Creating an action plan for starting a cooperative society

Starting a cooperative society can be a complex process, but having a clear action plan can make it more manageable. Here’s a simple guide to help your steering committee coordinate the first steps in launching your co-op.
Essential Tools and Resources
- Assemble a team of 3 to 10 committed individuals.
- Use platforms like Notion or Google Docs for easy file sharing.
- Get a scanner or a scanning app like CamScanner.
- Have at least one laptop and a projector.
- Assign 1-2 diligent note-takers.
- Include at least one knowledgeable member.
- Consider using one or two flipcharts.
- Stock up on pens, paper, and plenty of coffee.
- Bring enthusiasm and dedication to the task.
Action Items for Your Team
- Outreach
- Conduct a survey to gauge interest in your co-op idea.
- Share the results and gather feedback.
- Define the clear purpose your co-op will serve based on the feedback.
- Budget Planning
- Identify all initial expenses.
- Develop a plan for member contributions.
- Look for available grants to support your start-up.
- Fundraising
- Determine how much money you need to raise.
- Explore options such as loans, investment, and member shares.
- Governance Planning
- Decide who will be part of the co-op.
- Draft a chart showing the structure of your co-op.
- Present the chart for feedback and make adjustments as needed.
- Business Planning
- Conduct initial research on your market.
- Identify if you need external help.
- Start developing your business plan or use online tools for assistance.
- Choosing a Name
- Research legal requirements for the co-op’s name.
- Gather name suggestions from potential members.
- Use a voting process to choose the best name.
- Incorporation
- Reserve your co-op’s name with the corporate registry.
- Draft and file the articles of incorporation.
- Create bylaws for the co-op’s operation.
- Membership Start-Up
- Create and distribute membership agreements.
- Set up an email account for the co-op.
- Maintain a registry of members.
- Finance Start-Up
- Open a bank account for the co-op.
- Collect membership fees from initial members.
- Compile a list of potential funders and apply for loans or seek investments.