Six experts on starting and running co-operatives will speak at two community seminars next week.

The free-admission events, hosted by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, will be held on December 4 and 5.

Five of the experts — Michael Peck, William Generett, Carmen Huertas, Kristin Barker and Chris Cooper — are members of the 1worker1vote movement, a US-based non-profit organisation which believes that workers should “own their labour and rent their capital” instead of the opposite.

A sixth visiting speaker is Ibon Zugasti, international projects manager for LKS, a segment of the Engineering and Business Services division of the Mondragon Corporation, based in Spain.

Mondragon is a federation of worker co-operatives based in the Basque region of Spain, as well as a corporation. It is the tenth largest Spanish company in terms of asset turnover.

Next Tuesday’s seminar will focus on introducing foundational co-operative development information, inclusive of understanding a co-operative business structure, the different types of co-operatives and the benefits of starting a co-operative business in Bermuda.

In addition, there will be historical perspectives shared, notable ecosystems such as the highly successful Mondragon and information on financing your co-operative.

Next Wednesday’s seminar, will focus on co-operative governance, local co-operative development opportunities and will further explore the financing of co-operative ventures.

Both evenings will also feature a panel discussion featuring the visiting experts. Attendees will be able to ask questions and get feedback on their ideas.

William Spriggs, director of economic and co-operative development at the BEDC, described next week’s seminars as “next-level educational resources to Bermudians desirous of starting a co-operative business”.

Last week the BEDC hosted “An Evening with Dr Julian Manley”, featuring the president of the Preston Co-operative Development Network. The English city of Preston’s community-based economic rejuvenation has won plaudits around the UK.

“Our recent November 20 co-operative seminar with Dr Manley was a great success,” Mr Spriggs said.

“The 1worker1vote and LKS team are renowned co-operative ecosystem practitioners and developers who have individually achieved notable successes within their jurisdictions. “Bermudians wanting to learn about the fascinating world of co-operatives in their pursuit of starting their own businesses should make every effort to attend these life and business-changing seminars.”

Next week’s seminars will take place on December 4 and 5, both from 5.45pm to 8.30pm at St Paul’s Centennial Hall, Hamilton. Admission is free.

• Those interested in attending should contact the BEDC, on the first floor of Sofia House, Hamilton, visit http://bit.ly/bedcrsvp, e-mail reception@bedc.bm, or call 292-5570. Refreshments will be served