Worker Revolution

A worker cooperative, or worker co-op, is a business owned and democratically controlled by the people who work there. Unlike traditional companies where power rests with executives and shareholders, high-level decisions in co-ops are made by the workers themselves.

A Growing Movement

According to the 2023 Democracy at Work Institute report, the number of worker co-ops in the U.S. has grown by over 20% in just two years and has tripled in the last decade. Today, there are over 750 known co-ops in the U.S., with estimates of up to 1,300 open.

Deep Roots in History

Worker co-ops may seem new, but they've been around for centuries. In 1806, Philadelphia shoemakers formed a cooperative boot and shoe factory after being charged with "criminal conspiracy" for trying to unionize. In 1842, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling, affirming the right to strike and form unions.

Where EconChangers Fits In

EconChangers is building a crowdfunding platform and support network to help launch and sustain worker-owned businesses. Our mission is to put power and profit back in the hands of employees by replacing top-down control with democratic, worker-focused management. All EconChangers Co-Ops will guarantee the following worker-first policies:

• Split 50% of Profit Equally
• Embrace-Not-Replace Tech Advancements
• Financial and Staffing Transparency

EconChangers provides two complementary services - BizMaker and BizRunner - that help worker-owned businesses start strong and thrive long-term.

For Asipring Worker-Owners

BizMaker: A crowdfunding and business-launch platform.

1. Submit your proposal and pay a $500 expert consultation fee.
2. Receive expert feedback and refine your business plan.
3. Once approved, launch your investment campaign.
4. Market your campaign, raise funds, and open your co-op.

BizRunner: A full suite of operational services to keep your co-op running smoothly - payroll, HR, inventory, analytics, plus on-demand expert support and educational resources.

For the Public

Invest with BizMaker: explore new co-ops by industry, keyword, or tag (e.g., "Black-owned business"). Track campaign progress and help bring new co-ops to life.

Stay Informed with BizRunner: Access transparent, high-level financial and staffing data. View trends for individual co-ops or across entire industries.

The Problem with Traditional Funding

Starting a business often means giving up equity or taking on high-interest loans, leaving workers with little control and limited reward. Meanwhile, profits flow upward to venture capitalists and executives, not to the people doing the work.

A Better Way to Fund Co-Ops

With EconChangers, anyone can invest directly in worker-owned businesses. Through our BizMaker platform, your pitch is funded by future customers and community members, not wealthy shareholders. Here, what matters most isn't just profit potential, but quality, fairness, and community benefit.

Building a Stronger Ecosystem

As EconChangers Co-Ops grow, new startups are encouraged to reinvest their raised funds into other co-ops within the network for services like web design, insurance, or transportation. This creates a cycle of mutual support that strengthens both individual businesses and the broader working-class movement.

Crowdfunding is Already Proven

Though still relatively new, crowdfunding has already reshaped how startups raise capital. Platforms like StartEngine and WeFunder show just how powerful this model has become:

• StartEngine reported its biggest quarter ever in Q1 2025, with $30 million in revenue. Across its platform and acquisitions, more than $1.4 billion has been invested.
• WeFunder raised $924 million between 2012 and 2021, backing several startups through community investment.

Where EconChangers Comes In

We're building on this momentum with a unique focus: empowering workers and communities. By combining crowdfunding with a business operations platform designed for co-ops, EconChangers aims to become the leader in community-driven startup funding, putting power and profit back into workers' hands.

EconChangers is more than a platform - it's a movement. Whether you're starting a business, investing in one, or simply showing support, there's a role for you.