Advancing Cooperative Innovation Across Indiana

The Indiana Cooperative Development Center (ICDC) is proud to launch the Tech Co‑op Support Initiative, a dedicated program designed to empower technology-based cooperatives throughout Indiana. Building on our proven experience supporting food, housing, childcare, and community-based cooperatives, this initiative brings tailored resources, expert guidance, and strategic partnerships to foster innovation, collaboration, and inclusive economic growth in the tech sector.

Why Tech Co‑ops?

Technology cooperatives represent an emerging model for sustainable, community-rooted innovation. By structuring tech ventures under cooperative ownership — whether they’re developer collectives, platform co‑ops, or shared‑service organizations — we promote:

  • Democratic governance and mission-driven leadership

  • Shared ownership and wealth-building across contributors

  • Resilience and long-term viability through member engagement

ICDC’s vision is to help Indiana become a hub for tech co‑ops that deliver economic opportunity, equitable access, and ethical innovation.

Our Offerings for Tech Co‑ops

ICDC brings its established strengths to the tech field, offering:

  • Planning & Visioning
    Crafting tailored roadmaps for tech co‑ops, from initial concept through launch and growth. icdc.coop

  • Incorporation & Governance Support
    Guidance on legal formation, cooperative bylaws, and board governance adapted to digital and tech environments. icdc.coop

  • Sector-Specific Insights
    Curating best practices from both the software and cooperative sectors to strengthen capacity and strategy.

  • Financing, Fundraising & Grant Support
    Assistance in securing seed funding, tech-specific grants, or cooperative-friendly investment structures.

  • Technical Assistance for Operations
    Support for the unique administrative, financial, and HR challenges of tech cooperatives.

  • Member Recruitment & Outreach Strategies
    Approaches to build a community of contributors, users, and stakeholders grounded in cooperative values.

  • Marketing, Storytelling & Visibility
    Tools and messaging strategies to help tech co‑ops attract collaborators, clients, and supporters.

  • Targeted Workshops, Webinars & Peer Learning
    New educational events covering areas like digital governance, platform ethics, cooperative software licensing, and building cooperative culture in virtual teams.

Collaborating for Tech Co‑op Growth

The Tech Co‑op Support Initiative will be developed in partnership with:

  • We aim to establish a supportive ecosystem for tech cooperatives—one that offers:

  • Cooperative-friendly capital access

  • Peer networking and advocacy

  • Insights from leading regions and cutting-edge debates on privacy, community-control, and tech accountability.

Get Involved

Whether you’re:

  • A group of developers exploring a shared platform model,

  • A tech business considering a cooperative conversion, or

  • A supporting organization aiming to strengthen Indiana’s co-op ecosystem —

ICDC wants to hear from you. Let’s collaborate to shape the future of tech co‑ops for Indiana.