UNICORN co-op as an example of the financial stability for the communities

A community that creates and shares

is more firm than one that waits

In recent years, I have been observing various communities and their intentions:

❇️ communities aiming to build their housing in shared ownership (coliving/cohousing),

❇️ communities seeking to create their piece of heaven on Earth as non-profit organizations while also ensuring jobs and income for their members,

❇️ Christian communities actively helping others,

❇️ as well as those that remain passive.

Although the intentions differ, these groups face the same challenge:

how to ensure long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and a truly functional structure?

Co-operatives as Living Organisms of a Community

In such cases, co-operatives (co-ops) offer an excellent legal structure for groups who want to run a business together while maintaining ethical and community-based values. Co-ops are often associated with food stores, but this form is highly adaptable.

Co-ops can take shape as:

✔️ sports clubs,

✔️ community gardens and farms,

✔️ educational centres,

✔️ healthy lifestyle restaurants,

✔️ repair shops and craft-based services,

✔️ bookkeeping, cleaning, IT or PR services,

✔️ children’s clubs and leisure activities,

✔️ rental housing or community development projects.

A fundamental benefit is that members are not just “employees” or volunteers, but co-creators and co-owners. They share in the profits and have real influence over the direction of the business.

Co-op as a Training Ground for Leadership and Trust

A functioning co-op is like a training track for community leadership. It quickly becomes clear who has the gift of communication, who can carry responsibility, and who is capable of building structures that support others. A group that can navigate the journey of running a business together is much better prepared to handle more demanding tasks, such as loan agreements, development projects, or the management of jointly owned property.

Internal Economy as the Key to Self-Sufficiency

Creating a co-op means the community begins to build its internal economy. It gains a clearer understanding of what people in the area need and what members themselves can offer. A local service may emerge from this process, one that not only sustains the group financially, but also strengthens it from within. Sometimes this happens through alternative exchange systems, such as community currencies or time banks.

Unicorn Grocery as Real-Life Inspiration

One excellent example of a well-functioning co-op is Unicorn Grocery in the Chorlton area of Manchester. It is a cooperative shop offering organic food and personal care products, which I discovered during one of my work-related trips. The energy of the space and the selection of goods felt so different that I truly felt I had stepped into paradise. Naturally, I became a regular visitor.

Shadows and the Sustainability of Human Resources

It is only fair to add that, over the years, I have also seen co-ops where people looked exhausted — their faces dim, as if the project was draining more from them than it was giving. I don’t know exactly what was going on inside those organizations — whether it was poor leadership, unresolved conflicts, or burnout.

But that is precisely why we need to think about the sustainability of human resources. It is not enough to have a sustainable business plan or eco-friendly products. The project must also remain alive from within. It should not become just another corporation dressed in purple, but a true home and joyful workplace for its creators.

My Recommendation for Community Founders

If you are planning a cohousing or community-based project, start with a co-op. Form your group, find out what people in the area need, and develop a service that both connects and financially stabilises your community.

Waiting for miracle donations, land, or investors without prior experience and a cohesive team is a road to nowhere. That is also why 90 % of community housing projects never come to life.

How to Begin and Where to Find Support

Would you like to start your co-op and receive guidance?

I will soon be sharing a practical step-by-step guide for download, as well as an option for online support tailored to beginner groups. If this topic speaks to you, stay tuned for updates here on the website, or feel free to contact me — I would be happy to share my experience and offer concrete tips.