Home > How to Start > Start-up Resources
Start-Up Resources
Gathering information about the cooperative start-up process should include both
reading and talking to knowledgeable people. Other cooperatives may also
be willing to share information about about cooperative operations and
issues specific to the business sector.
Organizations Providing Cooperative Development Assistance
Click here for a listing.
Resources: General
Cooperatives in Wisconsin: the Power of
Cooperative Action
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
Cooperative Equity and Ownership: An Introduction
Cooperatives - A Tool for Community Economic Development
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
How to Start a Cooperative
USDA Cooperative Information Report 45
Keys to Success for Food Co-op Start Ups in Rural Areas: Four Case
Studies
USDA Research Report 208
Co-op 101: A
Guide to Starting a Cooperative
Cooperative Development Institute
In Good Company: A Guide to Cooperative Employee Ownership
Northcountry Cooperative Foundation
Startup Resources for Worker
Cooperatives
Democracy at Work Institute/US Federation of Worker
Cooperatives
Steps to Starting a Worker Co-op
Northwest Cooperative Federation and the University of California Center for
Cooperatives
Starting a Worker-Owned Cooperative for Homecare Workers
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
A Guide for the
Development of Purchasing Cooperatives
USDA Cooperative Information Report 64
Development Manual for Small Rural Home Cooperatives
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
Cooperative Housing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Cooperative Success
Northcountry Cooperative Foundation
Cooperative Housing Toolbox: A Guide for Successful Community Development
Northcountry Cooperative Foundation
A Training Manual for Starting Worker-Owned Cooperatives
The Wages Curriculum to Assess Feasibility & Develop Group Cohesion
Resources: Incorporation, Bylaws and Financing a Start-Up Cooperative
Sample Legal Documents for Cooperatives
USDA Cooperative Information Report 40
State of Wisconsin Incorporation Forms
State of Wisconsin Statues Chapter 185
State of Wisconsin Statues Chapter 193
Comparing Nonprofit and Cooperative Entities; FAQs
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
Guidelines for Cooperative Bylaws
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
Comparison of WI Cooperative Statutes 185 and 193
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
Stock v. Nonstock Cooperatives in
Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
Legal Manual for Small Rural Home Cooperatives
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
Legal Primer: For Formation of Consumer-Owned Food Cooperatives
Food Co-op Initiative
The Member Equity Toolbox: A Guide for Retail Food Co-ops
Food Co-op Initiative
Member Loan Campaign Toolbox: A Guide for Retail Food Co-ops
Food Co-op Initiative
Resources: Feasibility Studies, Business Plans, and Working with Groups
Cooperative Feasibility Study Guide
USDA Service Report 58
Feasibility Study Outline
Iowa State University Extension
Food Co-op Feasibility
Food Co-op Initiative
How to Hold Effective Meetings
Northwest Cooperative Development Center
For additional resources on these topics:
Co-op Topics on this website
Case Studies
on this website
Staff Papers
on this website
USDA Rural Development Library of Publications