What is the Plural of Co-op? A Deep Dive into the Cooperative Business Model

The term "co-op", short for cooperative, refers to a business or organization that is jointly owned and democratically controlled by its members. But what exactly is the plural of this unique business structure – is it co-ops or co-op‘s?

A Brief History of Cooperatives

Cooperatives have a long history dating back to the 18th century, originating in Europe as a response to the abuses of early industrialization. The first documented consumer co-op was founded in 1769 in Fenwick, Scotland by local weavers who were being exploited by mill owners.

The co-op model then spread to England and France, where workers banded together to open their own stores selling food items at affordable prices, bypassing greedy middlemen. They called these businesses "cooperatives" derived from the Latin word "cooperari" meaning "working together".

What is a Co-op Exactly?

A co-op or cooperative is a business or organization owned and governed by its members, who share in the profits and decision making. Co-ops are guided by the following principles:

• Voluntary and open membership: Co-ops are open to all who can use their services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership

• Democratic member control: Co-ops are controlled by their members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions

• Members‘ economic participation: Members contribute equitably to the capital of the co-op and democratically control the allocation of surplus revenue

• Autonomy and independence: Co-ops are autonomous organizations controlled by their members and not governments or external shareholders

• Education, training and information: Co-ops provide education and training for members to contribute effectively to the development of their co-ops

• Cooperation among co-ops: Co-ops serve their members most effectively by working together with local, national and international structures

• Concern for community: Co-ops work for sustainable development of their communities

This unique model makes co-ops fundamentally different from conventional businesses owned by private shareholders.

Types of Co-ops

There are co-ops operating in nearly every sector of the economy including:

• Housing co-ops: Provide affordable housing options managed and maintained by residents

• Food co-ops: Owned by consumers, these provide organic, locally grown and specialty foods

• Worker co-ops: Businesses like manufacturing plants and bakeries owned and managed by employees

• Utility co-ops: Owned by members they serve, these distribute electricity in rural areas

• Financial co-ops: Include credit unions and insurance co-ops owned by members

• Agriculture co-ops: Helps farmers buy supplies, access markets and share resources

Some of the largest and most recognizable co-ops include REI, Ace Hardware, Sunkist, Land O‘ Lakes, Ocean Spray and Blue Diamond Almonds.

How are Co-ops Structured?

While specific governance models vary, co-ops generally adhere to the "one member, one vote" principle. So regardless of how much capital someone has invested, each member has equal decision making power.

Members elect a board of directors to oversee the co-op‘s operations. Any surplus revenue left after paying expenses is returned to members in the form of patronage dividends rather than enriching external shareholders.

This democratic structure makes co-ops directly accountable to their members. Major decisions like selling the business can only be made if members approve it through a vote.

The Co-op Advantage

The co-op model offers many benefits over conventional business structures:

• Local ownership & control: Co-ops are owned and run by members within the community

• Focus on service over profits: Co-ops exist to meet their members‘ needs, not maximize returns for investors

• Stable businesses: Member-owned co-ops tend to have lower failure rates and survive economic downturns better

• Create local jobs: Co-ops directly employ their member-owners and keep profits circulating locally

• Sustainable practices: Environmental and social responsibility is a core part of co-op principles and culture

Research shows that co-ops contribute lasting economic, social and environmental value in the communities they serve.

Start Your Own Co-op

If you‘re interested in the cooperative model, here are some tips for starting one:

• Find like-minded partners: Build a core group of engaged community members to join your co-op

• Assess community needs: Determine what service gaps your co-op can fill or how to meet existing needs better

• Choose a structure: Incorporate as a co-op instead of a typical business entity

• Draft governing documents: Clearly outline membership terms, voting procedures, revenue sharing rules, etc.

• Secure funding: Combine member investments and loans. Government grants are also available.

• Provide education: Teach members about the co-op model so they can effectively participate

With a thoughtful approach, almost any enterprise from agriculture to manufacturing to retail can be structured as a community-focused, member-owned co-op.

Co-op or Co-ops?

So back to the original question – what is the plural form of "co-op"? Both "co-ops" and "co-op‘s" are used, with the former being more common in the United States.

The term "co-op" is short for "cooperative". When forming the plural, you can simply add an "s" to the abbreviation the same way you would for other nouns – hence "co-ops".

So for example:

• There are over 300 housing co-ops in New York City

• Whole Foods competes with several food co-ops in the area

• Credit unions are types of financial co-ops

In summary, a co-op or cooperative is a unique form of business owned and run democratically by members to meet their needs, not maximize profits. The plural can be either "co-ops" or "co-op‘s", with the former being more prevalent.