If all businesses were not-for-profit (just enough to cover operating expenses and wages), what would that do to the economy? Would these not-for-profit businesses eventually create a monopoly because no one could compete?

Never work. A business is in business to do one thing, make a profit. What would be the incentive to start a business like that? There would be none, except in they eyes of the pie in the sky people who think up such things. I have owned several businesses. A couple were successful, a couple weren't and one failed miserably because I tried to treat employees as equals.

The owner of a business puts up tremendous risk so he should get the lions share of what the business makes. The business is successful enough that it can afford to pay raises and bonuses, great. But employees (my employees anyway) are not partners, but employees. If I hired an employee it was because I was going to make more money with him than without him. No business starts up with the sole intention of providing jobs.

its a system of debt, fix that first. all else is second

What would you use as operating capital?
If you had enough money and didn't expect a return on your investment, it may work, but the reality is that most businesses have to borrow money from the bank or have investors (shareholders) and all of these want a return.

I've actually thought of something like that. But slightly different.

I want my employees to be HAPPY to work there, not just 'Well, it's a job" thing.

I recall a company who had something like that in the Midwest. I think it was sinclair and they paid $9 and up for the clerks and managers got bonuses for selling.

But the employees I saw were THRILLED to work there and many times when a job would open, people damn near would fight for that position.

The best service around. And they were fair on the gas and food items you got there.

The problem is, those who start these businesses have to compete with the others. Keeping prices low is one thing, but you HAVE to make sure the bills are paid first. Plus in down turns, you may need to cut back.

It's a game, but make the employees part of it and you'll reap rewards.

Make them "slaves" and you'll get what you deserve..Remember "The Exodus" ?

That's not exactly my question.

It doesn't make sense asking "If all businesses..." If everyone was a certain way then there would be no point asking.

I want to ask: If I started many not for profit businesses (just enough to cover operating expenses and wages) that would be technically in competition to existing businesses, would that create a monopoly?

e.g. If I started a grocery store chain and sold every item so that it was sold at the lowest price possible, what would happen to competing stores? Wouldn't everyone want to shop at my store? Would I be allowed to do that?

My first impressions are that if it was successful then my not for profit businesses would eventually be the only ones operating... unless others followed suit.