Creating a thriving Virginia based in meaningful work.

About Us
About Us

Building a collaborative ecosystem in Virginia that sustainably supports a movement for economic democracy. 

Common Shares aims to connect cooperatives of all kinds, including housing cooperatives, worker cooperatives, food cooperatives, and more. We aim to help them to access mission-aligned capital, improve state laws for cooperatives, advocate for labor in new ways, and do what it takes to allow cooperatives to develop and flourish across the state.

Upcoming Programs

  • Cooperative Connections

    5/21 4:00-8:00PM

    Harrisonburg

    Agricultural Co-ops 101 with VAFAIRS, a screening of VPM’s Life in the Heartland film on Worker Owned Business and a panel talk with a group of Shenandoah Valley co-ops.

    Learn more!

  • Coopee Talk Legal Cafe

    5/27 10:00-12:00pm

    Richmond

    Your co-op legal questions answered for free with Sam Gray "fishbowl style”, meaning everyone will have the chance to listen in and benefit from the knowledge being shared.

    Learn more!

  • VACA

    The Virginia Cooperative Alliance (VACA) will gather cooperatives from around Virginia to support one another.

    If you are interest in learning more get in touch.

    Get in touch!

A new vision for business in Virginia.

“Virginia has long been a place defined by a commitment to being “good for business.” Common Shares seeks to expand this definition by thinking more carefully and thoughtfully about the role that business plays in making strong, vibrant communities.”

“If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine then let us work together. ”

Lilla Watson - Aboriginal Artist

Stay Connected

Sign up to learn about events, meet ups, workshops, and other opportunities for strengthening communities across Virginia.

Support our work by making a donation

Common Shares is fiscally sponsored by the Foundation for Philathropic Funds. We are grateful for their support in helping to build a sustainable financial foundation.

If you are interested in supporting Common Shares with a contribution you can click the link below.

Donate Here