Helping a worker-owned cooperative refine their business model while retaining their values.

AORTA (Anti-Oppression Resource & Training Alliance) is a worker-owned cooperative committed to advancing social justice through training, facilitation, and consulting. As they sought to refine their business model, improve revenue generation, and enhance organizational efficiency, AORTA engaged LIFT Economy to provide strategic guidance and actionable recommendations.

AORTA approached LIFT Economy with a set of key challenges and goals, including:

  • Refining their revenue strategy to enhance sustainability and profitability.

  • Optimizing staffing structure and roles for long-term stability.

  • Identifying cost-saving measures without compromising mission alignment.

  • Strengthening external communications and audience engagement.

  • Implementing more effective organizational structures and decision-making systems.

Results & Benefits for AORTA:

Through our partnership, AORTA achieved tangible improvements across multiple areas, including:

  • Increased Margins and Higher Revenue Potential: We helped AORTA clarify which offerings were most profitable, leading to more strategic pricing adjustments.

  • Enhanced Customer Journey: We helped AORTA better understand their customer journey to ensure clients could seamlessly transition between offerings, increasing retention and long-term engagement.

  • Higher Conversion Rates: We provided insights into pricing perceptions, helping AORTA refine their approach to securing new clients.

  • Lower Operating Expenses: Technology cost analysis led to smarter software investments, with a goal of reducing tech spending without compromising effectiveness.

  • Greater Team Alignment: We sought to help clarify roles and responsibilities, reducing confusion and improving efficiency.

  • Longer-Term Forecasting: We provided tools to support AORTA’s finance team to create a 5-year projected operating budget.

  • Higher Event Engagement: Recommendations for early-bird sales and strategic email marketing helped boost program enrollments.

  • Refined Digital Presence: Website tracking improvements and content placement optimization made it easier for prospective clients to navigate AORTA’s offerings.

In the first decade or more of building our business, AORTA took a do-it-yourself approach to determining our sales process, pricing, outreach strategies, etc. In hindsight, I wish we had sought out LIFT Economy’s expertise much sooner! LIFT helped us clarify our revenue streams, optimize our pricing, and tweak our financial strategy while staying aligned with our values. Thanks to the team at LIFT Economy, we now have a stronger foundation for long-term impact. We highly recommend working with them!
— Neily Jennings, Worker Owner, Finance & Operations at AORTA

LIFT Economy’s consulting engagement with AORTA resulted in increased financial resilience, operational efficiency, and improved audience engagement. By combining strategic planning with actionable insights, AORTA was able to increase revenue, reduce costs, and enhance their overall impact while staying true to their values of justice and equity. Learn more about AORTA’s work here.


Interested in similar support for your organization? LIFT Economy specializes in helping mission-driven businesses and cooperatives refine their strategies for lasting impact. Contact us today to explore how we can help your organization thrive.


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