Democratizing Ownership
Building Community Power
Through Shared Ownership
The Center for Community Wealth (CCW) creates pathways to shared ownership of small businesses and real estate through our Democratizing Ownership program. We support both emerging and established worker cooperatives in Metro Denver, providing education, development support, and ecosystem-building to increase incomes, lower costs, and expand ownership, particularly within strategically underinvested communities.
Why Worker Cooperative Ownership Matters
Cooperative ownership creates 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.
Higher Wages & Quality of Life
$2.00
Workers at cooperative-owned companies earn on average $2.00 more per hour than those in traditional jobs
88%
Report improved quality of life after joining their cooperative [Source: Democracy at Work Institute, 2021]
Pay Equity
303x
Traditional Companies: The average CEO in the United States earns 303 times more than their lowest-workers
77%
Worker Cooperatives: More than three-quarters of US worker cooperatives maintain a maximum 2:1 pay ratio between highest and lowest paid workers
Workplace Satisfaction
Workers in cooperative businesses report significant increased satisfaction compared to their previous traditional employment:
65% experience greater job security and stability
70% enjoy stronger relationships with coworkers and management
62% have more opportunities for skill development and career growth
75% report higher overall job satisfaction and engagement
Our Comprehensive Approach
Cooperative
Education
Whether you’re just starting to explore cooperatives or you want to advance your knowledge, CCW offers educational programs to support your journey. Our training programs align with cooperative principles and values, providing an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the cooperative ecosystem. Become a cooperative champion by attending our educational programs.
Key programs include:
Co-op 101 introductory workshops
Co-op 201 advanced workshops
Cooperative Leadership & Development
(formerly Train the Trainer)
Cooperative Development
We provide hands-on guidance to groups starting new and established cooperatives, as well as existing businesses transitioning to worker ownership. Our development work focuses on key industries where worker ownership can create quality jobs and build community wealth. We offer intensive academies for both worker cooperatives and community-owned real estate projects, as well as technical assistance workshops, training, professional leadership coaching, and coaching packages for specific needs.
Areas of support include:
Worker Owner Cooperative Academy for developing worker cooperatives
Becoming employee-owned through business conversion
Support for established worker cooperatives
Community-owned real estate development
Cooperative Ecosystem Cultivation
We strengthen Colorado's cooperative ecosystem through policy advocacy, peer networking, and leadership development. Our Worker Co-op Peer Network connects cooperatives across the state to share knowledge and build collective power.
Other focus areas include:
Policy advocacy and systems change
Peer learning networks
Cooperative leadership development
Community partnerships and events
