This template is based on the start.coop process for creating co-ops. These steps are used to prepare groups for their accelerator program.
Read more about start.coop and co-ops, “a robust and equitable ownership model and an alternative to traditional, winner-takes-all capitalism”.
This template follows the steps and course described on the Build page:
Build your Cooperative — Start.coop
From the start.coop website:
We equip you with the knowledge, tools, and resources you need to build a thriving cooperatively-owned business. From helping you explore and test your co-op idea to helping you launch and grow your business, there are lots of different ways we can support you on this journey.
This template aims to give a clear path for learning and preparing for engaging with the people at start.coop, so it puts the learning up and preparation up front and leaves the communications aspects until the end. The structure of this template differs slightly from the start.coop website. The steps are:
Researching co-ops & start.coop
To learn more about co-ops and how start.coop can help.
Course & worksheets to prepare your co-op
This section takes you through their Lean Co-op course, where you will fill out worksheets that will give you the business model & structure of your co-op.
Getting help & the accelerator program
After finishing the previous section, you are ready to consult with the start.coop people, and apply to be in their incubator program if you so wish.
While going through the steps, you can use Notion to make notes or make the individual steps into more detailed pages. I am going through this process myself at the moment, so my hope is that this template will be of help to other people who come later. I have been a member of local food co-ops and even worked in a restaurant co-op in the past, and for me and the people I am forming a business with, a co-op structure just makes sense. I hope that others see their potential and the number of co-ops grow, especially in the tech & startup worlds. I’m am extremely grateful to start.coop for all the resources they have provided.
If you find an issue or think this template can be improved or just want to talk, reach out to me at brettpeary.com.