The SEI Lab Community Wealth Building course equips students and advocates for careers in economic justice with the knowledge and tools to advance community wealth building. By learning from industry experts, engaging with the latest research, and analyzing real-world case studies, participants gain practical insights to develop impactful community projects and pursue impact-focused careers that drive equitable economic change. This course bridges theory and practice, empowering learners to think through the implementation of sustainable, community-led solutions.
top of page
Learn how to build stronger, more inclusive local economies
At no cost and on your schedule
An Introduction to Community Wealth Building
What You'll Explore
What is Community Wealth Building?
Discover the core principles of Community Wealth Building and how it centers local ownership, equity, and economic democracy.
Rationale, Philosophy & History
Explore the historical roots and values that shape CWB, grounded in social justice, solidarity, and economic inclusion.
Co-operative Ecosystems
Understand how co-operatives operate within broader ecosystems and identify the resources and partnerships that help them thrive.
Transition to Worker Ownership
Learn how businesses transition to worker ownership and what financial, operational, and cultural shifts are needed for long-term success.
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Land & Property
Examine how community-led land and housing models like Community Land Trusts and Community Investment Trusts preserve affordability and prevent displacement.
Using Finance to Build Community Wealth
Analyze how non-extractive finance tools and investment strategies can be used to build economic power in underserved communities.
Accessing Capital Case Study
Study WEPOWER’s approach to capital access that centers community voices, equitable funding, and long-term sustainability.
Anchors & Progressive Procurement
Assess how anchor institutions like hospitals and universities can use their purchasing power to support inclusive local economies.
Module 5
Module 6
Module 7
Module 8
Place-Based Approaches
See how worker-owned businesses and local strategies are transforming neighborhoods through cooperative, place-based development.
Policy & Legal Considerations
Identify policy tools and legal frameworks that support co-ops, employee ownership, and equitable economic development.
Next Steps & Outro
Apply what you’ve learned by completing a final project and charting your next steps for advancing CWB in your community.
Module 9
Module 10
Module 11
How The Course Works
This online course is designed to meet you where you are - whether you’re organizing locally, shaping funding strategies, or exploring new economic models.
Self-Paced
Learn on your own schedule, anytime, anywhere.
Interactive Quizzes
Test your understanding and reinforce key concepts.
Short Videos
Expert-led modules with practical insights from the field.
Hands-On Project
Create your own Community Wealth Building strategy deck.
Curated Readings
Dig deeper with accessible articles and case studies
Completion Certificate
Celebrate your learning with a personalized certificate upon completion.
“This course helped me rethink how business can serve communities, not just shareholders. I left with practical tools for integrating dignity, equity, and shared ownership into procurement, strategy, and enterprise design. It sparked new ways to align economic impact with the values I want to lead with.”
Dagimawi Mohammed
MBA / MPH Student
Washington University in St Louis
bottom of page