Orientation to Planning an Expansion/Relocation Project
CDS can provide a variety of cost-effective services throughout the planning and implementation of your expansion/relocation project. Our consultants have assisted more than 100 cooperatives with expansion projects ranging from $100,000 to $9 million in overall project cost. Our two to three day site visit includes training, planning and work sessions and will focus on:
- Create a project plan, timeline and process
- Project planning
- Assess organizational and financial capacity
- Building your shared vision
- Leadership development
- Role clarification
- Membership development
- Steps to assessing feasibility
- Create alignment in your organization around expansion mission and goals
Market Study and Site Analysis
A market study will assess the market feasibility of your new, expanded or relocated co-op food store. A 2-3 day market visit and site analysis will be followed by a report that will generally be accepted by banks and financial institutions as part of a loan application package. The market study will:
- Review the site and location characteristics of any possible sites that you have identified
- Identify and evaluate the competitive environment that your co-op food store will face
- Evaluate access patterns and levels of retail synergy within the market area.
- Provide a sales forecast(s) for the proposed site(s)
- Provide a report summarizing the results/conclusions of the market study
Financial Feasibility
Our financial pro forma is a planning tool to assess the financial feasibility of your expansion, relocation, or start up project and will include:
- A Sources & Uses budget for the project or start-up phase for new co-ops
- Detailed 10 years financial performance projections
- Income statement (profit/loss) projections
- Balance sheet projections
- Cash flow and debt service schedule
Member/Owner Capitalization
Our consultants have assisted food co-ops in obtaining millions of dollars in capital from co-op owners in the form of member loans or preferred shares. Our services include:
- Overview of member capitalization options and strategies
- Planning a member/owner loan and/or preferred share program
- Assistance with implementing your campaign
Internal Readiness
Our consultants can support your co-op as it builds capacity to undertake a start up, expansion or relocation project. The focus of our support will be:
- Internal readiness assessment
- Assistance in strengthening systems of planning, governance, management, and membership
Store Planning & Design
A good store design will save you money, time and headaches. Our store designer will provide:
- General consultation on store planning and design
- Preliminary store layout (floor plans)
- Store planning and design
- Equipment list
- Review of technology options
Business planning
Planning serves to keep everyone focused on the desired outcomes. Well crafted plans also give potential lenders confidence in your project. Our planning support options include:
- Review your plan drafts and making specific recommendations on where and how to improve your plan
- Prepare a business plan for your co-op, utilizing your organization’s expertise and knowledge
- Facilitate and support your management team as it develops plans
Membership-Ownership Development
Membership is the foundation of every successful co-op. We can assess current membership programs and make recommendations for changes. Or we can help you start out right with a new co-op. Our services include:
- Advise and assist in planning or revising your member/ownership program
- Assist with determining the appropriate equity requirements and structure
- Developing member benefits
- Marketing and communicating your membership program
- Plan and implement a patronage dividend program
Timeline Development
Projects can have a life of their own. Our consultants can help you take control of your project with the following services
- Develop an initial timeline for your co-op’s project
- Creating a detailed checklist for both the Organizing Stage and the Feasibility/Planning Stages
- Assess your progress and help you adjust to changing conditions
