics, facilitation, case studies, and practical development tools.
This Academy is designed for:
- current and rising cooperative leaders
- managers, directors, department heads, and senior staff
- credit union leaders and emerging leaders
- outreach, communications, and member engagement staff
- Extension, economic development, and community development partners
- people supporting cooperative development work
- students and emerging professionals interested in cooperatives,
Why attend:
Practical leadership tools
Stronger cooperative culture
Cross-sector connections
Community engagement skills
Applied work
A statewide peer network
Agenda preview
Mon, Oct 19
Welcome, Why Cooperatives Matter, track introductions, peer reflection, and Rocky Mountain Credit Union reception.
Tues, Oct 20
Full training day with sessions on storytelling, cooperative leadership, cooperative ecosystem development, group dynamics, conflict management, ethics, asset mapping, and cross-sector learning.
Wed, Oct 21
Capstone and case study work, participan
Please choose the track you are interested in and the rate for your organization.
Choose the discounted member rate if you are:
- an employee or board member of a cooperative that is a member of the Montana Council of Cooperatives
- an employee or board member of a credit union that is a member of Montana’s Credit Unions
- an employee of an MCOC associated member organization
Please choose the regular r
SpringHill Suites Bozeman Room Block
Reservations are available through September 18
Click the image or go to https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1783028217500&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Thank you to everyone helping make this possible!
Cooperative Development Foundation
Montana's Credit Unions
Send your next cooperative leaders
Co-ops are encouraged to send rising leaders, managers, outreach staff, and others preparing for greater responsibility. Community partners and cooperative development supporters are invited to join the track that best fits their work.
Register at