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559 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
215-843-2350
8424 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-843-2350
2129 72nd Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19138
215-276-0706
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How to Start a Co-op
More and more people around the region, the country and the world are realizing the benefits of starting a food co-op. Weavers Way is committed to helping others start co-ops in their communities. Below are some great resources to help you.
The most comprehensive piece of information comes in the form of a manual available from the
Cooperative Grocers Information Network at www.cgin.coop/files/manual.pdf
Here are some more resources that will help you
in starting a new food cooperative:
The Food Co-op 500 program, a collaboration of NCB, NCB Capital Impact, the National Cooperative Grocers Association, and Cooperative Development Services, provides intensive technical and financial assistance to groups developing food cooperatives in their community. The program follows the development model of four cornerstones in three stages devised by CDS for the Food Co-op 500.
Financial assistance is available through two funds:
► Seed Fund: The Seed Fund distributes grants up to $10,000 that are matched dollar for dollar by the newly forming co-ops. Grant funds are used for expenses incurred early on in the organizing process. Applicants for Seed Fund grants may only apply during scheduled funding rounds.
► Sprout Fund: The Sprout Fund distributes development loans up to $25,000 that are also matched dollar for dollar by the co-op. Loan funds are used for expenses incurred closer to the scheduled opening of the co-op. Applicants for Sprout Fund loans may apply at any time.
Technical assistance is available through the program’s Development Specialist, Stuart Reid. Stuart may be contacted by phone at 507-664-2034 or by e-mail at stuartreid@cdsfood.coop
For more information on the program, go to www.foodcoop500.coop
Other Resources:
Cooperative Development Services
A network of independent consulting professionals experienced in developing food cooperatives. Can provide assistance with business planning, membership development, marketing studies, store layout and much more. Their site also has a collection of useful publications and FAQs. Check it out, HERE.
Cooperative Grocer Magazine
This industry publication has an extensive archive of past articles that you can read for free HERE.
A series of workbooks and toolkits on various co-op development topics is also available for sale HERE.
Seven Steps to a Successful Membership Drive
An article from Cooperative Grocer, read more HERE.
Conducting a Feasibility Study
A feasibility study is considered an essential step in planning for a co-op. This chapter from University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperative’s manual, “Cooperatives: A Tool for Community Economic Development,” is a helpful introduction to feasibility studies. Read more HERE.
Developing a Business Plan
From the same University of Wisconsin manual, this chapter focuses on developing a business plan for your new co-op. Click HERE
NCBA: How to Start a Co-op
Information from the National Cooperative Business Association on hot to start a co-op, HERE.
Guide to New Co-op Development
This online publication from Cornell University is for all types of co-ops, but provides a good overview of the process of development a new co-op. For more info, click HERE.
River Valley Market Cooperative
A new food co-op that will be opening in March of 2008. Visit their web site for information. If you have serious questions about the nuts and bolts of starting a co-op, contact board president Ed Maltby.
Other Links:
National Co-op Bank (www.ncb.coop)
Cooperative Development Services (CoCoFist) (www.cdsfood.coop)
National Cooperative Grocers Association (www.ncga.coop)
National Cooperative Business Association (www.ncba.coop)
Cooperative Grocers Information Network (www.cgin.coop)
Cooperative Grocer Magazine (www.cooperativegrocer.coop)
Blooming Prairie Foundation (www.bloomingprairie.org)
University Of Wisconsin www.uwcc.wisc.edu/info/i_pages/coopdev.html
We will be updating and adding to this page regularly. If you have suggestions about materials we should add, contact us HERE .
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