If the 18th century can be defined as the age of industrialization and competitive advantage of the nation state, the 19th century by the power of the corporation, and the 20th by corporate financialization, then, I believe, the 21st century will be defined by ownership.
AORTA is a 10-member, worker-owned cooperative of facilitators, coaches, and consultants helping 80+ organizations and hundreds of individuals build leaderful movements for justice. Rooted in liberatory practice, they deliver bespoke facilitation, coaching, and trainings that center accessibility, participatory design, and navigating complex power dynamics. Collective governance shapes their client work, while weekly check-ins and quarterly “dream weeks” sustain culture. Their mission: turn conflict into connection and accelerate coordinated, values-aligned action.
Founders and early investors—are you leaving millions on the table? Our latest blog breaks down QSBS 2.0, a smarter, forward-thinking approach to the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion under Section 1202 of the IRS code.
With the potential to eliminate up to 100% of capital gains taxes on stock sales, QSBS is one of the most powerful yet underused tax benefits in startup land. QSBS 2.0 lays out a three-pillar strategy: Plan Early, Track Diligently, and Preserve Strategically—giving you the tools to build with tax optimization in mind from day one.
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A candidate period isn’t just a formality—it’s a powerful way to make sure new members are ready for the responsibilities of ownership, and that your co-op is ready for them.
In this article, Jacqueline Radebaugh explains how co-ops can structure this process, what rights candidates should (and shouldn’t) have, and share a visual flowchart to guide the journey.
DENVER, CO – August 11th, 2025 – Jason Wiener | p.c. proudly celebrates its certifications as Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBCEN WBE) under the leadership of Managing Partner Jacqueline Radebaugh, who acquired a majority stake in the firm in September 2024. This significant milestone, achieved nearly one year after the ownership …
CoLab Cooperative is a worker-owned tech co-op that builds complex websites and custom applications for mission-driven organizations. Founded on principles of equity, collaboration, and purpose, CoLab operates without managers, values consensus decision-making, and prioritizes work-life balance and ethical client partnerships. With members across five continents, they combine senior-level tech expertise with a deep commitment to social and environmental impact—helping build a better world by empowering those working for justice and sustainability.
What kinds of cooperatives can legally form in your state? In this timely overview, Linda Phillips breaks down the patchwork of cooperative statutes across the U.S., from agriculture-only laws to flexible frameworks like the ULCAA. With examples from Colorado and Guam, she illustrates how communities are navigating legal pathways to support diverse cooperative models.
During some recent engagements with new clients, we discovered they were missing key pieces of legal infrastructure or overlooking certain registration requirements. Because situations like this aren’t uncommon among small businesses, particularly when resources are low and growth is fast, we thought it was an important subject to discuss with all of our readers. So …
Rust Belt Riders and Tilth Soil are transforming food waste into rich, regenerative compost while empowering workers and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a mission to "Feed People, Not Landfills," this worker-owned cooperative blends environmental impact with innovation—think compost-heated hot tubs and top-rated soil blends. It’s a model where sustainability, soil health, and community ownership come together to build a better world.
In my role, I think a lot about how to improve our client services and client experience. This post is about how communication plays a role in that. Recently, I worked with a long-standing client to update their suite of legal templates: a contractor MSA, SoW, NDA, and MNDA. The request came with a clear …
En las tierras altas de Guatemala, las cooperativas dirigidas por mujeres en San Juan La Laguna están tejiendo algo más que textiles: están construyendo futuros. Arraigadas en la tradición maya y el cuidado mutuo, estas colectivas empoderan a mujeres indígenas para preservar la cultura, fortalecer economías solidarias y liderar con sabiduría ancestral. Lee más en el blog más reciente de Gabriela Arce.
