Next Virtual Cohort begins Oct 19

Deadline to enroll: Oct 18

About the course

In this highly interactive, cohort-based virtual training, credit union professionals learn how to design and implement strong, mission-aligned financial coaching/counseling programs.

Course, participants will learn best practices for developing and operating high-impact financial coaching/counseling programs.

Credit unions don’t need to have existing coaching or counseling programs to enroll in this course. Participants will be guided through the creation of plans to either launch new programs or grow existing programs at their credit unions.

After completing this course, participants will be able to: 

  1. Describe the spectrum of financial empowerment services.
  1. Discuss systemic and institutional barriers that restrict opportunities to build wealth for people in lower income brackets.
  1. Examine cultural perspectives on money.
  1. Identify their key member target segment and understand their needs and map their journeys in accessing credit union services.
  1. Formulate a unique value proposition.
  1. Develop a staffing structure for financial coaches/counselors to include recruiting based on competencies, training, supervising, and support.
  1. Estimate startup, maintenance, and growth costs for the program.
  1. Research internal and external resources and possible community partners.
  1. Prepare a plan to secure internal and external buy-in by developing a well-rounded design team.
  1. Examine coaching/counseling models from other credit unions.


Course Structure: 

• designed for teams of 2-3 staff members from each credit union to take the course together

• best for middle managers and senior leaders

• requires 2.5 - 4.5 hours of homework and Zoom class meetings per week, over eight weeks

• seven live, virtual, instructor-led Zoom classes (includes final capstone presentations session)

• seven flexible and convenient self-paced learning modules

• personalized expert feedback on assignments and final capstone project

• participants should complete the free, self-paced Intro to Financial Empowerment course before the final Zoom class meeting on December 7, 2026 (takes 2-4 hours to complete)


Schedule:  

  • Orientation Meeting (30 minutes) 
  • Weekly Zoom Meetings (90 minutes)
    • Six live virtual instructor-led course sessions for peer learning and diving deep into content  
    • Final Capstone Presentation Session (90 minutes)
    • One live virtual final capstone presentation session

Course Details & Eligibility

Students should plan to commit 2.5 - 4.5 hours per week to homework and Zoom class meetings, over eight weeks.

  • Open to:

    Credit unions that would like to start or expand their financial coaching/counseling 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].

  • Non-member Price

    $2,000

  • Inclusiv member price

    $1,200

  • Members with <100m assets

    $800


Upcoming Cohorts

Next cohort: October 19- 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