Starting a New Co-op

BCCA offers free Advisory Services for developing your co-op:

1. BCCA's NEW co-op development Info Sessions - for those who are new to co-ops and want information on the types of co-ops, how co-ops differ from non-profit societies and corporate structures, how to incorporate a co-op, the co-op structure and governance model and how to finance or fund your co-op.
2. BCCA's Technical Assistance support - for those who are already familiar with the basics and have further questions. BCCA will provide 1-2 hours of technical support with a seasoned co-op developer.

To find out more about these opportunities, please contact Richard Marcuse at marcusebcca.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: Developing the Business Idea

What is the actual business you will be doing? What service or product will you be offering? Who are your members? Customers? Clients?

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: 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 Six: Financing

How will we get the money we need to start up and run our co-op? There are four ways to finance (capitalize) your co-op:

• selling shares

• accepting loans from members

• collecting fees from members

• borrowing from other sources

Step Seven: Incorporation & Legislation

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: Founding Meeting

Now that you are incorporated, you will want to develop the internal structure of the co-operative. You will need to recruit members to your co-op and hold a founding meeting to adopt the bylaws and hold elections for the Board of Directors.

Step Nine: Maintenance, Aftercare & Growth

The task of starting your co-operative may be over, but surviving and growing 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 ducation and training services to their members through conferences, workshops, publications and sometimes with visits to your cooperative.