We are building on a rich history of cooperation in Virginia.
From the Ruthville Mercantile Cooperative Company to the Fredericksburg Food Cooperative, there is a long history of people coming together to support each other by creating cooperatives. Yet, there has been limited support and funding to make these efforts thrive in Virginia.
Common Shares is focused on developing policy, funding, resources, and networks to see this grow in Virginia.
We will do that by:
Provide education and technical assistance for all sorts of businesses and groups practicing economic democracy. This may include worker cooperatives, housing cooperatives, and other organizations operating cooperatively.
Incubate VA Cooperative Alliance (VACA), a federation of cooperative businesses, support organizations, and other allies in Virginia.
Hold educational seminars to raise awareness of the cooperative model and economic democracy.
Provide staff to organize cooperative businesses.
Work with cooperative businesses to improve democratic governance among members.
Training community capital providers to better support cooperatives.
Helping cooperatives to access capital.
Expanding knowledge and support for cooperatives, particularly worker-owned businesses, food cooperatives, and housing cooperatives.