Center for Community-Based Enterprise

C2BE - Building an Economy for All of Us!

The Center for Community-Based Enterprise, C2BE provides business development technical assistance, and facilitates collaboration, to build business cooperatives and community-based enterprises (CBEs). We define CBEs as locally rooted for-profit enterprises that provide community benefit (particularly equity ownership for workers and producers), pay living wages, and share resources to help each other grow. Our vision is an inclusive new economy powered by engaged residents in Detroit and anchored by a supportive network of worker-owned businesses.

Since 2007, C2BE has been working to strengthen cooperative businesses in and around Detroit, including those owned by Black and Brown folx, other historically under-served communities, and those seeking conversion to employee ownership. We connect clients to business know-how and legal services, including feasibility studies, business planning, marketing, succession planning, incorporations, bylaws and contracts. We transition existing businesses into worker-owned ones, and we work with emerging entrepreneurs and community-organizations launching equitable social enterprises. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.