Case Studies

Wellspring Cooperative, based in the greater Springfield, Massachusetts region, aims to help build a solidarity economy by promoting local, worker-owned co-operatives in marginalized areas of its community.

For-profit worker cooperative models are a promising way to counter inequality and create place-based economic opportunities for vulnerable populations. While this kind of business model comes with challenges, it can be an impactful vehicle for improving workers' lives, building economic democracy, and establishing the foundation of a wellbeing economy at scale.

In this case study, we examine the experience of Wellspring to build a solidarity economy ecosystem – including a network of mutually supportive, for-profit, worker-owned cooperative businesses in marginalized neighborhoods. Through this case, we can learn from their anchor institution model, see the challenges they have faced, and understand the strategies they have put in place to stay true to their deeply rooted values.