The Hive application guidance – support for existing co‑ops

Application questions – about your co-op

Organisation aims/brief description

Tell us about your co-op and how you currently trade.

Products, services & customers.

What are your products and services?
Who are your customers, users and members? Are they individuals or businesses? Try to be specific e.g. numbers, demographics, where located, what is their interest in the co-op, are they individuals, local community or businesses?
How do you engage with existing customers and members (e.g. social media, surveys, events, meetings, subscribers)?
How do you actively demonstrate your co-operative values and principles?

What are your ambitions for the business?
If available, please attach a copy of your current business plan and / or strategic plan at the end of the form.
If available, please attach a copy of your most recent annual accounts at the end of the form.
What are your likely risks, challenges and barriers?

Explain your current trading circumstances
Are you having to make a significant, rapid change to your business?
Are you having to adjust or ‘pivot’ the business model to respond to changing circumstances?
Is there a risk of insolvency?
If available, please attach a copy of your current business plan and / or strategic plan at the end of the form.
If available, please attach a copy of your most recent annual accounts at the end of the form.

Which of your board members / management team will participate in the reviews, support?

• Who is responsible for enacting any actions that result from the support?

• Tell us about your ownership model, legal and governance structure and decision-making process.

Tell us how your co-op supports, serves or benefits under-represented or hard to reach communities and demographics, e.g. Black, Asian & minority ethnic communities (BAME), or young people.
What are your social or environmental aims? Tell us about how you are creating or delivering social value and impact.