Of Cooperatives and Business Plans

Factual Questions
1

I am working with some people on setting up a cooperative. The business model we are discussing will not require much money for an initial investment, probably under 20k, just to secure a lease on a raw industrial space and build some amenities into it. We have a pretty good idea of the service we will provide and are pretty certain that it will be profitable rather quickly.

That said, is there anyone in here who has ever run a small business, worked in a cooperative in it’s early stages, or lived in a commune that can help us out with this.

We are looking into small business loans and also trying to figure out ways to get it started without ever requiring a loan. Venture Capital is not an option due to the employee ownership structure that we wish to go with. So I don’t have a specific question per se, but I would like any and all information, resources, advice etc… that anyone can provide.

Thanks,
Erek

2

Plenty of resources out there to help you. The National Cooperative Business Association has a website. The National Cooperative Consumer Bank is a government entity to assist with these issues.

Coop or not, your business plan will be pretty standard–essentially a road map about what you are planning to do along with the risks, competition, and make believe financial statements for the upcoming 3 years.

Good luck with your venture.