Think Outside The Boss

Summary

“Think Outside the Boss: How to Create a Worker-Owned Business” is a comprehensive manual for establishing worker-owned cooperatives. Revised in April 2016 and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, it’s a resource initially prepared for a 2015 workshop on starting worker-owned businesses. The manual covers various aspects of worker cooperatives, including their benefits, legal formation, governance, financial management, and the transition process for existing businesses to become cooperatives. It delves into the unique aspects of worker cooperatives, such as joint ownership, democratic control, and equitable profit distribution. Additionally, it provides a wealth of resources, including case studies, legal considerations, and practical steps for forming a cooperative. This manual is a valuable guide for anyone interested in the cooperative business model, emphasizing worker rights, community involvement, and sustainable business practices.