When forming a co-op, you'll find a vast and experienced network of support. Just a few of the many resources are listed below. One of the co-op principles is "cooperation among cooperatives." So you'll find that many of these organizations, and individual cooperatives themselves, are interested in helping you succeed.
General
International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)
International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) is an independent, nongovernmental association that unites, represents and serves cooperatives worldwide. Founded in 1895, ICA has 218 member organizations from 87 countries active in all sectors of the economy. Together, these cooperatives represent more than 800 million individuals worldwide.
Food
National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA)
The National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) is a business services cooperative for natural food co-ops throughout the United States. NCGA helps unify natural food co-ops to optimize operational and marketing resources, strengthen purchasing power, and offer value to natural food co-op owners and shoppers everywhere.
Food Co-op 500
The Food Co-op 500 Program is a collaborative effort between Cooperative Development Services (CDS), National Cooperative Bank (NCB), National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) and Blooming Prairie Foundation. Its development model is based on the vision, talent, capital and systems within each stage of food co-op development: organizing, feasibility and planning, and implementation. The Food Co-op 500 Program supports a faster and more efficient start-up process to develop new retail grocery co-ops.
Business
National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA)
The National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) is the leading national membership association for co-ops in all sectors of the economy. Its mission is to develop, advance and protect cooperative enterprise.
Financial
National Cooperative Bank (NCB)
National Cooperative Bank (NCB) is dedicated to strengthening communities nationwide through the delivery of banking and financial services, complemented by a special focus on cooperative expansion and economic development. Primary markets include the basic ingredients of vibrant communities: housing, education, health care, cultural centers, local businesses and social services.
Workers
United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives
Founded in 2004, the United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives is a grassroots membership organization of and for worker cooperatives, democratic workplaces, and organizations that support the growth and development of worker cooperatives.
Housing
North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO)
The North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO) family of associations organizes and educates affordable group equity co-ops and their members for the purpose of promoting a community-oriented movement.
Other Resources for Getting Started
General information on starting a co-op from the University of Wisconsin's Center for Cooperatives.
Free Manuals