Co-op Capital
At VSECU, we believe that a strong cooperative economy is an essential element of comprehensive economic and community development.
Co-op Capital at VSECU supports the development of cooperatives with long-term capital investments designed to help start new cooperative enterprises and grow established cooperative businesses. We believe in investing in co-ops for many reasons including:
DEVELOPMENT
Cooperative businesses are an important part of economic and community development strategy. Cooperatives are an essential component to creating a vibrant, successful economy.
STABILITY
Co-ops bring stability to the local market. The World Council of Credit Unions found after five years in business 90% of cooperatives were still operating, compared to 3-5% of traditional businesses.
DIVERSIFICATION
Locally owned cooperatives offer another form of local investment, which further diversifies the risk associated with local investment. This diversification helps strengthen the local economy.
MULTIPLIER EFFECT
Supporting local businesses creates an economic multiplier effect. Studies show on average, 48% of each purchase at a local business is recirculated locally, compared to 14% of purchases at national businesses.
COMMITMENT
Concern for community is part of the cooperative DNA. This means cooperatives are committed to the sustainable development of their communities, both socially and economically.
Through direct investments in cooperatives, the Co-op Capital initiative aims to foster the growth of a sustainable, locally-owned and controlled part of our economy. The initiative seeks to help create living-wage jobs, support a sustainable and fair food system, provide affordable housing, and develop democratic workplaces and community ownership.
Are you a cooperative interested in receiving an investment from VSECU? Download the Co-op Capital Tool Kit for more information about Co-op Capital and how to apply.
READ WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
VSECU is starting a program called Co-op Capital to make equity investments of the state’s cooperatives. Credit Unions are a natural match for this approach because they’re member-owned cooperatives. Read More…
VSECU, a member-owned cooperative and not for profit credit union for everybody in Vermont, today announced a commitment to foster and grow Vermont’s cooperative economy through strategic equity investments in local cooperative organizations. Read More…
