Contact: Helen "Homefries" Matthews, Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power, homefries@economicdemocracy.us
Massachusetts - The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power (COWOP), a state-wide coalition dedicated to advancing businesses owned and governed collectively by their workers, campaigned throughout the state budget season for funding for the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO). Their efforts have paid off as they successfully secured funding for MassCEO and worker-owned businesses in the FY25 budget that Governor Healey signed on July 29th.
Massachusetts - The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power (COWOP), a state-wide coalition dedicated to advancing businesses owned and governed collectively by their workers, campaigned throughout the state budget season for funding for the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO). Their efforts have paid off as they successfully secured funding for MassCEO and worker-owned businesses in the FY25 budget that Governor Healey signed on July 29th.
MassCEO plays a crucial role in supporting worker-owned businesses by providing training, education, and direct assistance. These businesses are owned collectively by their workers, and many of them are cooperatives, meaning they are also governed collectively by their workers. By supporting MassCEO, the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power is not only investing in the success of worker-owned businesses, but also strengthening justice and democracy in the workplace.
"Worker-owned businesses are a fast-growing sector of the Massachusetts economy. They help us address difficult challenges deriving from historical exclusion of some entrepreneurs, and exploitation of some workers, due to their race, class or gender," said Alex Papali, Policy Director of COWOP.
"It's great news that state government is investing in worker ownership, and providing a viable path for many more people to stabilize their own family finances while contributing to our commonwealth," added Papali.
"It's great news that state government is investing in worker ownership, and providing a viable path for many more people to stabilize their own family finances while contributing to our commonwealth," added Papali.
In addition to funding MassCEO, the grassroots movement led by the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power also achieved an important victory by securing increased state funding for technical assistance for small businesses, including worker-owned cooperatives. This win was spearheaded by the Coalition for an Equitable Economy, and the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power has been rallying alongside them throughout the creation of the state's FY25 budget.
"Being part of this movement isn't just a role—it's a responsibility. We are here to be the change-makers, ensuring that economic equity is not just talked about but realized in every corner of our community. We believe we are stronger together, and actions speak louder than words," said Tracye Whitfield, Executive Director of the Coalition for an Equitable Economy.
"Being part of this movement isn't just a role—it's a responsibility. We are here to be the change-makers, ensuring that economic equity is not just talked about but realized in every corner of our community. We believe we are stronger together, and actions speak louder than words," said Tracye Whitfield, Executive Director of the Coalition for an Equitable Economy.
In recent months, the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power mobilized hundreds of Massachusetts residents to advocate for state support of worker-owned businesses. Alongside this groundswell, several Massachusetts legislators led the charge within the state house. Senator Cyr and Representative Garbally spearheaded FY25 budget amendments to fund MassCEO. Representatives Montano and Gentile, as well as Senator Edwards, actively supported the initiative.
Worker-owned businesses and cooperatives are more than just businesses; they are a testament to a business model that prioritizes workers' dignity, participation, and prosperity, advocates say. Enterprises owned by their workers contribute significantly to local economies and address deep inequities in our economy by being more likely to be owned by people of color, women, and gender non-binary residents. Advocates note that MassCEO supports the growth of these businesses and the creation of a cooperative economy in Massachusetts.
The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power's feels its success in securing funding for MassCEO and worker-owned businesses is a significant step towards building a more just and equitable economy in Massachusetts. It is a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the dedication of individuals and organizations who believe in the importance of worker ownership. The coalition will continue to work towards its long-term vision of creating a cooperative economy where workers collectively own and govern their workplaces.
For more information about the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power and MassCEO, please visit the websites: https://www.cooperativema.org and https://massceo.org.
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The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power (COWOP) is a growing statewide network that aims to bring together worker co-ops, coop developers, grassroots organizations, labor unions, funders and investors to resource and coordinate the advancement of a worker ownership movement across Massachusetts.
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The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power (COWOP) is a growing statewide network that aims to bring together worker co-ops, coop developers, grassroots organizations, labor unions, funders and investors to resource and coordinate the advancement of a worker ownership movement across Massachusetts.
