October is National Cooperative Month! In October and beyond, we recognize and support the transformative impact cooperatives (known as co-ops) have on local communities. Throughout the years, the Cutting Edge team has worked closely with a variety of cooperatives across many industries. Learn more about some of these cooperatives below.
For over 40 years, Shared Capital Cooperative has helped co-ops get access to the capital they need. Shared Capital successfully finances co-ops expansions, start-ups, and conversions, stewarding investor dollars to support co-ops in making a positive impact for their members and communities. Shared Capital has provided over 850 loans to co-ops totaling over $52 million, ultimately supporting co-ops in transforming communities into more just, inclusive, and equitable local economies.
This fall, Shared Capital is inviting investors to help raise $3 million for co-ops. In investing, you will join more than 200 individuals, foundations, and other impact investors in supporting the mission of co-ops. Learn more.
Former employees of one of the oldest brewing companies in American, Anchor Brewing are working to resurrect the now shuttered San Francisco icon. After devoting so much of their time and energy with the brand, more than 30 Anchor Union members have banded together to pursue ownership and transform it into a worker co-op model.
The worker co-op, Anchor SF Cooperative, has received an outpouring of support from its community of supporters and investors, further proof that the127 year-old brand’s legacy continues to thrive.
Stay tuned to hear more about next steps, including a potential capital raise campaign in the works.
Chicago Cane Cooperative, previously featured in our June 2023 newsletter, is Chicago’s first worker-owned cooperative distillery. Chicaco Cane was built upon three pillars; equity, transparency and creativity, which impact this worker co-op’s operations from the top down.
Chicago Cane is on a mission to lead by example. They hope their model inspires collective action toward a more sustainable, transparent liquor industry and helps to reckon with the complicated history of rum. Learn more.
Ten years after a successful run in North Oakland, California, Nick’s Pizza and Bakery founder Nick Yapor-Cox decided to pursue different passions. Rather than close the business and leave loyal employees without jobs, the team decided to move the restaurant in a new direction. In September 2023, a worker-owner collective was formed.
Owned and operated by a cohort of the restaurant’s most experienced workers, Nick’s Pizza and Bakery’s transition to a collectively-owned and democratically-operated business provides a great example of how creating long term, sustainable jobs for employees can simultaneously strengthen the longevity of a business. Learn more.
If you’re interested in forming converting your business into a cooperative, schedule a complimentary consult with a Cutting Edge attorney now.