käsityöosuuskunta

Käsityöosuuskunta is a Finnish term that translates to "handicraft cooperative." It refers to a business structure where individuals who create handicrafts come together to form a cooperative. Members collectively own and manage the cooperative, pooling their resources, skills, and labor. The primary goal of a käsityöosuuskunta is to support its members by facilitating the sale and marketing of their handmade products, offering shared workspace, providing professional development opportunities, and fostering a collaborative environment.

These cooperatives often operate retail stores, online shops, or participate in markets and exhibitions to showcase and sell the members' creations. Products can range widely, encompassing textiles, ceramics, jewelry, woodcrafts, and more. The cooperative model allows individual artisans to benefit from economies of scale, shared administrative tasks, and collective bargaining power that might be difficult to achieve on their own. Membership typically involves contributing a share and adhering to the cooperative's rules and principles. Decisions are usually made democratically, with each member having a say in the cooperative's operations and strategic direction. Käsityöosuuskunta plays a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship and supporting local economies in Finland.