Taproot Investment Cooperative
Real People. Shared Investment. Community Benefit.
Taproot Preferred Shares on Sale
What is Taproot?
Community investment in real estate to retain affordable commercial and industrial space for small business in Saint Paul.
Taproot Investment Cooperative is a for-profit Real Estate Investment Cooperative (REIC) that allows individuals and tenants in Minnesota to invest in real estate for community benefit.
We believe a values-first approach to broad-based ownership of real estate helps our communities:
Establish and maintain a strong local economy
Prevent displacement of small business
Keep commercial/industrial space affordable over the long term
Disrupt typical wealth extraction practices
Build equity and wealth for members
Grow local ownership and control of local buildings
Taproot will make strategic investments in commercial properties in Saint Paul that attract and retain creative people and businesses and prioritize financial and environmental stewardship long-term.
One member. One Vote.
All members have equal voting power and earn equal returns on their membership share, based on how the money is invested.
Membership is open to qualified residents of Minnesota (age 18 or older) who share Taproot’s visions and goals, and meet the eligibility requirements established by the Board of Directors. This may include an individual, firm, tenant, cooperative, or corporation.
Members will elect the governing board of directors and can vote on bylaw changes.
Members are required to purchase a member share (limit 1 share). One share = One membership = One Vote
Members have the additional option to purchase Preferred Shares (when and as available)
Community Focus
Creative Enterprise Zone district is home to hundreds of creative businesses and a desirable place due to transit connections, industrial spaces, and a growing residential community in Saint Paul.
Demands from traditional investors can force rents higher, destabilize businesses, and lead to displacement. Taproot is a different kind of investor: one that puts community needs first to change outcomes in the district.
To learn more about the Zone, click here
Why an Investment Cooperative?
We believe regular people (not only deep-pocketed investors) should be able to take a values-first approach to investing with the intent to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return.
Together we support and protect small businesses, and nurture a more connected and thriving community by investing long-term, patient capital in viable multi-tenant buildings.
We hope to become a model for a values-first approach to shared community control of real estate, one that can prioritize small business stability, equity, and access for creative entrepreneurs.
Taproot members share a desire to address displacement, extraction, and risk by cooperative investment in economically sustainable development, ensuring local ownership of community assets, tenant representation in decision-making, and a modest return on members’ investment.