October is here, and with it comes National Cooperative Month—a great time to showcase the power of co-ops! Co-ops are member-owned businesses that have proven to be sustainable, with 60% surviving beyond 5 years compared to 50% of traditional businesses. They meet local needs, provide community-driven solutions, and support Alaska’s economy.
With over 100 co-ops thriving for decades, they play a key role in pooling resources, supporting rural areas, and driving long-term growth across the state. Co-ops excel at meeting unmet needs that are still profitable but may not attract traditional businesses. While they must generate enough revenue to cover costs, co-ops focus on maximizing benefits for their member-owners.
We’re partnering with the Alaska Cooperative Development Center (ACDC) to offer a series of on-demand workshops and a live webinar aimed at diving deeper into co-ops and their benefits. ACDC recently secured another year of funding from the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant, ensuring they can continue supporting co-ops throughout the state for another year through monthly co-op calls and technical assistance.
We want to take a moment to recognize Andrew Crow, ACDC’s Founding Director, for his years of dedication to building up Alaska’s cooperative ecosystem. Andrew has left behind big shoes to fill, and we are confident that Barbara Johnson, who stepped in as ACDC’s new director in June, will continue his legacy of fostering innovative co-op models and supporting local businesses.
Co-ops aren’t just small efforts—they’re thriving, member-owned businesses making a real impact across industries. Kodiak Harvest offers local seafood, while the Co-op Market Grocery & Deli in Fairbanks strengthens Alaska’s food system by supporting local producers. Co-ops also support the arts across Alaska. From Anchorage to Sitka and Juneau to Valdez, artist co-ops provide a space for creators to sell their work and connect with customers. The Qiviut Co-op in Anchorage and peony growers in Homer and the Mat-Su Valley are great examples of co-ops helping local farmers and artisans thrive by pooling resources for marketing, sales, and education and working together to craft and sell beautiful items made from the soft underwool of musk oxen.
Visit alaskacoops.com for more information on these exciting initiatives and how co-ops are supporting businesses in Alaska. We’re excited to celebrate National Cooperative Month with you!
