Equitable Ownership: Cooperatively-Owned

A cooperatively-owned model, or co-op for short, is “a robust and equitable ownership model and an alternative to traditional, winner-takes-all capitalism.” When exploring different ownership models for your food-based business, you may want to consider a co-op model because research shows that these models have a higher success rate as compared to traditional, capitalist models. Co-ops center the customer and the needs of the community you are trying to reach. A co-op model does not replace business model. To be successful, you will need both great ownership and business models.

The steps at right are to inform the process to start your co-op, and can also be used as a flexible, iterative cycle for every choice you make in business.

Steps for starting your co-op

Brands that are cooperatively owned

Information on this page was borrowed from Start.coop. Visit their website for free courses and instructions to guide you through starting your own co-op!