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Interior of Velmorya Market, a modern, solar-lit grocery store with Afrocentric wall art. Shelves are stocked with fresh produce, grains, and packaged goods. Two Black men talk near a fruit display, while a woman shops in the background. A glowing wooden sign reads “Velmorya Market.”
"Seal for Community-Owned Enterprises featuring two hands shaking above a marketplace with fruit and vegetable stalls, scales

Community-Owned Enterprises in Velmorya

Every dollar you spend here feeds a child, funds a school, or houses a neighbor.

"High-contrast black and white geometric pattern featuring interlocking angular shapes that form a repeating, cube-like design. The lines are bold and evenly spaced, creating a visually striking, maze-like texture."

Community-Owned Enterprises – Building Wealth Together in Velmorya

What They Are & Why They Matter

Velmorya’s Community-Owned Enterprises (COEs) are the backbone of our economic model. These businesses are owned collectively by residents, meaning every purchase, every service, and every dollar spent strengthens our self-sustaining, Black-owned gated community. Instead of profits leaving Velmorya, they are reinvested into housing, education, healthcare, cultural programs, and infrastructure.

How COEs Work

  • Resident Ownership – Every COE is owned by the people of Velmorya, with decision-making guided by community needs and values.

  • Profit Reinvestment – Revenue goes back into improving services, expanding opportunities, and funding community projects.

  • Local Job Creation – COEs employ residents first, ensuring that income stays within the community.

"High-contrast black and white geometric pattern featuring interlocking angular shapes that form a repeating, cube-like design. The lines are bold and evenly spaced, creating a visually striking, maze-like texture."

KEY INSTITUTIONS

"High-contrast black and white geometric pattern featuring interlocking angular shapes that form a repeating, cube-like design. The lines are bold and evenly spaced, creating a visually striking, maze-like texture."

Types of Community-Owned Enterprises in Velmorya

Our COEs span every major sector, ensuring we can meet most needs without relying on outside corporations:

  • Legacy Market & Farmers’ Hub – Fresh produce, locally made goods, and farm-to-table dining experiences.

  • Harmonia Arts Center – A world-class venue for performances, exhibitions, and creative workshops.

  • Velmorya Tech & Innovation Hub – Co-working spaces, business incubators, and technology training programs.

  • Community Farming & Orchards – Sustainable agriculture producing fruits, vegetables, and herbs suited for Georgia’s climate.

  • The Sovereign Hotel – Luxury, community-owned hospitality for visitors, events, and dignitaries.

"High-contrast black and white geometric pattern featuring interlocking angular shapes that form a repeating, cube-like design. The lines are bold and evenly spaced, creating a visually striking, maze-like texture."

Why COEs Matter

Community-Owned Enterprises are more than just businesses—they are a strategy for long-term independence and prosperity. By keeping wealth circulating within Velmorya, COEs:

  • Reduce economic dependency on outside corporations

  • Strengthen community stability through shared ownership

  • Provide consistent funding for public services and cultural programs

How to Support & Get Involved

Every resident and supporter can play a role in growing our COEs:

  • Shop Local – Choose Velmorya-owned businesses first.

  • Invest in Growth – Support the expansion of existing COEs or the creation of new ones.

  • Share Your Skills – Contribute expertise in management, marketing, or operations to help our businesses thrive.

Velmorya’s COEs are proof that business can be fair, local, and community-driven. Together, we can build an economy that works for everyone.
Learn More About Our Economy →

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