Types of Cooperatives & Shared Ownership Sectors

Explore worker co-ops, producer co-ops, shared services co-ops, and more.

Cooperatives: One Idea, Many Models

Cooperatives are shared ownership enterprises built on democratic governance, equitable participation, and shared benefit.
But not all cooperatives look the same.
Georgia’s co-op ecosystem includes worker-owned businesses, farms, food systems, shared
services networks, retail stores, credit unions, childcare co-ops, creative collectives, and
many more.
Each cooperative type serves a different purpose, meets different community needs, and
empowers members in different ways.
This page provides an accessible overview of the most common cooperative types and the
sectors they serve.

Major Cooperative Types

Common Types of Cooperatives

These cooperative structures form the backbone of shared ownership in Georgia and around the world.

01

Worker-Owned Cooperatives

Businesses owned and democratically governed by the workers.
Each worker-member has one vote and shares in profits, decision-making, and long-term value.
Common Sectors:

Cleaning & home services
Construction & trades
Creative & media services
Food service
Childcare & eldercare
Wellness & healing arts
Professional services
Landscaping, recycling, maintenance

02

Consumer Cooperatives

Enterprises owned by the people who buy or use their services.
This includes food co-ops, retail member co-ops, mutual insurance, and more.
Common Sectors:

Food & grocery
Credit unions & financial services
Housing co-ops
Health care
Rural electric & utility co-ops
Purchasing clubs and buying clubs

03

Producer & Marketing Cooperatives

Groups of growers, makers, farmers, and small producers who join together to increase market
access, reduce costs, and improve distribution.
Common Sectors:

Agriculture & farming
Black farmer networks
Art & handmade goods
Craft & maker communities
Forestry & timber
Local food systems

04

Purchasing & Shared Services Cooperatives

Businesses that help members share operational services or pool purchasing power.
This model is central to your Athens initiative.
Common Services:

Marketing & branding
HR & payroll
Accounting & bookkeeping
Insurance pooling
Bulk purchasing
Digital tools and IT support
Administrative services

05

Multi-Stakeholder / Hybrid Cooperatives

Co-ops owned by two or more groups of stakeholders—for example workers + consumers,
farmers + distributors, or workers + community investors.
Common Sectors:

Community food hubs
Healthcare collaboratives
Education & childcare
Community land projects
Multi-service organizations

06

Platform & Digital Cooperatives

Digital platforms, online marketplaces, and tech-enabled services owned by the people who rely
on them.
Common Sectors:

Digital media
Rideshare & delivery alternatives
Creative platforms
Online learning marketplaces
Technology services
Community apps & networks

07

Employee Ownership Transitions

Shared ownership models where employees gradually or fully acquire ownership of an existing
business. These include:

ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans)
EOTs (Employee Ownership Trusts)
Worker Ownership Trusts
Cooperative conversions

Sectors Where Cooperatives Thrive in Georgia

Cooperatives exist in nearly every corner of Georgia’s economy.
They help communities meet essential needs, support entrepreneurship, and build community wealth.

Key Cooperative Sectors in Georgia Include:

Food & Grocery Cooperatives

Food access, local food systems, neighborhood markets, community-based retail.

Agriculture & Farming Cooperatives

Small farms, producer networks, regenerative agriculture, Black farmer collaborations.

Health, Wellness & Care

Childcare co-ops, eldercare co-ops, wellness collectives, mental health service groups

Business & Professional Services

Shared services co-ops, creative studios, consulting collectives, bookkeeping networks

Arts, Media & Creative Industries

Artist collectives, media production co-ops, digital creator platforms.

Retail & Consumer Services

Community-owned shops, rural electric co-ops, credit unions, housing co-ops.

Youth, Learning & Education

Youth-led businesses, educational resource co-ops, after-school and enrichment programs.

Technology & Digital Innovation

Digital service co-ops, platform co-ops, online marketplaces, app-based communities.

Community Development & Housing

Community land trusts (CLTs), community-controlled real estate models.

Finding the Model That Fits Your Goals

Every community and business has different needs.
We help you evaluate:

Who the owners should be
What decisions need to be shared
How benefits should be distributed
What governance model makes sense
What sector-specific practices apply
Some groups thrive with a worker-owned structure.

Others need a multi-stakeholder model.
Some small businesses succeed by joining a shared services or purchasing co-op.
Others explore employee ownership transitions to preserve local jobs.
GCDC helps communities choose a model that fits their purpose, values, and long-term vision.

Support for Every Cooperative Journey

How GCDC Supports Cooperative Types & Sectors

Our team provides:

Technical assistance

Governance training

Digital literacy & digital transformation

leadership development

Cooperative startup coaching

Market understanding by sector

Shared services design

Financial education and sustainability planning

Policy education and advocacy support

We meet communities where they are—whether they're forming their first co-op or scaling an existing one.