Co-operatives First

Early Stages

How to start a co-operative: a step-by-step guide Creating an action plan What is a steering committee, and what does it do? How to name your co-op: a by-province guide Choosing a business structure: A questionnaire Transitioning a Business to a Co-operative Co-operative Members and Governance Choosing a Co-op Type Hosting a Community Meeting Focusing Ideas for Your Co-operative Co-operative Business Model Comparison with Other Models Building Consensus

Incorporating

A Guide to writing Rules of Association in BC Guide to Writing a Financial Plan

A Guide to writing co-op bylaws in Manitoba

Guide to writing Bylaws in Saskatchewan

Guide to Federal Bylaws

Incorporating a co-op in Western Canada — a provincial comparison Incorporation time frame Articles and bylaws (video) Choosing a name (video) Why should you incorporate your co-op? (video) Shaping your Co-op’s Identity Incorporation Checklist

Business Planning

Do a PESTLE Analysis How to find new co-op members Creating a Preliminary Budget — A Guide Building a Business Model Canvas Risk Identification and Management Legal Risks for Co-op Start Ups How to create a governance structure Why create a business plan? (video) Roles and Responsibilities Business Planning Pitch Practice Allocating Surplus in a Co-operative Business Co-operative Members and Governance

Financing

How to handle share capital in a co-op Debt vs Equity (video) Tax Treatment of Co-operative Businesses Ongoing Capitalization Guide to Writing a Financial Plan Financing your Co-operative Business Budgeting and Co-operatives

Up and Running

How to Waive an Audit Sample Board Duties How to Build a Board Calendar Three AGM Resolutions Every Co-op Needs for their Annual General Meeting What you need to know for your first AGM Creating a Terms of Reference Creating a Strategic Plan Creating a Human Resources Policy Free Online Governance Course Creating a Conflict of Interest Policy Board of Directors Evaluations Board Member Recruitment Board Decision-Making Exercise

A Guide to Co-operative Insurance How to Read Financial Statements Everything you need to know about managing records Board Governance Tips for Indigenous Co-operatives Sample Bookkeeper Contract Keeping track of members in a co-op Member Engagement and Onboarding Guidelines for co-operative elections Filing your Annual Return Co-operative Annual General Meetings Ongoing Capitalization Allocating Surplus in a Co-operative Business

Additional Resources

Co-ops and charitable status

Back

Providing co-op development services to the four western provinces, Co-operatives First has the supports, resources, and experience to help groups decide if they should become entrepreneurs. Co-operatives First provides a variety of services including tools and information, development support, business advice, and connections to experts. Need an inspiration? Co-operatives First creates a lot of content that explores innovative ideas, best practices, and unique uses of the co-operative business model Check out their website to learn more.

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