Case Studies: Business Conversions to Worker Cooperatives
Project Equity
Project Equity case studies of businesses that converted to worker cooperatives, including examples such as Big Timberworks, Namaste Solar, Pattycake Bakery, and Real Pickles.
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Reset search and filtersProject Equity
Project Equity case studies of businesses that converted to worker cooperatives, including examples such as Big Timberworks, Namaste Solar, Pattycake Bakery, and Real Pickles.
Democracy at Work Institute
A DAWI-hosted AORTA resource outlining a conflict-resolution process that can be used by cooperatives.
Democracy at Work Institute
A DAWI guide to democratic management practices organized around power, information, people, and money, with tools and examples for worker co-ops and democratic workplaces.
National Center for Employee Ownership
An NCEO article explaining the ESOP committee’s role in plan administration, fiduciary decision-making, and employee communications.
Sustainable Economies Law Center
A SELC article explaining key tradeoffs between forming a worker cooperative as an LLC or as a cooperative corporation.
Democracy at Work Institute
A DAWI guide explaining how governing documents can codify democratic ownership, governance structure, growth, and conflict-resolution pathways.
USDA Rural Development
A USDA circular with sample cooperative legal documents, including bylaws and related governance provisions.
Democracy at Work Institute
An editable sample bylaws document for worker cooperatives that can help groups avoid starting their governance documents from scratch.
National Center for Employee Ownership
An NCEO article describing participant rights, including voting rights, disclosure, diversification, distributions, and benefit protections.
Sustainable Economies Law Center
A legal and practical manual from SELC, EBCLC, and the Green Collar Communities Clinic on starting and operating a worker-owned business.