Abstract: This study compared street- and school-based cooperatives in Nigeria in order to identify growth-drivers responsible for the successes of school-based cooperatives and which are lacking or latent in street-based cooperatives. The area studied was the Southeast and South-South region of Nigeria where four cooperatives were selected. Interview and observation methods were used to elicit responses from leaders, members and employees of both school- and street-based cooperatives. From the findings, twelve growth drivers were identified among which include; homogeneous membership, high level of business/market intelligence, remuneration of officials and less attention on social needs of members. Others are enlightened and dedication leadership, customized services and strong capitalization. It is recommended that similarity of problems, needs life-style and not proximity should be the deciding factor on which cooperative to join. Also, cooperatives should pay more attention to the economic needs of their members and less attention on attending social functions.