Business, the Cooperative Way How cooperatives work: member ownership, shared profits, and democratic governance. Practical models for starting or joining a co-op.

A business owned and governed by its members — the workers, customers, or producers it serves — rather than outside shareholders.

Typically one member, one vote. Members elect a board and vote on major matters regardless of how much capital each contributed.

Many are. Surpluses are reinvested or returned to members; well-known co-ops operate in groceries, agriculture, banking, and utilities worldwide.