Our Services as you get started
As Co-op Developers, we will not tell you what you should do. We will give you information about the options available and about the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and the basis on which other co-ops have made their choices.
Initial work will be in several areas at once. Fortunately, you are a group with different skills, so each person can undertake the tasks to which she or he is best suited. You will work, simultaneously, on three equally important area. A co-op developer can support you in each of these areas.
What does it mean to be a co-op? What values will guide you?
How will you ensure that every members understands that he/she is an owner with rights and responsibilities?
How will you make major decisions?
What is the role of the Board? Check out the Board resources.
How will you make sure that Board members understand their responsibilities and the limits to their liability well enough to do their work with confidence and enjoyment?
How will your co-op "live" the 7 ICPs in your daily work and major decisions?
What will you produce, why this product or service?
How will you produce and provide it?
Who will do the work?
Who will buy it? Why will they chose this product? Why will they buy from you?
Will you have enough surplus of revenue over expenses to stay in business?
Will the business meet the needs of your member/owners?
Are you ready to undertake you feasibility study? This is a quick but essential step to decide whether your concept is viable?
Are you ready to do a Business Plan?
Every co-op relies on the good-will of its community and has an obligation to serve that community.
What is your community?
Is it a geographical region, a sector of the economy, an ethnic group?
How will you let your community know, during your planning phase, about the products and services you will offer so that you can build interest and commitment?
If you will need outside funding during the planning phase, or investment for start-up or expansion, how will you develop a good relationship with potential funders and investors?
Ask us about developing your co-op
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