Democratizing Ownership

Building Community Power
Through Shared Ownership

Center for Community Wealth Building (CCW) create pathways to shared ownership of small businesses and real estate through our Democratizing Ownership program. We support both emerging and established worker cooperatives in Metro Denver, providing education, development support, and ecosystem-building to increase incomes, lower costs, and expand ownership, particularly within strategically underinvested communities.

Why Worker Cooperative Ownership Matters

Cooperative ownership creates tangible benefits for workers, businesses, and communities. Research shows that when workers have an ownership stake and democratic voice in their workplace, it leads to higher wages, better working conditions, and increased job satisfaction.

Higher Wages & Quality of Life

$2.00 Workers at cooperative-owned companies earn on average $2 more per hour than those in traditional jobs

88% Report improved quality of life after joining their cooperative [Source: Democracy at Work Institute, 2021]

Pay Equity

Traditional Companies: The average CEO in the United States earns 303 times more than their lowest-workers

77% Worker Cooperatives: More than three-quarters of US worker cooperatives maintain a maximum 2:1 pay ratio between highest and lowest paid workers

Workplace Satisfaction

Workers in cooperative businesses report significant increased satisfaction compared to their previous traditional employment:

  • 65% experience greater job security and stability
  • 70% enjoy stronger relationships with coworkers and management
  • 62% have more opportunities for skill development and career growth
  • 75% report higher overall job satisfaction and engagement

Our Comprehensive Approach

Cooperative
Education

Whether you're just starting to explore cooperatives or are part of an established co-op, CCW offers educational programs to support your journey. Our training and skill-building programs align with cooperative principles and values and create multiple entry points for learning - from introductory workshops to intensive academies and leadership development programs.

Key programs include:
  • Co-op 101 introductory workshops
  • Member onboarding training for established co-ops
  • Train the Trainer leadership development
  • Technical assistance workshops
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Cooperative Development

We provide hands-on guidance to groups starting new cooperatives and existing businesses transitioning to worker ownership. Our development work focuses on key industries where worker ownership can create quality jobs and build community wealth. We offer intensive academies for both worker cooperatives and community-owned real estate projects.

Areas of support include:
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Cooperative Ecosystem Cultivation

We strengthen Colorado's cooperative ecosystem through policy advocacy, peer networking, and leadership development. Our Worker Co-op Peer Network connects cooperatives across the state to share knowledge and build collective power.

Other focus areas include:
  • Policy advocacy and systems change
  • Peer learning networks
  • Cooperative leadership development
  • Community partnerships and events
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For Business OWners

Get support to grow your business or explore employee ownership.

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For Anchor Institutions

Partner with us to align your spending with community wealth building.

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For Community Members

Invest in transformative economic change.

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For Supporters

Invest in transformative economic change

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Stay Connected with
Our Cooperative Community

Join us in building a thriving cooperative economy in Metro Denver

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Upcoming Events

Check out our calendar for workshops, training, and networking opportunities.

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Questions?

Connect with a Cooperative Development Director to learn more.

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