Start a Co-operative

The business planning side of starting a co-operative is very similar to starting any business. There are, however, two main differences in the process:

• The start-up process generally involves more people in a democratic, inclusive planning process. These people will be the future members; as customers, workers, tenants or users. This means that you create the business that the members want.
• There are lots of people and organisations who can help because you are a co-operative. The co-operative movement is great at helping more co-operatives start. Indeed co-operation amongst co-operatives is one of the seven co-operative principles.