Marginalized Communities

Worker cooperatives can make business ownership possible for those historically and intentionally left out of the economy and entrepreneurship, such as immigrants, refugees, women and individuals impacted by the justice system.

Example: Opportunity Threads

Worker cooperatives can bring ownership to those left out of the economy. In the case of Opportunity Threads, a worker-owned, cut and sew textile plant focusing on sustainable production for entrepreneurs and mid-sized companies, it has been immigrant workers.

Most of the workers are currently Mayan immigrants that now call Morganton in Western North Carolina home. The Maya of Morganton have a long and vibrant history in the community as many came during or after civil war wreaked havoc on their native communities in Guatemala.

Opportunity Threads has received funding from the Catholic bishops through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

Opportunity Threads Website