About the course

BMSFCP is a highly interactive, cohort-based virtual training program that helps Community Development Credit Unions design and implement strong, mission-aligned financial empowerment programs. In this course, participants will learn best practices for developing and operating a high-impact credit union-based financial counseling/ coaching program. The course will lead and support participants to create a  plan to either launch or grow a  program at their credit union. We anticipate this course will consist of 6, 90-minute sessions, a final capstone presentation meeting, and include independent work between sessions.  

After completing this course, lenders will be able to: 

  1. Describe the spectrum of financial empowerment services.

  2. Discuss systemic and institutional barriers that restrict opportunities to build wealth for people in lower income brackets.

  3. Examine cultural perspectives on money.

  4. Identify their key member target segment and understand their needs and map their journeys in accessing credit union services.

  5. Formulate a unique value proposition.

  6. Develop a staffing structure for financial counselors/coaches  to include recruiting based on competencies, training, supervising and supporting.

  7. Estimate startup, maintenance and growth costs for program

  8. Research internal and external resources and possible community partners.

  9. Prepare a plan to secure internal and external buy-in by developing a well-rounded design team.

  10. Examine models from other credit unions.

Course Details & Eligibility

This is a 6-module, instructor-led course with weekly 90-min class sessions. Participants can expend to dedicate 3-5 hours per week to course content and class meetings.

  • Open to:

    Inclusiv member credit unions who would like to start or expand their financial empowerment programs.

  • Participant limit:

    We recommend enrolling in teams of 2. A max of 2 participants per financial institution will be admitted.

  • Tuition:

    $2,000. Inclusiv member tuition: $1,200. Additional discounts may apply for credit unions under $100M in assets and groups. Contact [email protected] for details.

  • Language:

    Offered in English.

Upcoming Cohorts & Registration

Upcoming course dates and cohorts are TBA. 

Course curriculum

  1. Course Pre-work

  2. Week 1: Determining a Right-Fit for Financial Empowerment Services

  3. Week 2: What it Takes to Integrate Financial Counseling

  4. Week 3: Methodology Alignment with the Credit Union's Vision

  5. Week 4: Financial Coach Competencies: Staffing and Supporting Counselors

  6. Week 5: Member Journey Map

About this course

  • Non-member price: $2,000
  • Member price: $1,200
  • Additional discounts available for small CUs and groups

Instructor(s)