CDS Consulting Co-op and the Food Co-op 500 program invite you to participate in a series of six internet-based workshops that will help you understand how to start a new food co-op. Our presenters are nationally recognized experts with many years experience supporting both established and new co-ops. The workshops are based on the Four Cornerstones in Three Stages model developed by CDS Consulting Co-op and Cooperative Development Services.
Click here to view the archives of all recorded webinars for start up food co-ops.
Developing a shared vision and building alignment
Bill Gessner
Recorded Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Click to access workshop recording and materials
- What will your co-op look like in 10 years?
- How do you build a shared vision in your leadership group?
- How do you continue to build that vision as you build your membership base?
- How to sustain frequent and broad communication of vision among all stakeholders?
Capitalizing your co-op
Tami Bauers and Bill Gessner
Recorded Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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- What are the various ways to capitalize your co-op?
- What factors should you consider?
- How can you implement a plan to achieve the various sources of capital?
- What are some effective strategies for working with primary (institutional) lenders?
Choosing a location
Debbie Suassuna
Recorded Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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- Why is location so important?
- What site characteristics should you look for?
- When do you need a market study?
- When should you hire a professional to vet your location options?
- When should a group start looking for a site? (or is this timeline?)
Developing and managing a timeline
Bill Gessner
Recorded Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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- What are the techniques and action steps you can take to develop, manage and revise a timeline that will guide your efforts?
- How do you integrate your start-up project with the “Four Cornerstones in Three Stages” development model?
- How to manage a timeline that achieves accountability avoids unrealistic expectations and builds momentum?
Preliminary store design
PJ Hoffman
Recorded Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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- How and when to work with a store designer?
- What is a preliminary design and why do you need one?
- What store equipment will you need and how much will it cost?
Hiring and guiding a project and/or general manager
Bill Gessner and Carolee Colter
Recorded Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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- When should you think about hiring?
- What should you look for?
- How to set up an accountable and empowering relationship?
- How to decide when hiring a project manager is worth the investment? (potential savings in time and money and more effective organizing)
