2.1 What is a co‑op?
In this section we outline what a co‑op business is, and the features that will determine whether it's the best route for you – including the many benefits of being a co‑op.
What is a co-op?
A co-op is a business or organisation that’s owned and controlled by its members, to meet their shared needs.
The members can be its customers, employees, residents or suppliers, who have a say in how the co-op is run.
Members choose what to do with profits, whether distributing among members, reinvesting in the business or giving back to the community.
Every co-op across the world shares the same co-operative principles and values.
Why a co-op?
To work out if a co-op is right for your business idea, we take you through a few steps to help you understand what being a co-op means.