Cooperative Types
Choose the cooperative structure that best fits your organization.
Available Cooperative Structures
ZDFZ supports multiple cooperative types to accommodate different business models and organizational needs. Each type has specific requirements and governance structures.
👷
Worker Cooperative
Owned and democratically controlled by employees who share in the profits.
Best For
- Software development teams
- Design agencies
- Consulting firms
- Service providers
Requirements
- Minimum 3 worker-members
- All members must work for co-op
- Equal voting rights
- Profit sharing policy required
🛒
Consumer Cooperative
Owned by customers who use the cooperative's products or services.
Best For
- Digital marketplaces
- Subscription platforms
- Community services
- Buying groups
Requirements
- Minimum 5 consumer-members
- Members must use services
- Democratic member control
- Patronage dividends optional
🏭
Producer Cooperative
Owned by independent producers who collaborate for mutual benefit.
Best For
- Freelancer collectives
- Content creator networks
- Artist collaborations
- Independent contractors
Requirements
- Minimum 3 producer-members
- Independent businesses/individuals
- Shared marketing/resources
- Quality standards required
🌐
Multi-Stakeholder Cooperative
Combines different stakeholder groups with distinct membership classes.
Best For
- Platform cooperatives
- Community organizations
- Social enterprises
- Complex ecosystems
Requirements
- Minimum 2 stakeholder classes
- At least 5 total members
- Defined voting rights per class
- Board representation rules
Comparison Table
| Feature | Worker | Consumer | Producer | Multi-Stakeholder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Members | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Registration Fee | $500 | $750 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Annual Fee | $400 | $500 | $400 | $750 |
| Voting Structure | 1 person = 1 vote | 1 person = 1 vote | 1 person = 1 vote | By class |
| Complexity | Low | Medium | Low | High |
DAO-Compatible Structure
⛓️ Blockchain Integration
Any cooperative type can be structured to integrate with blockchain governance:
✓ Token-based membership tracking
✓ On-chain voting records
✓ Smart contract treasury
✓ Automated distributions
Choosing the Right Type
Consider these questions when selecting a cooperative structure:
- ? Who are your members? - Workers, customers, or multiple groups?
- ? How will profits be shared? - Based on work, purchases, or production?
- ? What governance model do you need? - Simple voting or class-based?
- ? Will you integrate with blockchain? - Consider DAO-compatible structures.