The FCI Guide to Starting a Food Co-op
Food Co-op Initiative has updated the Food Co-op Startup Guide manual and the new version is available with other resources at their website (and attached here). We recommend that startup teams contact Food Co-op Initiative to take the first steps with their projects.
RESOURCES:
Food Co-op Initiative (FCI): Startup food co-op groups that have not already done so should contact Food Co-op Initiative https://www.fci.coop/. Email [email protected]. The FCI phone number is 507-664-2034.
FCI is a non-profit foundation supported by established co-ops, focused on providing startup groups with advice, referrals, and access to resources. FCI also contributes a regular column in Cooperative Grocer, and some of those reports are linked below under Related Content. Find additional reports in more recent issues of the publication.
CDS Consulting Co-op (CDSCC) startup webinars: Over the past few years a series of 20 free webinars for startup food co-op has been developed by Cooperative Development Services and CDS Consulting Co-op, and these webinars are available free: http://cdsconsulting.centraldesktop.com/cbld.
Four Cornerstones: CDS Consulting Co-op trainers and consultants have developed a framework for startups comprising “Four Cornerstones in 3 Stages”: the cornerstones of vision, talent, capital, and systems are each needed within three stages of food co-op development: organizing, feasibility and planning, and implementation.
As indicated above, established and startup co-ops have developed in-depth resources and professional experience in support of new co-ops. No matter what its local circumstances, a startup food co-op effort can benefit from decades of experience in community-based enterprise and professional development among established food co-ops and their allies.
The Up & Coming Food Co-op Conference is a gathering for startup and small co-ops organized by the Indiana Cooperative Development Center and Food Co-op Initiative, with support from CDS Consulting Co-op, National Co+op Grocers, and many other food co-ops across the U.S. Learn more at http://www.upandcoming.coop/