Owners make an investment of equity and understand that they will benefit if the business prospers. In a co-op, this investment is relatively small and is the same for everyone. Additionally, the return on that investment is based on how much the owner shops at the co-op. The prosperity of a co-op is directly linked with the prosperity of its owners.
A “patronage dividend” is essentially a refund issued at the end of the co-op’s fiscal year to owners who purchased goods or services. It is calculated based upon the amount that each owner spends at the store and on how much profit the co-op sees by the end of that fiscal year. Bluff Country Co-op’s fiscal year ends on June 31.
A small amount of equity from a large number of investors provides a co-op with the capital and financial leverage it needs to continually improve its capacity to serve. By becoming a co-op owner, you are participating in an economic model that is equitable and supporting a business that remains dedicated to enhancing our community’s well-being through access to good food, community classes and events.