Become an Owner

Becoming an owner is easy and affordable! One of the wonderful things about the Belfast Community Co-op is that we are owned by you, our community. Buying from us means supporting an independent retailer whose first priority is you. We are a friendly alternative to big corporations and chain stores.

While everyone is welcome to shop, eat and hang out at the Co-op, our owners receive added benefits including discounts and dividends, and can vote on decisions that shape the future of the store.

Fill out the form below or come into the store anytime during business hours to sign up.

New Owner Sign-up

Individual Owner Application

First Name*

Middle Initial

Last Name*

Co-op Owner Mailing Address and Contact Info

Address*

City*

State*

Zip Code*

Email*

Phone (ex: 999-999-9999)*

Payment and Terms of Agreement

Payment options *

Online: Pay in Full ($200 full investment)

Online: Annual Installment ($15/year)

In-store: Annual Installment $15/year or Pay in Full $200

Terms of Agreement*

I have read and understand the conditions and responsibilities of member/ownership (Article II) as listed in the Co-op’s Bylaws.

Additional Information

Have you been a Belfast Community Co-op owner some time in the past?*

Yes

Do you know your former member/owner number?

Would you like to receive e-receipts?*

Yes

Comments

Please allow up to five business days for your application to be processed. We will contact you with further details and to finalize payment.

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Become an owner of the Belfast Community Co-op because:

You care about good food & where it comes from!

The Belfast Community Co-op exists so that our member-owners and our community will have a thriving, just, and sustainable local food economy and a source of healthy, nutritious, affordable food and water.

You want to support the local economy!

When you become an owner of the Belfast Community Co-op, you are purchasing a share in a vibrant community resource. We reinvest in our community, and whenever feasible, we prioritize local farmers, food producers, vendors and technicians. When you and your neighbors spend money here, that money is kept in the community.

You like to vote with your dollars!

All Co-op owners have voting rights and can vote in annual elections for the Board of Directors to act on your behalf and for Common Cents round up recipients. Owners may also be asked to vote on certain policy matters as determined by the Board. The choices the Co-op makes are guided by owners, and your purchases act as a vote as well. Our managers continually adjust and respond to our owner’s shopping choices to better provide the items and products that the community wants at our store.

You want ownership in an alternative economic model!

Being an owner of the Co-op means being a part of an efficiently managed, democratically governed, inclusive cooperative enterprise that will give you a greater understanding of health, food systems, cooperatives, and economic and environmental sustainability.

You like to participate!

Owners are encouraged to join us at our annual meeting, our monthly Board of Director’s meetings, as well as our forums and events. These opportunities provide a great way to stay up to date on the inner workings of your Co-op and to share your voice. As an owner in good standing, you may run for a seat on the Board of Directors. Serving as a Board Director is an opportunity for you to get even more involved and contribute your vision for the future of the Co-op.

You want special discounts, deals and refunds!

When the Belfast Community Co-op can afford it, owners can receive a portion of the Co-op’s profits through annual patronage dividends: your portion is determined by the amount you spent in that year. Owners also receive “pre-order” discounts on on regularly stocked items: when ordered in the supplier-pack size (e.g., a case of 12), you receive a 15% discount. And with our new Owner Rewards program, you earn at least 1% on all purchases to redeem on future Co-op purchases in the form of points; local items earn 2x points every single day (2% back)! More special deals will be coming—stay tuned!

You support Maine’s farmers, producers and workers!

You love local food and so do we! We are proud to provide so many fine Maine farms, producers, and vendors with a venue to sell their products. And we also strive to be a great place to work: the Belfast Community Community is committed to supporting an invested, engaged, and empowered staff that thrive in a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

To read our Frequently Asked Questions about Co-op ownership, go here.