HARTFORD, CT - [September 4, 2024] - reSET, the Hartford-based entrepreneur support organization committed to nurturing businesses with a social mission, in collaboration with Cooperate Connecticut, an emerging statewide network committed to advancing cooperative economic principles and practices, is proud to announce the return of the Beyond Business as Usual Conference (BBAU). 

This year's event, themed "Beyond Business as Usual 2024: Co-Ops and the Next Economy," is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the 224 EcoSpace in Hartford, with an online attendance option available.

"We are thrilled to bring back the first in-person Beyond Business as Usual conference since 2019,” said Sarah Bodley, Executive Director of reSET. “As our state faces economic challenges that require innovative solutions, co-ops offer a model that prioritizes people and planet alongside sustainable growth. This conference provides a crucial platform for exploring how cooperative principles can shape Connecticut's economic future and foster resilience in our communities."

varun khattar sharma, co-founder and lead organizer of Cooperate Connecticut and who serves as reSET’s Co-Op Navigator Fellow, sponsored by the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, highlighted the global significance of cooperatives: "This conference is coming at a crucial time for us locally, nationally and globally. With the United Nations designating 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, we’re riding a wave of global recognition for the cooperative model.  BBAU 2024 serves as a springboard for Connecticut to learn from and contribute to this global movement. It's an opportunity for us to showcase how co-ops are an important strategy to address local challenges as part of a larger, transformative economic vision."

BBAU 24 Conference Highlights

• One-Day Event: Beyond Business as Usual 2024: Co-Ops and the Next Economy will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at The 224 Ecospace, 224 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut, with an online attendance option.
• Registration: Visit www.connecticut.coop/bbau for more information, including the conference program and a growing list of speakers, vendors, and partners.
• Diverse Attendees: The event aims to convene participants in local and regional co-op movements, including co-op members, developers, funders, investors, technical assistance providers, worker self-directed non-profits, grassroots collectives and coalitions, and the co-op curious.
• Networking Opportunities: Attendees have the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals to strategize around building businesses and an economy that prioritizes people and the planet over profit.
• Inclusive Environment: Childcare, Spanish interpretation, coffee, light refreshments, and lunch will be provided.

BBAU History and Funding Support

reSET held the first Beyond Business as Usual conference in 2010, offering an opportunity for business and community leaders to convene to discuss topics relevant to businesses beyond the usual frameworks. Over the years topics have ranged from impact investing and sustainable business models, to regenerative finance and more. The 2024 conference advances the Beyond Business as Usual theme by focusing on cooperative business models in housing, food and other sectors, to further develop Connecticut’s nascent cooperative business ecosystem. 

reSET and Cooperate Connecticut are committed to making BBAU 2024 accessible to all, and to support this goal have launched a fundraising campaign with Sustainable CT, who will be matching all donations up to $7,500 through October 26. 



To learn more and make a contribution that will help support growing knowledge about cooperatives in Connecticut, please visit: bit.ly/bbau2024 Funding support for BBAU 2024 to date comes from the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, the 224 Ecospace, and individual contributions. Contact vksharma@resetco.org for more information on sponsorship.

About the Organizers

About Cooperate Connecticut

Cooperate Connecticut is an emerging statewide network for people, businesses, and organizations interested in building, growing, and sustaining our local and regional cooperative ecosystems. The network exists to strengthen movements to build worker and community power and to increase local democratic control-or stewardship- over the resources we need to survive and thrive: land, farming, food, housing, healthcare, arts, education, and transportation. 

Cooperate Connecticut is made possible by the Co-op Navigator Fellowship, a project of The Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, in partnership with reSET. Learn more at connecticut.coop

About reSET

reSET is a nonprofit organization in Hartford, CT, whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector. reSET specializes in social enterprise ― impact-driven business with a double or triple bottom line. In addition to providing coworking space, accelerator, and mentoring programs, reSET aims to inspire innovation and community collaboration and to support entrepreneurs in creating market-based solutions to community challenges. reSET’s goal is to meet entrepreneurs wherever they are in their trajectory and to help them take their businesses to the next level. Visit reSET | Where Great Companies Grow (resetco.org).

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