Shared Ownership for a Stronger, More Equitable Georgia

Shared ownership models give communities the power to own, govern, and benefit
from what they create.

Shared Ownership, Defined

What is Shared Ownership?

Shared ownership refers to a family of business and organizational models where workers, consumers, producers, or community members share ownership, share governance, and share the value created by the enterprise.
Instead of wealth and decision-making being concentrated in the hands of a few, shared ownership models ensure that:

more people have a stake

communities have more control

benefits are more widely distributed

long-term prosperity stays local

"Shared ownership models are especially powerful for underserved and rural communities, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community-led initiatives seeking greater stability, sustainability, and self-determination"

A Proven Strategy for Thriving Communities

Why Shared Ownership Matters to Georgia

Shared ownership strengthens local economies by keeping resources, profits, and decision making within the community.
In Georgia—where small businesses, minority-led enterprises, farmers, creatives, and community organizations drive local economies—shared ownership models offer pathways to:

Build community wealth
Create high-quality jobs
Support small business success
Retain locally-rooted enterprises
Expand opportunities in BIPOC, rural, and marginalized communities
Cultivate democratic leadership skills
Increase economic resilience
Reduce inequality
GCDC works statewide to advance these models because shared ownership is one of the most effective ways to build equitable, sustainable prosperity.

Shared Ownership Models We Support

Types of Shared Ownership Models

Shared ownership is not one model—it’s a landscape of options.
GCDC supports communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs in exploring the model that best fits their goals.

Worker-Owned Cooperatives

Businesses owned and democratically governed by the workers themselves.

Consumer Cooperatives

Enterprises owned by the people who use their goods or services (e.g., food co-ops, credit unions).

Producer & Marketing Cooperatives

Groups of farmers, makers, or creators who pool resources to market, distribute, or process their goods.

Purchasing & Shared Services Cooperatives

Businesses that pool purchasing power or share operational services such as marketing, bookkeeping, HR, or digital tools.

Multi-Stakeholder or Hybrid Cooperatives

Enterprises owned by a blend of workers, consumers, producers, and/or community supporters.

Platform & Digital Cooperatives

Shared ownership versions of digital marketplaces, media platforms, apps, or online services.

Employee Ownership Transitions (ESOPs, EOTs, Worker Trusts)

Existing businesses transferred to employees through structured shared ownership routes.

The Values Behind Shared Ownership

All shared ownership models share a foundation of values rooted in the cooperative movement:

Democracy
Equity
Equality
Solidarity
Self-help
Self-responsibility

These values shape how shared ownership enterprises operate and how they contribute to their communities.
They also guide every aspect of GCDC’s work—from education and coaching to technical assistance and partnerships.

How GCDC Supports Shared Ownership

Our Role in Advancing Shared Ownership Across Georgia

We support communities, small businesses, and organizations through each stage of the shared ownership journey:

Technical Assistance & Coaching

Hands-on support for forming, governing, and operating shared ownership models.

Education & Training

Workshops, online courses, academies, and board leadership development.

Shared Services Development

Helping groups pool resources and build shared services cooperatives—like our Athens pilot initiative.

Digital Literacy & Transformation

Ensuring shared ownership enterprises have the digital tools they need to grow.

Policy & Advocacy Support

Helping leaders understand and advance supportive policies for shared ownership in Georgia.

Ecosystem Building

Connecting cooperatives, employee-owned firms, funders, and institutions statewide.

"GCDC serves as the backbone infrastructure for building and sustaining shared ownership enterprises throughout Georgia."

A Model for Shared Services in Georgia

In Athens, GCDC is piloting a shared services cooperative initiative that helps local small businesses access essential services through pooled purchasing and shared operational support.
This initiative will inform future shared services and purchasing cooperatives across Georgia, helping more entrepreneurs reduce costs, strengthen capacity, and collaborate for long-term success.

Shared Ownership in Action

Across Georgia, shared ownership is transforming communities—from rural farms and small
businesses to urban startups, artistic collectives, wellness cooperatives, childcare innovators,
neighborhood food initiatives, and more.
Shared ownership strengthens local economies by:

Creating stable jobs
Keeping wealth in communities
Helping entrepreneurs stay competitive
Supporting BIPOC- and women-led enterprises
Preserving legacy businesses
Fostering collaboration instead of competition

GCDC works to make these models accessible, sustainable, and scalable for all Georgians.