the Bene Esse Model
Start Anywhere, Grow Organically
Most community-building efforts stall waiting for land, funding, or institutional approval.
Bene Esse takes a different approach.
Instead of relying on outside investors, large-scale developments, or government grants, Bene Esse communities begin virtually, rallying members around a cooperative business model before securing land.
Bene Esse is a Self-Sustaining Path to Community Building
The Bene Esse Growth Path: Five Phases Over 60 Months
Over five years, Bene Esse follows a structured yet flexible five-phase roadmap, ensuring communities grow organically, sustainably, and on their own terms.
​
-
Phase 1: Seed (Months 1-6) – Start virtually, launch a marketplace, and build economic momentum.
​
-
Phase 2: Root (Months 6-18) – Strengthen financial foundations, expand member participation, and identify land opportunities.
​
-
Phase 3: Grow (Months 18-30) – Establish physical infrastructure with lightweight, mobile housing (Pods) for a low-cost, flexible start.
​
-
Phase 4: Sustain (Months 30-42) – Achieve full self-sufficiency, reinvesting profits into social services, food security, and job creation.
​
-
Phase 5: Flourish (Months 42-60+) – Expand and replicate the Bene Esse model in new locations to grow consulting business opportunities for the community's newly-birthed experts.
The Bene Esse Pod: A Minimum Viable Community Unit (MVCU)
The core of Bene Esse is the Pod—a small, adaptable housing and economic unit designed to thrive independently while connecting to a larger cooperative ecosystem.
Each Pod consists of 3–7 dwellings, clustered around shared spaces for work, food, and community governance.
These Pods are:
-
Self-reliant – Designed to function without top-down oversight.
-
Flexible – Can be relocated, expanded, or replicated easily.
-
Economically Resilient – Generates local wealth through cooperative business models.
How Membership Works: A Cooperative Economy
Bene Esse isn’t just housing—it’s a cooperative economy. Membership is structured into five tiers, allowing individuals to participate based on their level of involvement:
​
Tier 1: Neighbor
Free – Buyers Only
Benefits: Access to marketplace, community events
​
Tier 2: Merchant
Entry-Level Seller – Marketplace Access Only
Benefits: Can sell in marketplace, receives subsidy when coop hits its revenue target
​
Tier 3: Partner
Professional Seller – Invested in the Co-op
Benefits: Business tools, shared resources, marketing, receives subsidy when coop hits its revenue target
​
Tier 4: Collaborator
Hybrid Member – Uses Co-op Space & Services
Benefits: Shared workspaces, priority contracts, governance input, receives subsidy when coop hits its revenue target
​
Tier 5: Steward
Full-Time On-Site – Highest Benefits
Benefits: Housing subsidies, first access to co-op jobs, leadership roles
Why This Works
-
It starts with economic activity, not just housing – This means co-ops can begin immediately, without waiting for land.
-
It reinvests profits into the community – Members vote on how to use funds for food, housing, and essential services.
-
It’s small-scale and modular – Unlike massive developments, Bene Esse grows organically, one Pod at a time.
​
Ready to explore how this model applies to your community?