The ILO also has a cooperative branch if you would like to start a cooperative business, which I recommend; see the ILO 'site map', go to 'about the ilo', go to subheading 'department home pages', go to 'employment' and subheading 'cooperatives' or your employment choice. Cooperative business is different from normal business in that it is non-competitive and usually pays a fair wage. The working conditions of a cooperative are usually friendlier than a competitive business and the business cycle may be more stable (offering better job security). All-in-all, cooperative businesses have every advantage except that the pay may be a little less, but steadier over time. I strongly advise developing cooperative (and environmentally friendly) businesses in your community.
ACDI_VOCA
Aid_to_Artisans
Cooperative_Business_International
CHF_International
COFTA
Green_America may be a useful hub site for starting a coop in your area and finding out whom else might have started a co-op. These groups can also help you get started in cooperative business.
Cooperative_Coffees
COPAC
COSPE
Equal_Exchange
Fairtrade
Fair_Trade_Federation
FEM_International
Friends_of_the_Third_World
Global_Exchange_Resources_For_Fair_Trade_and_Coffee
Gypsy_Rose(hippie-run cooperative business)
IFAT-LA
TechnoServe
Women_Watch
UN_Div._for_the_Advancement_of_Women_Dept._of_Economic_and_Social_Affairs
OSAGI
World_Fair_Trade_Federation
WIEGO
Women_In_Technology
Also, search the International Labor Organization for their cooperative program. They moved their internet location, but it is worth investigating.
The following organizations look great and may be wonderful models for starting a new business.
Sop_Moei_Arts
Thai_Tribal_Crafts
I also suggest looking at some of the smallar business-oriented groups at the end of my Poverty Relief Via the Internet section such as World of Good, Virgin Unite and Ashoka. They are involved in social entrepreneurship, which is an evolved form of capitalism and socialism combined. Also, Grameen, Kiva, and Finca are micro-finance organizations that offer very low interest loans in small quantities (like $50) for business loans. These are also very popular, but of course you have to pay them back.
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