Yet, they are not driven by profit, but rather by needs. These important differences from traditional enterprises will enable them to compete and prosper in the new Millennium.
Flexibility is one of the greatest advantages of the co-operative form of enterprise.
Despite tougher market conditions, co-operatives continue to be strong players in national and, indeed increasingly, in transnational economies. In fact increasingly, people are starting new co-operative enterprises in such areas as social care and information technology. Women and youth are also choosing the co-operative form to start enterprises where they are able to define their own rules, establish their own priorities and put in place an entrepreneurial culture that places people before profit. Thus, co-operatives are creating new jobs and new opportunities. However, members are not the only winners.