Formation Year: Where We’re Headed
As we begin our formation year, we are laying the essential groundwork for a new kind of economy in Montana—one built on shared ownership and local prosperity. This is the year we build the cooperative, launch our core programs, and formalize the systems that will empower Montana’s next generation of community-focused ventures.
This is more than just a setup phase; it’s an open invitation to build with us from the ground up. Over the next twelve months, we will be working alongside our founding members and partners to construct a statewide platform for cooperative entrepreneurship. Our mission is to create a structured, supportive, and transparent ecosystem where great ideas can become thriving, community-owned businesses that keep wealth local. This post outlines our roadmap, our commitments, and how you can join us on this journey.
What We’re Building
At its heart, CoBuild Montana is a multistakeholder cooperative designed to systematically launch and support companies that strengthen communities. We are building the infrastructure that Montana’s founders, legacy business owners, and community leaders need to succeed. This isn’t just another incubator; it’s a permanent, member-owned institution dedicated to a more equitable and resilient future.
Our model has two core components. The first is a structured program pipeline that de-risks venture creation and business conversions. It provides clear, stage-appropriate support to move from idea to impact. The second is Venture Commons, our digital campus that makes our programs, resources, and network accessible statewide. By integrating these elements, we break down the geographic and financial barriers that have historically held back community-focused innovation.
Throughout this formation year, our primary focus is on establishing the three pillars that make this model work: robust programs, a strong member-cooperative, and a trusted evidence framework. We will be launching our first program cohorts, onboarding our founding members, and developing the data systems that will ensure we are accountable to our mission and to our communities.
This work culminates at the CoBuild Summit in October or November 2026, where we will formally ratify our bylaws, elect our first member-led Board of Directors, and convert formation memberships into cooperative shares. Every step we take this year is about building a durable, community-governed platform for the decades to come.
Evidence & Accountability
Transparency is the foundation of trust. From the beginning, we are committed to evidence-based reporting that shows what we’re building, what’s working, and where we’re improving. This commitment is not an afterthought—it is a core function of our cooperative.
Starting in 2026, we will publish quarterly Evidence Packs. These reports will track our collective progress across five key pillars:
Outcomes: The new ventures, jobs, and community benefits created.
Participation: The growth and engagement of our member network.
Economics: The capital mobilized and local wealth generated.
Learning: The skills and knowledge gained by participants.
Environmental: The progress toward a more sustainable economy.
Each Evidence Pack will include a public summary dashboard for a high-level overview and a detailed appendix for members and partners who want to dig deeper. This ensures our work creates tangible, measurable value for Montana’s communities and provides our capital partners with the confidence to invest.
How to Get Involved Now
This formation year is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Montana’s economy. There are several ways to get involved right now, whether you’re a founder with an idea, a practitioner with expertise, or a partner committed to community wealth.
Become a Founding Member: Join the cooperative during its formation year to help build the foundation. You will have a direct voice in our governance and be on the front line of this movement.
Partner With Us: For organizations, employers, and capital providers, this is the moment to align efforts. We are seeking partners to co-design pilot projects, strengthen local talent pipelines, and deploy capital into impactful ventures.
Building Our Future, Together
The journey we are embarking on this year is ambitious. It requires collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for what Montana can be. By building this cooperative platform together, we are creating more than just new businesses; we are building a durable economic engine for our communities. We invite you to join us.
