Co-op Content
Learning Opportunities for Co-ops
Co-op resources to help you start, manage, or lead your co-op. Want to sell your business to your employees? We can help with that too.
Startup Resources
Fact Sheets
- Choosing a Business Structure (Co-op Creator)
- How to Start a Cooperative (USDA)
- Funding Options for Co-op Development Support / Technical Assistance (USFWC)
Toolkits
- Lean Co-op Course (Start.coop)
- Anti-Racist Facilitation Guide for Co-op Development (Solidarity Resource)
- Solidarity as a Business Model: A Multi-Stakeholder Cooperatives Manual (Ohio Center for Employee Ownership)
Templates
- Co-op Design Canvas (CFNE & partners)
- Steering Committee Action Plan (Co-op Creator)
- Start-up & Governance Checklists (USFWC)
Videos
- Design Your Co-op (CFNE)
- Steps to Starting a Cooperative (CooperationWorks!)
- How to Start Your Worker Co-op Business in 2026 (USFWC)
Financial Management Resources
Fact Sheets
- 24 Internal Financial Controls Every Small Business Should Have in Place (SCORE)
- How to Start a Cooperative (USDA)
- Checklist: Good Bookkeeping Habits (Northern Initiatives)
- Accountants Versus Bookkeepers: What You Should Know (SCORE)
Toolkits
- Financial Management for Small Business (SBA)
- Recordkeeping for Small Business (SBA)
- Financial Management Checkpoint (DAWI Democratic Management Guide)
Templates
- Profit & Loss Budget Projection (SCORE)
- 12 Month Cash Flow Projection (SCORE)
- Breakeven analysis (SCORE)
Videos
- Ready for Capital (CFNE)
- Understanding Your Co-op’s Finances (CA Center for Co-op Development)
- The Value of a Cash Flow Budget (Northern Initiatives)
Governance Resources
Guides
- Guidelines for Cooperative Bylaws (USDA)
- 28 Questions to Consider Before Meeting With a Lawyer (Jenny Kassan)
- Effective Worker Co-op Boards (USFWC)
Toolkits
- Creating a Strategic Plan (Co-op Creator)
- Strategic Planning: A Self-Facilitated Toolkit (CFNE)
- Cooperative Directors: Asking Necessary Questions (USDA)
Templates
Videos
- Rights and Responsibilities (DAWI)
- Effective Decision-Making (DAWI)
- Board Best Practices (DAWI)
Conversion Resources
Guides
- The Northeast Transition Initiative
- Are You Ready? (VEOC)
- Owner Work (VEOC)
Toolkits
Templates
Videos
- Company Stories video series (NETI)
- Planning for Tomorrow video series (NETI)
- Renewing Local Ownership: Worker Co-op Buyouts (CFNE)
