Cooperative ecosystems
for territories seeking transformation
We promote networks, projects, and alliances that strengthen the social economy and territorial sovereignty in the Basque Country, Navarre, and Andalusia.
Cooperate to take root. Take root to transform.
In a context where employment and development policies focus on business growth, at Rizomacoop we work to restore the central role of people and territories.
We support processes that generate local cooperative ecosystems capable of promoting necessary, sustainable activities aligned with strategic sovereignties: food, energy, technology, culture, and care.
We are an open network committed to economic reterritorialization, intercooperation, and the collective construction of new ways of living and working.
About us
A network to multiply cooperation
Rizomacoop was born from more than a decade of experience promoting cooperative social entrepreneurship and transformative regional development.
We work through partnerships between the public, community, and cooperative sectors, creating environments where economic initiatives can grow in a sustainable, fair manner with a local impact.
We support social economy actors, community networks, public administrations, and individuals seeking to create or consolidate cooperative projects rooted in their own territory.
Territorialize the economy to gain sovereignty.
Promoting the common good as a driver for the future.
Cooperate so that new initiatives can flourish.
What we do
We promote cooperative ecosystems that
transform territories
We work in three key areas to strengthen, create, and replicate local cooperative networks with the capacity to make an impact.
1. Creation of new ecosystems
In territories where the social economy exists but does not yet have coordinated networks.
What we do:
- Promotion of territorial promoters.
- Awareness-raising and visibility actions.
- Identification of needs, challenges, and opportunities.
- *First spaces for meeting and cooperation between agents.
2. Consolidation of existing ecosystems
Strengthening networks that are in their early stages and need tools, capacity, and support.
What we offer:
- Advanced training programs.
- Design and promotion of new cooperative initiatives.
- Training of trainers and support agents.
- Creation of public-community-cooperative alliances.
3. Tools and methodological guidelines
To ensure that processes are replicable, flexible, and adaptable to each territory.
Includes:
- Analysis and updating of existing tools.
- * Creation of practical guidelines to promote cooperative ecosystems.
- * Design of a digital training module, with a special focus on Andalusia.
- Creation of public-community-cooperative alliances.
Territories
We grow from the territory and with the territory
We work in three key areas to strengthen, create, and replicate local cooperative networks with the capacity to make an impact.
Euskadi
Significant progress has been made in promoting the social economy, but there is a need to expand inter-cooperative networks and spaces for mutual support. Our work focuses on consolidating what has already been started and generating new alliances. (Vitoria-Gasteiz and areas of Gipuzkoa).
Navarre
A territory undergoing transformation where local developers and cooperative processes have emerged and need to be consolidated. (Sakana, emerging networks in various valleys and regions).
Andalusia
A region with a long tradition of cooperatives, but where the current ecosystem is fragmented and poorly coordinated. Andalusia needs adapted methodologies and processes that facilitate the creation of solid support and collaboration networks.
Rizomacoop incorporates a specific line here: **feminist and anti-racist methodologies** and an approach that is accessible to women, young people, and migrants.
Methodology
A dynamic, territorial, and cooperative methodology
Every territory is unique. That is why we work with flexible, dialogue-based processes that focus on people and their real needs.
We don’t apply formulas. We analyze, listen, and adapt each action to the local context.
We build trust to facilitate partnerships between a wide range of stakeholders: government, community, cooperatives, and citizens.
We connect knowledge from universities, social movements, and cooperatives. We use free digital software tools to share and create collectively.
Each process has ad hoc advice, because each territory progresses differently.
We measure social and economic impact using participatory indicators that enable us to adjust, improve, and ensure sustainability.
Project phases
Three phases for ecosystems to be born, grow, and sustain themselves
Phase 1
Create conditions for the ecosystem
Territorial analysis, initial training, and
first meeting spaces.
Duration: 5.5 months
Phase 2
Laguntzea eta finkatzea
Advanced consulting, new partnerships, and training of trainers.
Duration: 5.5 months
Phase 3
Generate tools for replication
Guidelines, methodologies, and knowledge
transfer between territories.
Duration: 5.5 months
Innovation
Innovate through cooperation
Innovation here is not just about applying technology: it is about rethinking how cooperative processes are taught, supported, and structured. Our model is committed to:
- Active learning applied to real projects.
- Personalized incubation pathways.
- Indicators that measure social and economic impact.
- A decentralized and replicable approach, with interconnected nodes.
The result: more dynamic, useful, and sustainable processes over time.
Gender equality
Feminist economics to truly transform territories
Equality is not an add-on: it is a basis for our work.
Rizomacoop incorporates feminist economics into all its processes, from training content to participant selection and support models.
Specific commitments
- Specific modules on feminist cooperative leadership.Al menos 50% mujeres en los programas.
- At least 50% women in the programs.
- Actions for women who are unemployed or in vulnerable situations.
- Flexible schedules and modalities to facilitate work-life balance.
- Support networks for women who start or promote cooperative projects.
Contact us
Do you want to promote a cooperative ecosystem in your area?
Let's talk