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cooperatives.bsky.social
The Cooperative Economy
@cooperatives.bsky.social
27K followers 460 following 3.6K posts
Advocating for a democratic, equitable, and inclusive world through cooperatives, worker ownership, unions, mutual aid, and workplace democracy. 💜

People Above Profit ✊🏽 #EconomicDemocracy 🌲🌲

usworker.coop | ncbaclusa.coop | workers.coop | ica.coop
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cooperatives.bsky.social
Thank you to the Fort Collins Food Co-op in Colorado for offering support to those affected by the SNAP outage. The co-op is accepting monetary and food donations to provide for those in need.

www.instagram.com/fortcollinsf...
Fort Collins Food Co-op Graphic: 10% off for those affected by the SNAP outage. Just show your EBT card, even if not making your purchase with it. *Offer stands Nov 1st to Nov 15th* The hope is that this outage ends as soon as it begins. If not, we will reassess. Updates to come!
October 31, 2025 at 8:30 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Myth: Worker ownership is unstable and inefficient.

Reality: Worker-owned businesses outperform traditional companies.

employeeownership.co.uk/Site/Site/co...
Improved financial wellbeing: EOBS pay higher basic wages and share profits. In 2020 Employee Ownership Trust payments put £2,729 in the pocket of each employee. Driving profit growth: Most EOBS see profits grow after becoming employee owned. They are 25%+ more likely to have seen profits grow over the last five years. A more prosperous economy: EO drives up economic productivity. EOBS are found to be 8%-12% more productive per employee than other businesses. Greater employee wellbeing: Because of higher investment in wellbeing and changing business practices, most (73%) EOBS report increased employee satisfaction after becoming employee owned. Employee engagement and commercial success: Increased engagement and effort by employee owners drives increased performance by 20%, and an increase in business revenue of up to 43%. Significant job-creation: The EO sector contributes around 541,300 jobs to the economy. EOBS are 50% more likely to expand their workforces than other businesses. More investment in training and skills: EOBS spend an average of £38,000 (12%) more on training per company compared with non-EOBS. More investment to improve products & services: EOBS are 50% more likely to invest in Research & Development than non-EOBS. Resilience & sustainability: 51,000 small and medium businesses risk closure due to ownership changes in the next decade. EO is a proven succession route that can retain these businesses. Report on employee-owned businesses (EOBs) in the United Kingdom
October 23, 2025 at 9:46 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Studies support this. Worker ownership boosts R&D, which is better for innovation in the long term.

employeeownership.co.uk/Site/Site/co...
Improved financial wellbeing: EOBS pay higher basic wages and share profits. In 2020 Employee Ownership Trust payments put £2,729 in the pocket of each employee. Driving profit growth: Most EOBS see profits grow after becoming employee owned. They are 25%+ more likely to have seen profits grow over the last five years. A more prosperous economy: EO drives up economic productivity. EOBS are found to be 8%-12% more productive per employee than other businesses. Greater employee wellbeing: Because of higher investment in wellbeing and changing business practices, most (73%) EOBS report increased employee satisfaction after becoming employee owned. Employee engagement and commercial success: Increased engagement and effort by employee owners drives increased performance by 20%, and an increase in business revenue of up to 43%. Significant job-creation: The EO sector contributes around 541,300 jobs to the economy. EOBS are 50% more likely to expand their workforces than other businesses. More investment in training and skills: EOBS spend an average of £38,000 (12%) more on training per company compared with non-EOBS. More investment to improve products & services: EOBS are 50% more likely to invest in Research & Development than non-EOBS. Resilience & sustainability: 51,000 small and medium businesses risk closure due to ownership changes in the next decade. EO is a proven succession route that can retain these businesses. Report on employee-owned businesses (EOBs) in the United Kingdom
October 20, 2025 at 10:42 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Economic democracy provides the foundation for a more equitable distribution of wealth. This directly safeguards political democracy by limiting the power of concentrated wealth.

Worker cooperatives, as one expression of economic democracy, actively support a more equitable and democratic world.
The vast majority of worker cooperatives have maintained a 2 to 1 pay ratio between highest paid and lowest paid workers. Worker cooperatives prioritize the reduction of internal inequality over other compensation goals. By contrast, the average large U.S. corporation has a CEO-to-worker pay ratio of 303-to-1. https://democracy.institute.coop/2019-worker-cooperative-state-sector-report
October 18, 2025 at 7:01 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
How would your life change if you made $8,241 more per year? Think about the difference it could make for working people living in poverty.

Worker cooperatives distribute thousands in patronage (profit-sharing) to their workers, which is in addition to their wages. It makes a difference.
Worker co-ops that distribute surplus as patronage to members distribute a median total patronage of $190,890 across the membership each year and an average distribution of $8,241 to each worker owner. https://democracy.institute.coop/2019-worker-cooperative-state-sector-report
October 13, 2025 at 8:57 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy is a peer-reviewed source maintained by experts. Their entry on socialism provides an overview of its definition and some of the different kinds of socialist thought. The philosophy has been around for over two hundred years and thus includes distinct ideas.
𝘐𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮, 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩, 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘮, (𝘪) 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 (𝘪𝘪): (𝘪) 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥. (𝘪𝘪) 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭, 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/socialism
October 13, 2025 at 5:35 AM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Cooperatives are more resilient, and they are more likely to be living-wage employers. As member-owned enterprises, co-ops empower folks, no matter their background, with a say and a stake in economic life.
Start-up success after five years 82.4% co-ops still trading 39.4% companies trading https://www.uk.coop/resources/economy Four times fairer Co-operatives are 4x more likely to be Living Wage Employers https://www.uk.coop/resources/economy
September 28, 2025 at 9:23 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
"The state owning the land means the people own the land."

This statement does not differentiate between different forms of state ownership. Some completely exclude participation by the people. These forms are not meaningful ownership by the people.
The state owning the land means the people own the land.
September 20, 2025 at 10:57 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Worker cooperatives work. Research shows they often perform better than traditional companies in several categories.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker Co-op Impact by the Numbers: People of color make up 56.8% of worker-owners, and people identifying as female make up 62.5% of the workforce at worker co-ops. Worker-owned co-ops are two-thirds more likely to succeed than the average U.S. company. Worker-owned co-ops enjoy 5% higher productivity levels than traditional businesses. Worker co-ops employ happier workers with a higher level of job satisfaction than traditional companies. Worker co-ops maintain a 2:1 pay ratio compared to the average ceo-to-worker pay ratio of 303:1. Annual employee turnover for worker co-ops is 15% compared with industry norms of 40-60%. https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/abcs-of-cooperative-impact/abcs-of-worker-co-op-impact/
September 16, 2025 at 3:56 AM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Wealth inequality in the United States has increased substantially since 1989.

As of Q1 2025, the top 0.1% own more than five times as much wealth as the bottom 50%.

In 1989, the bottom 50% held 3.5% of total wealth. In 2025, they hold just 2.5%.
Wealth by wealth percentile group (1989:Q3 to 2025:Q1) As of Q3 1989: Top 0.1% - $1.75 trillion 99-99.99% - $2.90 trillion 90-99% - $7.76 trillion 50-90% - $7.28 trillion Bottom 50% - $0.71 trillion As of Q1 2025: Top 0.1% - $22.19 trillion 99-99.99% - $27.20 trillion 90-99% - $58.38 trillion 50-90% - $48.49 trillion Bottom 50% - $4.00 trillion https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/distribute/chart/
August 29, 2025 at 9:41 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Democratic Socialism is the philosophy that all people, regardless of wealth or status, are entitled to have a voice in the political and economic decisions that affect them. It is the complete rejection of authoritarianism in all its forms, from dictatorial government to oppressive corporation.
"Call it democracy, or call it democratic socialism, but there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God's children." - Martin Luther King Jr. (1961) https://mlkglobal.org/2017/11/23/martin-luther-king-on-capitalism-in-his-own-words/
August 1, 2025 at 1:58 AM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Ths kind of wealth concentration is not sustainable or just. It's time for more economic democracy. U.S. worker cooperatives, which are businesses democratically controlled by their workers, have a pay ratio of 2:1.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker Co-op Impact by the Numbers: People of color make up 56.8% of worker-owners, and people identifying as female make up 62.5% of the workforce at worker co-ops. Worker-owned co-ops are two-thirds more likely to succeed than the average U.S. company. Worker-owned co-ops enjoy 5% higher productivity levels than traditional businesses. Worker co-ops employ happier workers with a higher level of job satisfaction than traditional companies. Worker co-ops maintain a 2:1 pay ratio compared to the average ceo-to-worker pay ratio of 303:1. Annual employee turnover for worker co-ops is 15% compared with industry norms of 40-60%. https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/abcs-of-cooperative-impact/abcs-of-worker-co-op-impact/
August 1, 2025 at 1:48 AM
cooperatives.bsky.social
There are also electric cooperatives which serve 35+ million people in the United States. They are democratic nonprofit organizations. All utilities should be nonprofit and community controlled.

www.electric.coop/electric-coo...
(Map of the United States displaying extent of electric co-ops) Cooperatives power 56% of the American landscape.
June 27, 2025 at 6:52 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Many claim that businesses organized as democracies are inefficient and will fail at a higher rate than the conventional undemocratic model.

But according to the data, democratic businesses are significantly more resilient and survive longer than conventional businesses.

#EconomicDemocracy
Precentage survival rates (YoY) for companies and co-operatives, for businesses incorporated in 2011 Survival rate for each year since incorporation for co-operatives: 1 - 96% 2 - 91% 3 - 87% 4 - 84% 5 - 80% Survival rate for each year since incorporation for companies: 1 - 93% 2 - 76% 3 - 61% 4 - 51% 5 - 44% Understanding the data: An 80% rate of survival at 5 years since incorporation means 4 out of 5 enterprises remain in business after 5 years, while 1 out of 5 have gone out of business. https://www.uk.coop/sites/default/files/2020-10/co-operative_survival_1.pdf A comparison of survival rates (%) for co-operatives and companies over a 5 year period, for businesses incorporated 2009-2011 Survival rates of co-operatives and companies incorporated in 2009 by year since incorporation: 1 - 98.8% vs 90.8% 2 - 97.6% vs 73.8% 3 - 91.6% vs 59.6% 4 - 86.4% vs 48.9% 5 - 84.8% vs 41.7% Survival rates of co-operatives and companies incorporated in 2010 by year since incorporation: 1 - 98.3% vs 86.7% 2 - 94% vs 72.5% 3 - 91% vs 57.1% 4 - 87.3% vs 48.1% 5 - 81.9% vs 41.4% Survival rates of co-operatives and companies incorporated in 2011 by year since incorporation: 1 - 96.3% vs 93.1% 2 - 91.1% vs 75.6% 3 - 87.4% vs 60.5% 4 - 84% vs 51% 5 - 80.4% vs 44.1% https://www.uk.coop/sites/default/files/2020-10/co-operative_survival_1.pdf
May 20, 2025 at 11:08 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Since the wealthy disproportionately control the economy we live in, they disproportionately dictate how wealth is distributed, choosing to enrich themselves at the expense of the vast majority.

The solution? 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 so the distribution of wealth is 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺.
Worker cooperatives are organizations that are collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker Co-op Impact by the Numbers: People of color make up 56.8% of worker-owners, and people identifying as female make up 62.5% of the workforce at worker co-ops. Worker-owned co-ops are two-thirds more likely to succeed than the average U.S. company. Worker-owned co-ops enjoy 5% higher productivity levels than traditional businesses. Worker co-ops employ happier workers with a higher level of job satisfaction than traditional companies. Worker co-ops maintain a 2:1 pay ratio compared to the average ceo-to-worker pay ratio of 303:1. Annual employee turnover for worker co-ops is 15% compared with industry norms of 40-60%. https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/abcs-of-cooperative-impact/abcs-of-worker-co-op-impact/
May 7, 2025 at 8:59 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Food co-ops are driving change. The 2024 NCG Food Co-op Impact Report details the efforts of 240+ food co-ops across the United States. These community-owned businesses provide affordable, locally sourced products and promote regenerative and sustainable food systems.

www.ncg.coop/sites/defaul...
Cooperation Makes the Difference Food co-ops don’t change their values based on which way the wind blows. We are rooted in our communities and participate in the international cooperative business movement, a business model rooted in cooperative principles and values. At a food co-op, members own the business and elect their board of directors from among their community every year, ensuring that as their co-op grows and changes it remains true to the values and goals of its community. NCG is owned by 165 community food co-ops with stores in 240+ communities and growing! Cooperative Principles Voluntary and open membership Democratic member control Member economic participation Autonomy and independence Education, training and information Cooperation among cooperatives Concern for community Diversity, equity and inclusion Cooperative Values Self-help Self-responsibility Democracy Equality Equity Solidarity 240+ co-op locations in 39 states $9 million collectively donated to local community organizations annually by NCG co-ops 1.3 million co-op owners as of 2024 Co-op owners account for 58% of sales Leaders in Local and Organic Food Resiliency, interdependence and a thriving local economy — cultivating a strong local food system brings many benefits to a community. Food co-ops invest time, energy and money in building strong relationships with farmers and food producers, and it shows — we sell more local products than any other grocer. Food co-ops are also leaders in organic sales. We have a higher percentage of sales from organic products than our competition does. Soil-based organic agriculture is a regenerative farming system that builds soil health and increases its ability to capture and hold carbon (as CO2) from the atmosphere. Organic farming is good for bees and butterflies and builds biodiversity by working with the natural food chain to control pests — just how nature balances itself. Co-ops Lead in Local and Organic Local products as percentage of sales NCG Co-ops: 24% Conventional Grocers: 2% Organic products as percentage of sales NCG Co-ops: 37% Conventional Grocers: 3% Number of local producers NCG Co-ops: 175 Conventional Grocers: 41 Affordable Food in Every Neighborhood Food co-ops work together nationally to source the foods our communities want at the lowest prices possible. Look for our Co+op Deals and Co+op Basics programs which compete with national chains’ name brand and private label groceries. We also advocate at the federal level through NCG for increases in federal funding for SNAP, WIC and GusNIP, the federal grant for SNAP Produce Incentive programs. SNAP is the most effective anti-hunger program in the nation with over 41 million people using it to purchase groceries in 2024. Currently, 77 of NCG’s 165 member co-ops are located in parts of the country designated as having low access to fresh foods and a low median household income by U.S. Department of Agriculture. NCG donates to Food Co-op Initiative, a nonprofit that supports communities working to organize a food co-op in their neighborhood and other organizations supporting co-op development. 2,650+ Co+op Deals each week 25% average retail discount on Co+op Deals 1 out of 2 food co-ops offer SNAP double dollars for produce 93% food co-ops participate in SNAP Responding to the Climate Crisis Food — how it is grown, produced, transported, used and thrown away — has a huge impact on our climate. Food co-ops work together to reduce our impact on the climate individually and collectively. NCG has been offsetting carbon emissions from staff travel and office utilities since 2012. In 2024 we welcomed a new offset partner, ReSeed, an innovative organization that funds Indigenous Brazilian farmers who use traditional agricultural methods that sequester carbon and reduce climate change. Food co-ops promote organic food as a climate change solution — soil-based organic farming methods are regenerative and can help to heal environmental depletion and slow climate change. 100% NCG food co-ops have up-to-date sustainability tracking software and support to set goals and reduce carbon footprint 8,293 metric tons CO2 offset since 2012 through conservation and agroforestry practices in partnership with Indigenous communities
May 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Democratic workplaces exist in the thousands and they have been studied quite extensively. The model empirically delivers on several social and economic benefits where conventional business models tend to fall short.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker Co-op Impact by the Numbers: People of color make up 56.8% of worker-owners, and people identifying as female make up 62.5% of the workforce at worker co-ops. Worker-owned co-ops are two-thirds more likely to succeed than the average U.S. company. Worker-owned co-ops enjoy 5% higher productivity levels than traditional businesses. Worker co-ops employ happier workers with a higher level of job satisfaction than traditional companies. Worker co-ops maintain a 2:1 pay ratio compared to the average ceo-to-worker pay ratio of 303:1. Annual employee turnover for worker co-ops is 15% compared with industry norms of 40-60%. https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/abcs-of-cooperative-impact/abcs-of-worker-co-op-impact/
April 30, 2025 at 5:51 AM
cooperatives.bsky.social
the average annual patronage to co-op workers is $8,241. This is a sizable chunk of the surplus that can really change someone's life. With regard to their longevity, worker co-ops show greater resiliency under market downturns and generally survive longer than other kinds of businesses.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker Co-op Impact by the Numbers: People of color make up 56.8% of worker-owners, and people identifying as female make up 62.5% of the workforce at worker co-ops. Worker-owned co-ops are two-thirds more likely to succeed than the average U.S. company. Worker-owned co-ops enjoy 5% higher productivity levels than traditional businesses. Worker co-ops employ happier workers with a higher level of job satisfaction than traditional companies. Worker co-ops maintain a 2:1 pay ratio compared to the average CEO-to-Worker pay ratio of 303:1. Annual employee turnover for worker co-ops is 15% compared with industry norms of 40-60%. https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/abcs-of-cooperative-impact/abcs-of-worker-co-op-impact/
April 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
cooperative economy index to consider each measurement at the same time and these are the results. It compares interestingly to the social progress index which measures social well-being.

www.un.org/esa/socdev/d...
Table 3: Social Progress Index and Cooperative Economy Index Social Progress Index Rankings 1. New Zealand 2. Switzerland 3. Iceland 4. Netherlands 5. Norway 6. Sweden 7. Canada 8. Finland 9. Denmark 10. Australia Cooperative Economy Index Rankings (SPI) 1. New Zealand (1) 2. France (20) 3. Switzerland (2) 4. Finland (7) 5. Italy (29) 6. Netherlands (4) 7. Germany (12) 8. Austria (11) 9. Denmark (9) 10. Norway (5)
April 18, 2025 at 11:25 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
A study on French businesses that transitioned to worker co-ops finds their three-year survival rates at 80-90%, compared to 66% for all French enterprises. Italian cooperatives had lower bankruptcy rates and proved more resilient during the 2008 economic recession.

www.socioeco.org/bdf_fiche-do...
Survival rate for cooperatives resulting from business transfers in 2012 (France) 5-year survival rate (left), 3-year survival rate (right) All French enterprises: 50%, 66% All cooperatives affiliated to CG Scop: 66.1%, 82.5% Transfer of sound enterprises into cooperatives: 82.1%, 90.5% Transfer of enterprises in crisis into cooperatives: 61.0%, 80.2% Source: CG Scop Enterprise bankruptcies (per thousand) — for each quarter from 2007 to 2010 (Italy) Conventional (left), Cooperative (right) 1/07: 1.23, 0.38 2/07: 1.04, 0.35 3/07: 0.68, 0.22 4/07: 1.10, 0.35 1/08: 1.12, 0.37 2/08: 1.22, 0.39 3/08: 0.81, 0.28 4/08: 1.52, 0.48 1/09: 1.39, 0.43 2/09: 1.49, 0.49 3/09: 1.14, 0.38 4/09: 1.84, 0.60 1/10: 1.70, 0.56 Source: Ibid., p.34 GDP trend and mortality rate of enterprises and cooperatives (Italy) The mortality rate of companies exceeds those of cooperatives for every year from 1999 to 2009. While cooperatives hovered around 3 to 4% (with a peak of 4.8% in 2005), companies hovered around 6 to 7% (with a peak of 7.3% in 2007).
March 25, 2025 at 10:47 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Same.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker Co-op Impact by the Numbers: People of color make up 56.8% of worker-owners, and people identifying as female make up 62.5% of the workforce at worker co-ops. Worker-owned co-ops are two-thirds more likely to succeed than the average U.S. company. Worker-owned co-ops enjoy 5% higher productivity levels than traditional businesses. Worker co-ops employ happier workers with a higher level of job satisfaction than traditional companies. Worker co-ops maintain a 2:1 pay ratio compared to the average ceo-to-worker pay ratio of 303:1. Annual employee turnover for worker co-ops is 15% compared with industry norms of 40-60%. https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/abcs-of-cooperative-impact/abcs-of-worker-co-op-impact/
March 24, 2025 at 12:56 AM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Employee ownership is proven to deliver the economic and social benefits that people need. It's an understatement to say transitioning media (and other things) to worker ownership is a good idea. In the UK, the employee-owned sector has exploded and is now outperforming the rest of the country.
Data on employee-owned businesses in the United Kingdom Improved financial wellbeing: EOBS pay higher basic wages and share profits. In 2020 Employee Ownership Trust payments put £2,729 in the pocket of each employee. Driving profit growth: Most EOBS see profits grow after becoming employee owned. They are 25%+ more likely to have seen profits grow over the last five years. A more prosperous economy: EO drives up economic productivity. EOBS are found to be 8%-12% more productive per employee than other businesses. Greater employee wellbeing: Because of higher investment in wellbeing and changing business practices, most (73%) EOBS report increased employee satisfaction after becoming employee owned. Employee engagement and commercial success: Increased engagement and effort by employee owners drives increased performance by 20%, and an increase in business revenue of up to 43%. Significant job-creation: The EO sector contributes around 541,300 jobs to the economy. EOBS are 50% more likely to expand their workforces than other businesses. More investment in training and skills: EOBS spend an average of £38,000 (12%) more on training per company compared with non-EOBS. More investment to improve products & services: EOBS are 50% more likely to invest in Research & Development than non-EOBS. Resilience & sustainability: 51,000 small and medium businesses risk closure due to ownership changes in the next decade. EO is a proven succession route that can retain these businesses.
March 21, 2025 at 6:55 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Millions of baby boomer business owners are set to retire, yet many do not have succession plans. If these businesses are sold to corporations or close down, communities will suffer. This is where transitioning to worker ownership emerges as the clear solution.

project-equity.org/impact/silve...
The Small Business Closure Crisis Baby boomers own over half of all privately held firms in the United States. This Silver Tsunami of retiring business owners own over 2.9 million firms which represent half of all job-creating businesses in the country. These firms employ roughly 32 million workers and generate nearly $6.5 trillion in revenue. As most of these owners retire, our local business landscape is going through a dramatic shift. 6 out of 10 business owners plan to sell in the next decade. By selling to their employees, owners can secure their legacy and keep these businesses and jobs in the community. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. Small businesses make up 99.9% of all firms and provide 46.4% of all jobs in the United States. In addition, they circulate 3x more money back into local communities than absentee-owned businesses and corporate chains. Baby boomers employ an estimated 1 in 5 private sector workers nationwide. The Employee Ownership Solution Employee ownership deepens the impact of local businesses and keeps them locally owned for the long term. Let Project Equity help you track the impact of baby boomer retirements in your region and turn crisis into opportunity. Benefits to businesses: ● Higher productivity and growth ● Lower employee turnover ● Improved longevity, lasting legacy Benefits to workers: ● Better pay and benefits ● Assets and business ownership ● Voice in key decisions Benefits to communities ● Increased local spending ● Heightened civic engagement ● Community wealth building Interested in learning how businesses can transition to employee ownership and communities can keep good jobs? Visit project-equity.org
March 19, 2025 at 7:14 PM
cooperatives.bsky.social
Worker cooperatives are more stable and resilient than other kinds of organizational structures. Democracy is a powerful tool for fostering shared accountability and a culture of cooperation. This is the best model available for a project like this as values of equity and inclusivity are practiced.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker Co-op Impact by the Numbers: People of color make up 56.8% of worker-owners, and people identifying as female make up 62.5% of the workforce at worker co-ops. Worker-owned co-ops are two-thirds more likely to succeed than the average U.S. company. Worker-owned co-ops enjoy 5% higher productivity levels than traditional businesses. Worker co-ops employ happier workers with a higher level of job satisfaction than traditional companies. Worker co-ops maintain a 2:1 pay ratio compared to the average ceo-to-worker pay ratio of 303:1. Annual employee turnover for worker co-ops is 15% compared with industry norms of 40-60%. https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/abcs-of-cooperative-impact/abcs-of-worker-co-op-impact/
March 18, 2025 at 1:01 AM
cooperatives.bsky.social
#WorkerCoops are the future.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are collectively owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Worker Co-op Impact by the Numbers: People of color make up 56.8% of worker-owners, and people identifying as female make up 62.5% of the workforce at worker co-ops. Worker-owned co-ops are two-thirds more likely to succeed than the average U.S. company. Worker-owned co-ops enjoy 5% higher productivity levels than traditional businesses. Worker co-ops employ happier workers with a higher level of job satisfaction than traditional companies. Worker co-ops maintain a 2:1 pay ratio compared to the average ceo-to-worker pay ratio of 303:1. Annual employee turnover for worker co-ops is 15% compared with industry norms of 40-60%. https://ncbaclusa.coop/resources/abcs-of-cooperative-impact/abcs-of-worker-co-op-impact/
March 17, 2025 at 9:39 PM