Since 2020, our co-ops have generated over
$10 million of revenue.
Our Power
VOLTS is transforming economic opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly Black women, by helping them become owners and leaders of cooperatively run businesses. Through our housing and worker cooperatives, we create pathways to dignified jobs and affordable housing, fostering financial stability and community resilience. By breaking down systemic barriers and building a supportive cooperative ecosystem, VOLTS enables members to build wealth and take control of their futures. Beyond individual success stories, our work strengthens Chicago’s broader cooperative movement, demonstrating how community-led solutions can drive lasting social and economic change.
Service Areas
Cooperative Incubation
VOLTS provides a comprehensive three-month training program, project management for the launch phase, access to industry experts, and ongoing technical assistance to new cooperative businesses. This includes both housing cooperatives—focused on creating affordable, dignified housing for our members—and worker cooperatives, which provide quality jobs with democratic ownership. Our support helps these co-ops grow into thriving, member-owned businesses.
Solidarity Fund
The VOLTS solidarity fund will offer low-interest, quick-approval loans to our cooperative network and its members. This fund will be led by formerly incarcerated individuals and will provide financing for needs such as vehicle purchases, emergency loans, and co-op buy-ins, while also offering our cooperatives support for cash flow, equipment purchases, and vehicle loans. The fund aims to keep wealth circulating within the community and divert individuals from predatory lenders.
Ecosystem Development
VOLTS is committed to fostering a broader cooperative movement throughout the city of Chicago. We work to support and connect with other cooperatives, building a larger cooperative ecosystem that benefits not only our members but also the wider community. This movement promotes economic justice and the cooperative model as a tool for systemic change.