Starting a New Co-op

   NEW!! Download BCCA's FREE publication —

Cultivating Co-ops: A resource guide for co-operative development in British Columbia. The Guide contains background on co-ops, including the Co-op Principles, structure and types, and has a section on how to start your co-op with a checklist to the steps in the co-op development process, definition of key terms, a mini-incorporation guide, and an outline of what you need to include in your co-op's feasibility study and business plan.

BCCA offers an Advisory Services program for developing your 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.

Getting Started: A Co-op Checklist

Step One: Group Development

I have an idea, now what do I do? Find other people in your community. To start a co-operative you need at least three members.

Step Two: Needs and Opportunities

You must be sure that your idea addresses a need or an opportunity.

Step Three: Co-op Suitability

How do we know if a co-op is what we want?

There are different kinds of businesses and business structures that could address your need or opportunity. At this point you will have to research whether a co-operative structure is right for you. You have to remember that a co-operative is a business, but it is a unique type of business. It requires the dedication of its members to an ongoing process that is democratic and serves the needs of its membership. Starting a co-op takes time and dedication.

Step Four: Develop Your Idea or Concept

We think a co-op would best suit our needs. How do we develop our co-op? Now you will need to learn more about your enterprise as a particular type of business or service.

Step Five: Determining the Co-op Structure

Who will be the members of your co-op? The answer to this question — producers, consumers or workers — will help you determine what type of co-op best suits your enterprise idea.

Step Six: Feasibility Study & Business Plan

What kind of plans do we need?

Once you have a clear idea of what your co-op will look like, you must determine whether the co-op will be viable financially (feasibility study). You will also need to develop your business plan.

Step Seven: Incorporating your Co-op

You've made it this far — but what about making it legal? Once you've got a clear idea of who and what you are and how your co-op will work, you will want to become legally recognized as a coop so you can start your business.You will need 3 persons willing to serve as the founders or incorporators of the co-op.

Step Eight: Internal Structure and Roles

How do the members and staff work together? Now that you are incorporated you will want to formally establish the internal structure of the co-operative.

Step Nine: Maintenance, Aftercare & Growth

The task of starting your co-operative may be over, but surviving andgrowing are challenges you will always face. You will have to maintain quality services and products and grow financially. You will need to continue learning about co-operatives and co-operation if your co-operative is to flourish. Federations and local organizations often provide education and training services to their members through conferences, workshops, publications and sometimes with visits to your cooperative.