This paper aims to help build the field of U.S. worker co-op development by providing a current view of the cooperative landscape and by analyzing factors that inhibit or promote cooperative development. Although informed by the cooperative giants in Europe, this analysis highlights lessons learned through the development and growth of worker co-ops in the United States. Click here … Worker Cooperatives: Pathways to Scale
by Peter Hough Sweat equity is generally considered all the voluntary unpaid work that is often required in the first years of a new business. This work is usually unpaid because the new business cannot afford to pay wages or salaries during start-up. The commitment by members to provide sweat equity is often essential for … What is Sweat Equity?
Excerpt: The purpose of this Guide is to help you navigate the financial planning and marketing process for your co-op. There is really no distinction between what your business plan and/or financing proposals need in order to get approved by financiers and what your co-op needs in order to succeed. As a general rule: whatever … Preparing and Marketing Financing Proposals: A Plain Language Guide for Worker Co-ops
The attached pdf, by CooperativesUK, is a booklet which seeks to practically implement the ICA World Declaration on Worker Ownership. The link is a longer version of the same containing other resources as well. “The booklet is intentionally short. It focuses on the core features of a well-governed worker co-operative rather than providing details about … Code of Worker Co-op Governance, CooperativesUK
A presentation on pricing for profit from the CWCF’s AGM 2006. Excerpt: Objective: To gain an understanding of the basics of pricing in order to determine at what level of sales at a particular price, will enough revenue be produced to generate the wages and profits which the co-op requires. Why is Pricing Important: Price is … Pricing for Profit
Prepared for: Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation and Saint Mary’s University By John McNamara, Student, Master of Management Co-operatives and Credit Unions, St. Mary’s University Excerpt: 1.0 Introduction Worker co-operatives occupy a unique place in the economy and employment law. The employees of the organization also control the organization as owners. As a result, the workers … Worker Co-ops and Employment Law in Canada
Worker Coop Toolbox The above guide Supports Worker Co-op Formation and Expansion Developed by the North country Cooperative Foundation (Minnesota), the Worker Co-op Toolbox provides a new set of resources to assist potential worker co-op members and their partners in choosing, planning, organizing, and supporting new and existing employee-owned cooperatives. Thanks to Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund … Worker Co-op Toolbox