Plan

Ready to formalize your co-op plans so you can start to build your business? A solid business plan and/or feasibility study is an important tool. Here’s how we can help:

Business Plan

Every business should have a plan. Our team of experienced professionals can help — whether you want to go it alone using our online business plan creator or need someone to take the reins and do one for you.

Understanding how your idea competes. Who you can expect to buy from your co-op. How best to position the business in the marketplace. Knowing how much capital you need and what cash flow might look like for the business. Each of these things is critical to the well-being of your co-op.

At Co-operatives First, we have an experienced team of professionals that’s well-equipped to guide you through the planning process.

What you get

  • A business plan tailored to your unique opportunity
  • Expert advice from experienced professionals
  • Free tools and resources

Who should take advantage of this product

Leaders planning a new co-operative business or revitalizing an existing one in rural and Indigenous communities throughout western Canada.

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Test your idea for feasibility

A feasibility study is a good idea for new co-op projects. These studies test your business idea for feasibility prior to launching a new co-op. While often a co-op can start simply by attracting enough interest from like-minded people, some ideas need to be researched, tested and thought out a bit more. Ideas like these should get a feasibility study.

These types of studies will generally look at all the environmental factors related to the business idea. These factors include things like market access, demographics, logistics, available suppliers, competitors and the like. Understanding the nuance of how your idea might play out in the marketplace helps decision makers decide if the investment is worth it.

What you get

  • A comprehensive feasibility study done by a professional
  • Guidance and support from our team
  • Access to free tools and resources

Who should take advantage of this product

Leaders looking to better understand if their business idea is viable and need insight into decision making about whether the investment is worth it or not.

Request Support
 

Testimonials

“Working with Co-operatives First has been tremendous help with getting our Co-op set up and formed. Their guidance and expertise has helped learn about Co-ops and how they work. We definitely would not be as organized or as far along, as we are, without them. We truly appreciate all they have done for us. Thank you.” – Weed Pool Cannabis Cooperative
 
“Co-operatives First supported our project even when we initially didn’t know what the project exactly was. Given the challenging context of our situation, it was difficult to align the stakeholders and build a plan. Co-operatives First was willing to provide direction and coaching when required and was very flexible in the support they offered. After six months of work, our co-op has incorporated and has a sound business plan. We would not have made it this far without the support from Co-operatives First.” – Boundary Meat Producers Cooperative

“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block