Formation Counseling
Interested in forming a cooperative, but aren't sure where to start? Forming a new cooperative involves working with a group of potential users to define the purpose of the cooperative, identifying start-up members and directors, assessing feasibility and developing a business plan, working with professional advisors like attorneys and accountants, and more.
The CFAES Center for Cooperatives provides technical assistance assistance with cooperative formation for those interested in forming a new cooperative.
Stakeholder Education and Development
The key stakeholders in a cooperative, including members, directors, and employees, have unique roles and responsibilities in a cooperative enterprise. Helping stakeholders understand the cooperative model and their unique role can strengthen the cooperative.
The CFAES Center for Cooperatives provides educational programs for cooperative stakeholders like directors and employees, and can provide education for stakeholders of new or emerging cooperative enterprises. The CFAES Center for Cooperatives offers trainings and resources to help directors understand their roles and responsibilities under the cooperative model.
Feasibility Activities and Business Planning
Ensuring the success of a cooperative often begins with ensuring a need for the cooperative and exploring its feasibility. From potential member surveys and stakeholder meetings to a steering committee developing a robust cooperative business plan, these activities can be vital to the process of creating a new cooperative.
The CFAES Center for Cooperatives can provide technical assistance with feasibility activities and business planning, including understanding the processes, providing resources, and assistance through the process.
Resource Linkages
The CFAES Center for Cooperatives works alongside and maintains relationships with many institutions and organizations working in the areas of cooperatives, rural development, and agriculture, including Ohio State University Extension and West Virginia University Extension Services, the Mid-America Cooperative Council, USDA Rural Development, and many others.
Through these networks, The CFAES Center for Cooperatives can provide linkages to funding resources, specialized expertise, and other educational resources. When cooperative stakeholders have unique questions or needs, like strategic planning, policy development, governance guidance, or industry-specific questions, the CFAES Center for Cooperatives can help identify and connect with educational resources and expertise.