Planning the next chapter for your business? Converting an existing business into a worker cooperative is a transformative way to preserve your legacy, protect jobs, empower employees, and strengthen the community. Instead of selling to outside investors or closing the doors, a co-op conversion allows the people who know the business best – its workers – to take ownership, make decisions democratically, and share in the profits.

Co-op conversions are often a strategic part of exit planning, helping business owners transition out smoothly while ensuring continuity and stability for employees. This process involves thoughtful planning around legal structures, finances, governance, and member engagement. With the right support, a conversion can preserve the business’s legacy, maintain its relationships with customers and the community, and create a resilient, worker-led organization for the future.

Across the country, many businesses have successfully transitioned to worker ownership, offering real-world examples of how conversions work in practice. Whether you’re an owner exploring exit planning, an employee eager for worker control, or a community member invested in local economic resilience, co-op conversion offers a pathway to sustainability, equity, and shared prosperity.