Business Support – start a co-op: Eligibility check

We are a group of people aiming to setup a co-op in the UK within 12 months. This can include a recently incorporated co-op, or a business wanting to convert to a co-op, as long as you have not been incorporated for more than 18 months and/or have not started trading.

We have a founding team of at least two people. To set up a co-op you will need at least two founding members. We cannot accept applications from individuals for this programme.

We are available to start the support package within the next six months. If not, please apply at a later stage. Please note, it usually takes 6-8 weeks to allocate a support package. 

Our team has capacity to conclude the support package within six months of starting. If not, please apply at a time that you can guarantee you have capacity to make use of the support package. Please note, it usually takes 6-8 weeks to allocate a support package.

We are aware that if we are awarded the support package, we will be asked to contribute a £100 (£75 for Co-operatives UK members) commitment fee. Should you be awarded a support package, you will be asked to pay a fee to ensure your commitment. Co-operatives UK reinvests the funds into future support provision. If this is a barrier to your participation in the programme, please let us know in your application and we will consider waiving the fee.