Creating a thriving Virginia based in meaningful work.
Building a cooperative ecosystem in Virginia that supports a movement for economic democracy and mobility.
Common Shares is a cooperative development organization, working across housing, small business, food, and manufacturing, to realize a new economy for Virginia based in worker ownership. We put cooperatives on a foundation for success through education, legal support, access to capital, solid governance, and connection that allows cooperatives to develop and flourish across the state.. Ultimately, Common Shares will improves state laws, access mission-aligned capital, and see local economic development authorities embrace cooperatives as key to realizing more inclusive and thriving communities.
Upcoming Programs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.”
Cooperatives we are working with in Virginia
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.