Early Stages

Building Consensus – Group Activity Business Model Comparison Focusing Ideas for a Co-operative Business Hosting a Community Meeting to discuss your Co-op Picking your Co-operative Business Model Shareholders and Governance in Co-operatives Transitioning a business to a co-operative

Incorporating

Articles & bylaws (video) Choosing a name (video) Guide to Bylaws Guide to Writing Articles of Incorporation Incorporation Checklist Sample Bylaws Shaping your Co-operative’s Identity Why incorporate? (video)

Business Planning

Allocating Surplus in a Co-operative Business Business Planning Pitch Practice Co-operative Business Planning Guide Focusing Ideas for a Co-operative Business Roles and Responsibilities Shaping your Co-operative’s Identity Shareholders and Governance in Co-operatives Why create a business plan? (video)

Financing

Budgeting and Co-operatives Debt vs Equity (video) Financing your Co-operative Business Guide to Writing a Financial Plan Ongoing Capitalization Tax Treatment of Co-operative Businesses

Up and Running

Allocating Surplus in a Co-operative Business Annual Meetings and Co-operatives Being a Board Member in a Co-operative Business Board Decision-Making Exercise Board Member Recruitment Board of Directors Evaluation Creating a Conflict of Interest Policy Filing your Annual Return Guidelines for co-operative elections Ongoing Capitalization Online Governance Course Sample Manager Job Description

Additional Resources

Back

Why incorporate? (video)

Incorporating a business is the process of creating a legally recognized entity separate from any one individual in the eyes of the government, lenders, and other businesses. It can be a lot of work. This video explains why it’s worth the effort.

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