How To Start A Food Co Op

Cds consulting co op trainers and consultants have developed a framework for startups comprising four cornerstones in 3 stages.

How to start a food co op. Organizing feasibility and planning and implementation. Perhaps you want to be more involved. Conceptualizing your food co op 1. Leading food co op initiative in its mission to enable other startup groups to have an effective and efficient startup process is exciting and rewarding work.

The best single introductory publication for these groups is the booklet how to start a food co op updated in 2012 and available from the cooperative grocer network by a free download at the link provided below under related documents. Study the ins and outs of a food co op. This publication will be revised in 2013 in order to be more consistent with the resources in the following listing. Working to start a retail food co op that meets the needs of their community.

Erbin crowell executive director of the neighboring food co op association adam trott staff developer for the valley alliance of worker co ops share the basics of the co operative model its relevance to local economies and the process for business development. Starting your new food co op will also be a transformative and. This can also allow people who may not have the freezer space for an entire side of beef to purchase and divide it into more manageable amounts. Are you creating it to save money.

If you re thinking about starting an ethical or co operative business the online service will inspire you to take it to the next stage and provides you with some simple steps to follow. Start a worker co op or convert an existing business nofa sc 8 8 13 from nfcacoops. As the trade association for co operatives we support co operatives everyday have unique tools and resources and are at the heart of a national network of specialist co operative business advisers. Generally speaking if you are part of a co op that is not grocery store style you place an order usually online.

Setting up an independent co op or buying club using local resources takes a lot more work initially but you will support local farms and seasonal growing. Before you can start your co op determine that there is a need. Determine your mission with your food co op. The cornerstones of vision talent capital and systems are each needed within three stages of food co op development.

If you re serious about starting a food co op you need to become an expert. Food co op initiative provides exceptional resources for people in the u s. How to start a food co op manual. Department of agriculture rural development office in your state or the national cooperative business association to connect with someone familiar with establishing cooperatives in your area.

Organize a small. In 2010 food co op 500 incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit and changed our name to food co op initiative.