What We Do

Over centuries Black communities have survived waves of harm - explicit and disguised - and Repaired Nations believes that the root cause of this harm is economic extraction and oppression. As an entirely Black-led organization with deep community roots, we can speak to this issue with passion and authenticity. To heal this harm, Repaired Nations catalyzes and supports Black cooperative businesses through our three interconnected program areas:  

Program Area 1:
Community Education & Technical Assistance

Repaired Nations hosts book clubs on Collective Courage by Jessica Gordon Nembhard to learn Black cooperative economic history, and Think Outside the Boss workshops to teach the nuts and bolts of starting a cooperative, including hard and soft skill development. Repaired Nations workshops gather approximately 8 businesses and 50 entrepreneurs per year for a 16-week session focused on topics ranging from operations to business models. The final output for mature start-ups is an understanding of the cooperative framework, a summary of key questions, and next steps for their business venture. 

Program Area 2:
Funding & Infrastructure

Once entrepreneurial projects are mature, Repaired Nations proposes a start-up, operating, or real estate loan to Seed Commons’ National Sustainability Committee. Repaired Nations is an apprentice member of Seed Commons’ National Sustainability Committee and will become a full member next year (and be able to make loans). In 2021, Repaired Nations made approximately $50,000 in internal funding to six projects, including Nana Yaa's Be House, BCZ Skating Rink, and Divine Minds Think Aligned. In addition, Repaired Nations secures funding for Oaxxanda, a live-work cooperative complex for Black and Brown residents of Oakland and Richmond.

Program Area 3:
Network & Advisory

In addition to participating in community initiatives, like Bay Area Resilient by Design Challenge and East Oakland Neighborhoods Initiative Community Plan, Repaired Nations hosts the Black Solidarity Conference. The 2022 virtual conference showcased and connected Black cooperatives from across the United States and Africa.  The 2023 conference will be held in Ghana.