What’s a Co-op, Anyway?
the original social enterprise — business built differently.
Too few people know what co-operatives really are—or they think of them as “just another store” or “just another bank.” But co-ops are not ‘business as usual’. They rethink how businesses are built: putting people before profit and giving ownership back to the communities they serve.
co-op basics (made simple)
owned by the people it serves.
That could be the workers, the customers, the residents, or the community.
one member, one vote.
Your voice counts just as much as anyone else’s—no matter your title or bank balance.
profits go back into the people.
Instead of shareholders cashing out, co-ops reinvest earnings to improve services, support communities, or lower costs.
they last.
Co-ops have higher survival rates than traditional businesses because people are invested in making them work.
where co-ops touch your daily life
Work you own.
Build or join a workplace where you actually have a say.
Housing that’s fair.
Co-op housing puts affordability and stability ahead of speculation.
Money that stays local.
Credit unions and investment co-ops keep dollars circulating in your community.
Solutions you shape.
From food security to clean energy, co-ops grow where people decide they’re needed.
why haven’t you heard about this?
Even though co-ops have been around for generations, they’re often left out of classrooms and business programs. The spotlight usually goes to corporations and startups instead.
That’s a missed opportunity—because the values driving this generation (equity, accountability, community, sustainability) are the same ones co-ops were built on.