About the course

Building & Managing Strong Financial Coaching Programs is a highly interactive, cohort-based virtual training program that helps Community Development Credit Unions design and implement strong, mission-aligned financial coaching 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.  This course will consist of seven 2-hour Zoom sessions, including a final capstone presentation meeting. Students will also complete 1-3 hours of independent homework assignments each week, between Zoom 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.


Schedule:  

  • Monday, Oct 5 at 2pm- 2:30pm EDT: virtual orientation meeting  
  • Monday, Oct 19- Dec 7 at 2pm-3:30pm EDT:  
    • 7 live virtual instructor-led course sessions for peer learning and diving deep into content  
    • No class session on Nov 30
    • Final virtual capstone presentation session on Dec 7

Course Prerequisites

You must complete the introductory Financial Empowerment course before you can register for Building & Managing Strong Financial Coaching Programs. You can do so any time here:

Course Details & Eligibility

This is a 7-module, instructor-led course with weekly 1.5-hour Zoom class sessions. Participants can expect to dedicate 3-5 hours per week to course content and class meetings.

  • Open to:

    Credit unions who would like to start or expand their financial counseling/coaching programs.

  • Number of Participants

    This course is designed for each participating credit union to enroll a team of 2-3 staff members.

  • Language:

    Offered in English.

Instructor(s)

Falita Flowers

Senior Program Officer Financial Inclusion

Falita Flowers joined Inclusiv in April 2026. Falita supports the development and scaling of programs that strengthen the capacity of credit unions to provide equitable financial services. Her work includes program strategy, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring alignment with regulatory and funding requirements while maintaining a strong focus on measurable community impact. Falita’s professional experience spans leading organizations and initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. She has held impactful roles with United Way of Greater Atlanta, On the Rise Community Development, and Operation HOPE, where she developed and managed programs focused on financial wellness, asset building, and economic mobility. Across these roles, she has collaborated closely with community development credit unions, public agencies, and nonprofit partners to deliver high-quality, compliant, and purposeful programs that meet the needs of historically excluded populations. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Falita holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Georgia State University and a Master of Public Administration from Troy University. She spends quality time with her two daughters, friends, and extended family.

Course curriculum

  1. Learning Essentials

  2. Module 0: Introduction to Financial Empowerment Services

  3. Module 1: Determining a Right-Fit for Financial Empowerment Services

  4. Module 2: What it Takes to Integrate Financial Counseling

  5. Module 3: Methodology Alignment with the Credit Union's Vision

  6. Module 4: Financial Coach Competencies: Staffing and Supporting Counselors

About this course

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

Course Tuition

Inclusiv members receive a 40% discount on instructor-led courses. Members with assets under $100M receive additional discounts. For group discounts, reach out to [email protected].

  • Inclusiv member price

    $1,200

  • Members with <100m assets

    $800


Upcoming Cohorts

Next cohort: October 5- December 7, 2026

Future cohorts: TBA

Questions? Email us at  [email protected] 

Building & Managing Strong Financial Coaching Programs - Next Cohort

Instructor-led cohort focused on creating a sustainable financial coaching program tailored to the needs of your credit union and your members.

 View Cohort