We recently connected with Ellen Vera and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ellen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

In response to a lack of good jobs in Greater Cincinnati and across the country, Co-op Cincy’s founders came together with an idea: to create an economy that works for all. This idea came from studying equitable economies around the world, including the Basque region of Spain, where Mondragon has created the world’s largest and most advanced association of cooperatives. Co-op Cincy’s founders visited Spain in 2012 and witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the cooperative business model has had on the workers and the local economy. Worker-owned cooperatives not only rescued the Basque region from severe instability and inequality, they also made it flourish. When we returned to the US, we were inspired to build that model here.

Ellen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Co-Director and Co-Founder of Co-op Cincy, a nonprofit cooperative business incubator in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our goal is to create an economy that works for all by broadening ownership in our community. I oversee the Business Legacy Fund, a program that helps existing businesses adopt the worker-owned model, including businesses where the owner is facing retirement.

My experience as part of a family with mixed immigration status deepens my passion for empowering immigrant worker-owners and worker-owners of color. Prior to accepting a position with Co-op Cincy, I helped people organize and strengthen labor unions as the National Organizing Coordinator for the manufacturing arm of the Communication Workers of America and for the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 75.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

At the start of 2022, Co-op Cincy helped a group of employees purchase a Cincinnati childcare center from the owner, transitioning the business to the worker-owned model.

Shine Nurture Center joined a growing wave of businesses that are helping improve quality of life for workers and communities..

This was our 1st completed transition, and we were so thrilled. For the workers, this transition opened the door to building wealth for their families in a way that would never have been possible. And for the community, this succession anchored an important child care center in the neighborhood long term.

We provided financing so that 5 employees, all women, could buy the business. Afterward, we provide ongoing technical assistance to ensure the business flourishes.

The worker-owned model has proven to be an effective way to create resilient jobs, generate wealth, and boost the local economy.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

We partner with local organizations to conduct outreach and engage local businesses as part of the Business Legacy Fund’s activities. We also make presentations to local chambers, business associations, accountants, law firms, policymakers, economic development professionals, and business services professionals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coopcincy.org/
• Instagram: @coopcincy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoopCincy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15592094/
• Twitter: @coopcincy
• Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcoPVWdwUmuWCWyUIZnf-PQ