Cooperatives, or co-ops, are organizations owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit. Members of a cooperative work together to achieve common goals, such as purchasing goods, providing services, or sharing resources. Each member typically has an equal say in decision-making, regardless of their level of investment, promoting democratic control. There are various types of cooperatives, including consumer cooperatives, which focus on providing goods to members, and worker cooperatives, where employees own and manage the business. Other examples include agricultural cooperatives, which help farmers pool resources, and credit unions, which offer financial services to members.