Launching January 1st: Smart’s Platform for Collaborative Work and Learning
The Smart cooperative is kicking off the new year with an exciting project: On January 1, 2025, the WorkCoopHub will open its virtual and physical doors. This innovative platform is designed to offer freelancers a new ways to collaborate, learn, and network—both digitally and in person. The goal is to create a supportive ecosystem that addresses the challenges and opportunities of self-employment.
Why WorkCoopHub?
Smart, our cooperative for freelancers, currently has more than 1000 members, including almost 300 employed freelancers (as of December 2024). However, many members work in isolation, unable to fully benefit from the advantages of a collective network. This is where the WorkCoopHub comes in:
- Connection and Exchange: The platform provides digital and physical spaces to foster networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative project development.
- Support for All: Especially for members with intercultural backgrounds and newcomers, barriers are reduced, paving the way for sustainable freelance work.
- Targeted Training: Workshops, mentoring, and practical courses on topics such as business management, marketing, taxes, and finance foster professional growth.
The Modules of WorkCoopHub
The WorkCoopHub is built around three core modules:
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: Members can upload and organize content, creating a dynamic knowledge database. This strengthens solidarity among self-employed individuals and builds a robust network.
- Traditional Training: External experts provide high-quality online resources, promoting lifelong learning. These training sessions cater to diverse needs and learning styles.
- Knowledge Publication: Learning materials are made accessible to the public—either free of charge for community benefit or as paid resources to market members’ expertise. This helps strengthen the financial stability of freelancers and opens new business opportunities.
The digital platform is systematically linked to a physical hub, creating a space where self-employed individuals can host workshops, build networks, and pursue joint initiatives.
Get Involved and Be Part of the Change
The success of the WorkCoopHub depends on the active participation of its members. Now is the perfect time to get involved and shape the platform!
- Join the first workshops: Starting in February, regular events and training sessions will be held.
- Share your ideas and shape the platform: Your experiences and needs can help shape the WorkCoopHub’s development.
- From 2026: Use the platform: Upload content, form working groups, and explore new ways to collaborate.
Looking Ahead
The WorkCoopHub has model potential: After the pilot phase, in 2026 the concept will be rolled out accelerating the growth of this solidarity-based cooperative. By combining digital and physical exchange, we are setting new standards for self-employment in a connected world.
About the Smart Cooperative
Smart offers innovative solutions for freelancers and the self-employed, combining social security for the self-employed with the freedom and flexibility of independent work. With its approach to solidarity-based economics, Smart supports its members in working legally and financially secure. Learn more on our website.
Be part of it!
The WorkCoopHub is more than a platform—it’s an opportunity to grow together and actively shape the future of work. All members will be informed about workshops and participation opportunities via the SMart portal, newsletters, and events.
Want to learn more? Visit our website or contact us directly—we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Not a Smart member yet? Check out if our cooperative is right for you…)
Stronger together: Let’s bring the WorkCoopHub to life!
We thank the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and especially their Innovation Program for Business Models and Pioneer Solutions for supporting this project.
