Worker-Owned Enterprises Program
The Worker-Owned Enterprises Program equips Miami-Dade County workers with the tools to create employee-owned businesses called worker cooperatives. These community-driven businesses are owned and democratically run by the people who work there. Through cooperatives, the Program contributes to a new, more resilient economy that works for all by supporting living wage jobs, creating business ownership opportunities, and developing wealth from the ground up. We are seeking groups of individuals that want to launch new worker cooperatives, as well as existing businesses that want to transition to worker ownership.
Why Worker-Owned Businesses?
- Work for a business that you own and manage.
- Give yourself better pay and better benefits.
- Collect a chunk of the company's earnings.
- Build a more just and sustainable future for your community.
About Our Program
The Academy
First, groups of individuals (cooperative start-up teams) apply to our academy, which provides comprehensive knowledge about worker cooperatives and the business, management, and financial skills needed to launch one. During the academy, learners meet weekly for three-hour sessions with Catalyst staff and guest facilitators, and they are expected to complete one major take-home assignment.
The Incubator
In the next phase, the incubator, teams from the academy can apply to receive deeper help launching a worker-owned business. We provide these early-stage cooperatives with the business, financial, and legal help they need to launch their ventures. This includes technical assistance with marketing, sales and bookkeeping, consultation about operations and management, and connections to worker cooperative funders.
The Local Ecosystem
Catalyst Miami is building a local cooperative ecosystem by hosting educational sessions and creating spaces for people to discuss other cooperative movements. It also involves collaborating with nonprofit, for-profit, and public sector partners to promote cooperatives as a tool for building a new, more inclusive economy.
Impact
- This program is the first of its kind in Florida.
- It is the first in South Florida to advocate for worker cooperatives as a tool for democratic community economic development.
- It helps community members launch sustainable businesses that build generational and community-based wealth.