Cooperatives have a long and storied history in North Dakota. And that story isn't completed. In addition to the rural electric, broadband and agricultural sectors, the co-op business model has the potential to enhance local economies via application within a wide variety of sectors and industries that are enriching our rural communities. 

NDAREC's Rural and Cooperative Development Center has been working to advance cooperative solutions that strengthen rural communities since the early 1990s. Guided by the cooperative principles of cooperation among cooperatives and concern for community, the Center provides technical assistance, education, and resources to help rural communities, start-ups, and cooperatively or mutually owned businesses succeed. 

Among the cooperative principles is #5 - education, training, and information. In that spirit, please take some time to pursue the cooperative education resources on this page. Our goal is to provide you a general understanding of what co-ops are, and the role that co-ops could play in addressing challenges within your community. 

RESOURCES

Co-op 101

• National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International
• Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives
• University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development

Co-op applications

• Child Care 

  Cooperatives make it possible to bring child care services to communities where none exists. 

• Home Care

  Build wealth, increase job quality for caregivers and provide high quality care to patients. 

EVENTS (upcoming dates in bold)

• April 29, 2026 – Co-op 101: A Tool for Rural Business and Community Development webinar
  • Presentation 
  • Recording
• September 29, 2026 – Rural on the Rise (in person at NDAREC Cooperative Center in Mandan, ND)