CCW Helps Launch Four Worker Cooperative Businesses in Denver

In an economy that only seems to work for the wealthy, four teams of Denver residents are coming together to launch businesses they lead as worker-owners. Worker cooperatives create 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. 

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This past month, four worker cooperative businesses celebrated their completion of the Worker-Owned Co-op Academy (WOCA) through the Center for Community Wealth (CCW). The goal is that each of these worker cooperatives will be ready to open and accept customers in the next month or two. 

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See photos from the event! Worker Owned Co-op Academy (WOCA) Graduation 2026 by Center for Community Wealth 

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Building Community and Trust Through Co-op Development

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CCW is one of many organizations around the world committed to co-creating a new economy through developing worker-cooperatives, but its approach to developing co-ops is unique. Cooperative Program Manager Hilda Quintanilla-Gehrke combines cultural competence, trust-building activities, and purposeful education and learning to move teams through the cooperative development process. 

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Launching a cooperative is different from starting a small business because much of the work is helping individuals understand and trust each other as they begin to work together as a group. The Worker-Owned Co-op Academy includes two stages which are designed to develop worker cooperatives that create wealth for the worker-owners and the community.

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Stage 1: Discovery & Readiness

Discovery & Readiness is designed for a team of at least three people who have a business idea and are interested in launching a worker cooperative. This eight-week program helped participants discover if their team was ready to work well together and if their business idea was financially viable.

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Stage 2: Design & Develop

Design & Develop is designed for teams who have completed the Discovery & Readiness portion of the Worker-Owned Co-op Academy and were recommended to continue their journey to launching a worker cooperative. This thirteen-week program helped teams design their worker cooperative's mission, vision, and values as well as develop their legal documents and membership manual.

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The 2026 WOCA Graduates

We are excited to announce the four worker co-op teams who have graduated WOCA! One of the major barriers to business success is the lack of access to capital for startup worker cooperatives. With this in mind, our goal is to help each team raise $15,000 to launch their worker cooperative business. Here’s more about these four co-op teams:

Alt Shift Thrive Co-op, LCA

Alt Shift Thrive is a member-owned cooperative that expands access to high-quality services for mission-driven organizations and creates a home for independent contractors. They believe organizations serving the common good shouldn't have to choose between expensive consulting firms or going it alone, and experienced practitioners shouldn't have to choose between independence or community. Alt Shift Thrive exists to provide a better alternative.

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Click here to learn more about Alt Shift Thrive and donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-missiondriven-organizations-thrive

‍Community Doula Hub Coop, LCA

Community Doula Hub is addressing critical gaps in doula professionalism and maternal support systems. Their dual-impact approach aims to empower doulas through comprehensive, affordable training and certification while providing expectant mothers with accessible, high-quality care.

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Click here to learn more about Community Doula Hub and donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-raise-startup-funding-for-community-doula-hub-coop

Habitat at Home Co-op, LCA

Habitat at Home is an ecological landscaping co-op addressing client frustrations with high irrigation costs, extensive maintenance, and invasive weeds. They are creating water-efficient,

low-maintenance landscapes that emphasize biodiversity through native plant species. Their collaborative approach involves working closely with clients to create landscapes that carefully address their aesthetic preferences and lifestyle requirements.

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Click here to learn more about Habitat at Home and donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-launch-habitat-at-home-a-workerowned-ecological-la

Raíces del Corazón Coop, LCA

Raíces del Corazón focuses on the implementation of residential and community gardens, cooking classes that promote healthy eating habits, and the preservation of culture. The community outreach program supports these efforts by serving as a bridge of trust between the community, organizations, and agencies.

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Click here to learn more about Raíces del Corazón and donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ayudanos-a-hacer-realidad-la-cooperativa-raices-del-corazon

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Join us in celebrating and supporting these Denver worker cooperatives as they launch! 

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