Starting up a Coop

Baldwin, Van: UC Center for Cooperatives. This reference has information on California co-ops of many kinds, both in starting and in continuing operations. Topics covered include: choice of entity, articles of incorporation, bylaws, membership, board of directors, officers, raising capital, distributions and patronage refunds, reporting, and taxation. Note: this publication is not fully updated for subsequent changes in the law or other information provided herein.

Gessner, Bill: Cooperative Development Services. Adapted from a webinar presentation, this document describes how to develop a sources-and-uses development to start a brick-and-mortar food co-op, broken down into stages of organizing, feasibility/planning, and implementation. Accompanied by a sample budget spreadsheet, Start-Up Natural Food Co-op, Key Assumptions and Sources & Uses Budget.