Developing an Existing Co-op

BCCA offers an Advisory Services program for developing an existing co-op. Often we can sort out your questions by email or over the phone. If you require more in-depth assistance, you can apply to BCCA for up to one hour of free technical support.

To find out more about our Advisory Services program, please contact Carol Murray at murray@bcca.coop or 604-662-3906.

There are two aspects to developing an existing co-operative:

1. Expanding your co-operative
2. Enhancing the co-op's governance or management capacity.

1.  Expanding your co-operative

To expand your co-operative, some of the steps you followed in developing your co-op apply. You must determine whether the expansion will be viable financially by carrying out a feasibility study. You will also need to revise your strategic plan and/or business plan (depending on how you plan to finance your expansion).

If you need outside financing for your expansion, here are some of the options to consider

• selling shares
• accepting loans from members
• collecting fees from members
• borrowing from other sources

2.  Enhancing Your Co-op's Capacity

Once the blush of incorporation fades, your co-op must learn to steer the bumps and navigate the twists and turns of shifting operating conditions. In order to ensure that your board and management are ready for these challenges, taking training courses specifically designed for co-operatives will ensure that your co-op is benefitting from co-op expertise and best practices.