The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) will host a two-part evening workshop series on cooperative business on Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 and Monday, November 2nd, 2026. Both sessions run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the BEDC Training Room. The series is designed for people who want to learn about cooperative businesses and take the first steps toward starting one.
Cooperatives are businesses owned and governed by the people who use them, such as workers, customers, or community members, rather than by outside investors. For Bermuda, the model offers entrepreneurs another path to build shared ownership, keep economic value within the community, and create more resilient local enterprises.
The workshops will be led by William Spriggs, Director of Economic & Cooperative Development at BEDC, and will feature virtual presenter John Holdsclaw IV, President and CEO of Rochdale Capital.
Participants will hear from an experienced practitioner and have the opportunity to engage directly with the material.
Mr. Holdsclaw leads a certified community development financial institution (CDFI) that promotes cooperative and community ownership, providing financing and technical assistance to communitybased organizations and cooperatives. He also serves as chief policy officer at the National Cooperative Bank and was named one of ImpactAlpha’s Agents of Impact for 2022.
The series includes:
- Advancing Cooperative Impact – Monday, November 2nd, 2026: The cooperative advantage,
starting a cooperative, financial considerations, relevant case studies, and reflections and a call to
action.
- Understanding the Cooperative Model – Wednesday, October 28th, 2026: Cooperative model
foundations, identity and principles, structures and types, governance and member control, and
the cooperative model in Bermuda.
The workshops are open to anyone interested in learning about and starting a cooperative business, including aspiring entrepreneurs, community groups, and existing business owners exploring a shared-ownership structure. Attendance is in person, and space is limited. The cost is $20 per session, or $30 for both sessions.
“Cooperatives are one of the most practical ways for people to pool their skills, resources, and ambition to build something that lasts,” said William Spriggs, Director of Economic & Cooperative Development at BEDC.
“These workshops give Bermudians a clear understanding of how the model works and what it takes to get started. Our goal is to help more people see cooperative ownership as a real opportunity to strengthen their businesses and their communities.”
The series reflects BEDC’s ongoing commitment to expanding the tools and pathways available to Bermuda’s entrepreneurs and to supporting economic development that benefits the wider community.
To register or for more information, visit www.bedc.bm.
About BEDC
Established in 1980, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) supports Bermuda’s entrepreneurs and businesses while advancing local economic development. BEDC provides business advice, education, financing and other resources to help micro, small and medium-sized businesses start, grow and succeed; and advances strategic economic development initiatives that support investment, innovation and economic diversification. Bermuda Business Starts Here. Visit www.bedc.bm.
