Useful co-operative development resources

###### tags: coops co-ops co-operative cooperative ![reference link](https://platform6.coop/sites/default/files/logo/Platform6HexCoop_Blue.png) # **Useful co-operative development resources** ![](https://i.imgur.com/P1ZSuvC.jpg) Photo by [John Carlisle](https://unsplash.com/photos/l090uFWoPaI?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/collections/3703311/platform6/e834aa152ff9422e4c2f6ee274e97a6a?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) --- This page is a collection of resources that may be of use to those starting, growing and organising a co-operative. It was initiated by Platform 6 - an on-line community of co-operatives and co-operators. #### If you have more to add, or notice any broken links, please edit this page, add a comment or email info@platform6.coop ### Contact Platform 6 Development Co-operative * [Website](https://platform6.coop/) * [Public Loomio Group](https://www.loomio.org/g/S2GO31ij/platform-6-development-co-operative) * [Twitter](https://twitter.com/platform6_coop) * [Our Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/platform6/) * We also host a Facebook group called the [Co-op Support Network](https://www.facebook.com/groups/999952790371949/) * Email: info@platform6.coop --- ## Other useful resource collections * [Resources for decentralised organising](https://hackmd.io/s/Skh_dXNbE#) - a collection of international resources curated by Richard Bartlett of Loomio and The Hum. Highly recommended. * [Seeds for Change Resources](https://seedsforchange.org.uk/resources) - a comprehensive suite of anti-copyright guides, templates, model governing docs, including non-English translations. Aimed at co-operators and activists - recommended. * [Principle 5](https://www.principle5.coop/) - Sheffield based library of books, publications, archival materials and resources relating to co-operatives. * [CAN policies](https://www.can.coop/index.php/about-us/policies) - A comprehensive set of working policies with a co-operative focus. * [Co-operative Educators Network ed.coop Library](https://ed.coop/library/?fbclid=IwAR0Pzzb4DU9z2-4GanIIA9LYIXc-NWJ-Y3gd9_ro0UTW-uhBwaDabscPqyg) - A compendium of online resource libraries from cooperative organizations across North America and Puerto Rico * [Coophub.io](https://coophub.io/) Open source coop-made software repositories --- ## UK Co-operative support programmes **Note:** Some of these programmes may have a wider social enterprise or community business focus that may exclude some co-operatives. ### [The Hive](https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/) Co-operative Development support for start-up and existing co-ops. Resources, advisors and mentors provided. Funded by Co-operative Bank and administered by Co-operatives UK. ### [Community Shares Booster Programme](https://communitysharesbooster.org.uk/) Power to Change funded programme to support community share offers with development grants and matched investment. ### [Bright Ideas Fund](https://mycommunity.org.uk/funding-options/bright-ideas-fund/) Now closed (2022) The Bright Ideas Fund supports new community business ideas through the start-up and planning stages with tailored business support, to the implementation stage with grants of up to £15,000. --- ## UK Co-operative development bodies See also Co-operatives UK's list of Co-operative Development Bodies [here](https://www.uk.coop/directory?loc%5Bdistance%5D=20&loc%5Bunit%5D=3959&loc%5Borigin%5pD=&keys=&cat=1334) ### [Co-op Culture](https://www.culture.coop/) UK wide consortium of co-operative and community advisors, entrepreneurs and enterprises. Our members and associates have a vast and varied experience of supporting co-operative, community and social enterprise to start and grow. Happy to chat to anyone about their co-op project. ### [Co-operative Alternatives](http://www.coopalternatives.coop/) Northern Ireland's leading co-operative development body. ### [Co-operative Assistance Network Limited](http://www.can.coop/) A workers co-operative of co-operative development workers. Delivering training, consultancy and business services to UK co-ops and social enterprises since 1989. ### [Somerset Co-operative Services CIC](http://www.somerset.coop/) A service users co-operative delivering consultancy, support, training and incubation for co-operative social enterprises. Delivery mostly in Somerset and the south west, but some specialist services (such as registrations using the Somerset Rules) are available across the UK. --- ## US Cooperative Resources ### [Democracy Collaborative](https://democracycollaborative.org/) Through our cutting edge research and our many diverse programs, The Democracy Collaborative works to carry out a vision of a new economic system where shared ownership and control creates more equitable and inclusive outcomes, fosters ecological sustainability, and promotes flourishing democratic and community life. ### [Democracy At Work Institute](https://www.democracyatwork.info/) Democracy at Work is a non-profit that advocates for worker cooperatives and democratic workplaces as a key path to a stronger, democratic economic system. Based on the book Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism by Richard D. Wolff, we envision a future where workers at every level of their offices, stores, and factories have equal voices in the direction of their enterprise and its impact within their community and society at large. ### [Next System Project](https://thenextsystem.org/) The Next System Project is an initiative of The Democracy Collaborative aimed at bold thinking and action to address the systemic challenges the United States faces now and in coming decades. Deep crises of economic inequality, racial injustice and climate change—to name but three—are upon us, and systemic problems require systemic solutions. Working with a broad group of researchers, theorists and activists, we are using the best research, understanding and strategic thinking, on the one hand, and on-the-ground organizing and development experience, on the other, to promote visions, models and pathways that point to a “next system” radically different in fundamental ways from the failed systems of the past and present and capable of delivering superior social, economic and ecological outcomes. ### [Fifty by Fifty Project](https://www.fiftybyfifty.org/) The 50 by 50 project is working to transform a quarter of the US economy into worker-ownership. Their goal is to create 50 million employee-owners by 2050. --- ## International co-operative development bodies ### Germany - [AGBeratung](https://www.agberatung-berlin.org/) An amalgamation of activists from various self-organized, solidary and emancipatory projects and collectives offers support. ### Germany - [Genossenschaftverband](https://www.genossenschaftsverband.de/genossenschaft-gruenden/) [Information for founders of German co-operatives](https://www.genossenschaftsverband.de/genossenschaft-gruenden/informationen-fuer-gruender/) ### Germany - [Mietshäuser Syndikat](https://www.syndikat.org/) A good resource for those wanting to set up Housing Co-op style structures in Germany - work in a similar way to Radical Routes, but more hands on (eg golden shares to prevent carpet-bagging). ### Germany - [Netzwerk Selbsthilfe](http://netzwerk-selbsthilfe.de/) Not co-op specific, giving small grants and advice to all social activist groups. They provide development advice (legal structures, funding, project planning): #### Please add to this section --- ## Co-op Start-up guides ### [Simply Start-up](https://www.uk.coop/resources/simply-start ) A booklet style guide to the process of starting a co-operative or community enterprise. This guide was produced as part of the Big Lottery Funded Making Local Food Work programme and so uses community food growing case studies to illustrate the stages in a typical start-up process. 34 pages. Published 2011. ### [Social Business Wales](https://businesswales.gov.wales/socialbusinesswales/) This site is suitable for those considering starting up or operating a social business. Social businesses include social enterprises, co-operatives, mutuals and employee owned businesses. ### [Transition Enterprise Handbook](http://www.reconomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Transition_Enterprise_Handbook_FINAL-v2.pdf) (PDF download) A guide to the start-up process for a Transition Enterprise (even if they don't wish to use the label) or anyone involved in supporting them. ### [Delivering Employee and Community Buyouts](https://bccm.coop/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Delivering-EBO-Guide.pdf) (PDF download) UK guide from 2003. Sightly dated but principles remain the same. --- ## Co-op Legal and organisational structures ### [Simply Legal](https://www.uk.coop/resources/simply-legal) All you need to know about legal forms and organisational types For UK co-operatives and community owned enterprises. Also covers charitable status. Long considered the go to reference. 93 pages. 3rd edition published 2017. Supplements available for Scottish and Northern Irish Charities. ### [The Do-ocracy Handbook: organisational types and legal structures](https://transitionnetwork.org/news-and-blog/new-reconomy-guide-ocracy-handbook/) UK and co-operative focussed guide to the various options avaialble for structuring and running any project or enterprise. ### [FairShares](https://www.fairshares.coop) FairShares is a brand and development model for self-governing social enterprises operating under Association, Co-operative and Company Law. It offers a unique multi-stakeholder approach through its integration of entrepreneurs, producers, consumers and investors, and its advocacy of Creative Commons to manage members' intellectual property. #### [FairShares Institute courses](http://fsi.coop/courses) Introduction course provides an opportunity to apply FairShares model. In addition to exploring values and principles, key questions, approaches to learning (and decision-making), students will use a range of FairShares auditing and diagnostic tools to gather information needed to develop a plan for a FairShares enterprise. Students will learn how to use a FairShares Canvass to prepare for the creation of a new social enterprise and generate a draft constitution for a new FairShares cooperative. #### [FairShares Rules Generator](https://sites.google.com/view/fairsharesrules) Contains FairShares 'rules generators' that enable you to generate rules for your enterprise. You can use these to form, register and incorporate FairShares companies, societies, associations and partnerships. --- ## Co-op Governance and Decision-making ### [Simply Governance](https://www.uk.coop/resources/simply-governance-guide) A comprehensive guide to understanding the systems and processes concerned with the running of a sustainable community enterprise. This guide was produced as part of the Big Lottery Funded Making Local Food Work programme and so uses community food growing case studies to illustrate governance issues. Produced in 2011, a significant amount of the legislation referred to has changed, but much of the content is still valid. 112 pages. ### [From Conflict to Co-operation](https://www.uk.coop/fc2c) An excellent, illustrated 5 booklet series authored by Kate Whittle of Co-operantics as part of the Big Lottery funded Making Local Food Work programme. Designed to help organisations deal with conflict when it arises and also avoid unnecessary conflict. Downloadable as PDFs from the link above. * Conflict - where it comes from and how to deal with it * Communication skills * Meetings and decision-making * Organisational growth and development * Role and responsibilities of the committee The *From Conflict to Co-operation* series is also now available in Korean [here](http://icoop.coop/?p=8008483). Thanks to the [iCOOP Co-operative Federation of Korea](http://icoop.coop/?page_id=7960499) who organised the translation. ### [Consensus Decision Making](https://seedsforchange.org.uk/consensus) Web page and guide created by Seeds for Change available in hard copy or PDF. ### [Loomio](https://www.loomio.org/) Loomio is decision-making software designed to assist groups with the collaborative decision-making process. It is a free software web application, developed by a worker cooperative. ### [Sociocracy for All](http://www.sociocracyforall.org/) Resources, training and community around sociocracy (or dynamic governance). Particular interest in co-operatives in the UK at the moment. ### Additional VSM/Sociocracy resources [Jon Walker - comment in Worker Co-op Loomio Group - comparing and contrasting Viable Systems Model and Sociocracy](https://www.loomio.org/d/qQFpGLRk/synergy-between-sociocracy-and-the-vsm/24) [Practical guide to Sociocracy 3.0 a downloadable resource]( https://sociocracy30.org/guide/) ### [Round Sky Solutions](https://www.roundskysolutions.com/) Round Sky is a worker-owned cooperative offering innovative democratic management and cooperative leadership tools, resources, and training for cooperators, their teams, and other like-minded organizations. Access the [Cooperative Decision-Making Toolkit](https://www.roundskysolutions.com/decisionmakingtoolkit/) offering a model of consent-based decision-making. --- ## Co-op Finance ### [Finance Toolkit](https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/resources/finance-toolkit-co-ops) Written in partnership between [Co-operatives UK](https://uk.coop) and [Third Sector Accountancy](https://www.thirdsectoraccountancy.coop/), this toolkit is a FREE UK resource, covering accounting, VAT, financial reporting requirements, corporation tax, mutual trading status and more. ### [Simply Finance](https://www.uk.coop/resources/simply-finance) A comprehensive guide to the different options for financing a community enterprise. Contains some model documents around loans and shares. Published 2011. 94 pages. ### [Financial Literacy for Co-operatives](https://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/financialliteracy.pdf) **PDF download** This Seeds for Change guide is aimed at anyone who is involved in co-ops – from workers’ co-ops, housing co-ops to social centres. The aim is to demystify the world of finance to enable all co-op members to fully participate in financial decision-making. ### [Community Shares Handbook](http://communityshares.org.uk/resources/handbook) The definitive guide for community shares - the issue of share capital by Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies - covering all the relevant legal requirements and voluntary good practice standards for share offers. This Handbook sets out guidance for societies and practitioners who provide advice on community shares, a term used to describe the withdrawable share capital of co-operative and community benefit societies. Regularly updated. 117 Pages Available as a website and PDF download. ### [Rootstock](http://www.rootstock.org.uk/) Socially responsible ethical investment in radical co-operatives (member coops of Radical Routes) using co-op investor shares. ### [SolidFund](https://solidfund.coop/) Permanent common fund, paid for by the voluntary subscriptions of worker cooperative members, workers' cooperatives, individuals and organisations that support worker cooperatives, industrial democracy and collective ownership. ### [Co-operative and Community Finance](https://coopfinance.coop/) Co-operatively owned lender to, and investor in, the co-operative and social enterprise sector. Provides accessible finance to co-ops and other social enterprise. ### [Co-op Loan Fund](https://loanfund.coop/) Unsecured loans to UK co-ops between £10K and £85K. ### [Big Society Capital - Get SITR](https://www.bigsocietycapital.com/what-we-do/current-projects/social-investment-tax-relief/get-sitr) Practical advice and resources on using Social Investment Tax Relief which can be used to incentivise investment in some co-operatives. ### [Raising Finance for your Enterprise](https://www.can.coop/index.php/products-services/financial-management/setting-it-up-for-you-financial-management/269-raising-finance-for-your-enterprise) An information booklet for co-operatives and social enterprises in the UK by Co-operative Assistance Network Limited --- ## Co-ops and the law ### [Handbook of Co-operative and Community Benefit Society Law](http://www.iansnaith.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/8/files/2012/12/Chapter_1.pdf) Published by Co-operatives UK in association with Jordan Publishing Ltd. The definitive work on the law relating to Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies. 2nd edition updated to cover the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Editor Ian Snaith. Published 2014. 382 pages. Chapter 1 available as download from Ian Snaith's blog by clicking on heading above. --- ## Trading platforms ### [ShareTribe](https://www.sharetribe.com/) An open source platform to build marketplaces that lets your u[https://hackmd.io/YGZmJj25RsSp2ZUmshmv_A?both](https://)sers rent or sell goods, spaces or services online. ### [Fairmondo UK](https://www.fairmondo.uk/) Ethical trading platform owned by its sellers and buyers. ### [The Open Credit Network](https://opencredit.network/) A UK Mutual Credit Network that provides a mechanism for businesses to trade without money, via a credit clearing system. --- ## Co-op development training ### [Towards Co-operative CommonWealth: Transition in a Perilous Century](https://synergiainstitute.org/2019/01/19/towards-co-operative-common-wealth-transition-in-a-perilous-century/) Towards Co-operative Commonwealth is a free, massive, open, online course offered by Synergia Institute with support from Athabasca University that sets out what effective systems change means, and the most promising ways to secure our communities’ basic needs in increasingly difficult times. It is a master class in movement building for a new model of political economy that is sustainable, democratic, socially just and based on the principles of co-operation and the common good. It is suitable for newcomers to social change work as well as veteran activists, practitioners, policy-makers, students, and researchers. --- ## Sector specific co-op resources ### Platform Co-operatives #### [Platform co-operatives - solving the capital conundrum](https://www.nesta.org.uk/report/platform-co-operatives/) NESTA report, jointly published with Co-operatives UK, looks at what platform co-operatives are, why we need them, and what is needed for them to grow and flourish in the future. #### [Unfound Accelerator](http://unfound.coop/) UnFound is for tech founders and start-ups looking for a different way to set-up and run platform businesses. It brings together platforms that would like to go about their business in a more collaborative and inclusive way. ### [Co-operative Pubs](https://plunkett.co.uk/community-pubs/) - Plunkett Foundation Note: Plunkett Foundation have now put their pub resources behind a paywall - you need to become a member. They are also involved in the [More than a Pub](https://plunkett.co.uk/more-than-a-pub/) support programme. ### [Community owned shops](https://plunkett.co.uk/community-shops/) - Plunkett Foundation ### Worker Co-operatives #### [How to set up a Workers' Co-op](http://www.radicalroutes.org.uk/publications-and-resources.html) - Radical Routes #### [Democratic Jobs](https://www.democraticjobs.coop) - Post and find jobs in worker co-operatives globally ### [How to set up a Grocery Co-operative](https://www.unicorn-grocery.coop/our-co-op/grow-your-own-grocery/) - Unicorn Grocery ### [How to set up a Housing Co-op](http://www.radicalroutes.org.uk/publications-and-resources.html) - Radical Routes ### [How to set up a Social Centre](http://www.radicalroutes.org.uk/publications-and-resources.html) - Radical Routes ### [Community Homes Partnership website](https://www.communityledhomes.org.uk/) ### [Community-led housing toolkit](https://clhtoolkit.org/) - HACT ### [Food Co-op Toolkit](https://www.sustainweb.org/foodcoopstoolkit/) - Sustain --- ## UK Co-operative federations and consortia Co-operatives (and others) coming together to give a voice, provide support, advice and other services to their member organisations. * [Confederation of Co-operative Housing](http://www.cch.coop/) * [Co-operative Councils Innovation Network](https://www.councils.coop/) * [Co-operatives East](http://www.cooperatives-east.coop/) * [Co-operatives East Midlands](http://cooperatives-em.coop/) * [Co-operatives London](https://ldn.coop/) * [Co-operatives SW](http://www.cooperatives-sw.coop/) * [Co-operatives UK](https://uk.coop) * [Co-operatives Wales](http://www.cooperatives-wales.coop/) * [Co-operatives West Midlands](http://www.cooperatives-wm.org.uk/) * [Community Energy England](https://communityenergyengland.org/) * [CoTech](https://coops.tech/) * [Cymunedol Cymru - Community Energy Wales](http://communityenergywales.org.uk/) * [Community Energy Scotland](http://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/) * [Community Supported Agriculture UK](https://communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/) * [Development Co-operative](http://development.coop/) * [Energy4All](https://energy4all.co.uk/) * [Landworkers' Alliance](https://landworkersalliance.org.uk/) A grassroots union representing farmers, growers and land-based workers. * [Plunkett Foundation](https://plunkett.co.uk/) * [Radical Routes](http://www.radicalroutes.org.uk/) Network of housing and worker co-operatives working for radical social change. * [Solidarity Economy Association](https://www.solidarityeconomy.coop/) * [South West Co-operative Support Limited](http://swcs.coop/) SWCS is a co-operative whose members are the specialist co-operative development organisations in the South West region. * [Students for Co-operation](http://www.students.coop/) A democratic federation of student co-ops across the UK, organising for social change. * [Student Co-op Homes](https://www.studenthomes.coop/) Secondary co-op established to purchase properties to lease to student housing co-ops --- # Co-operative online groups ## Co-operative, Commoning and Solidarity Economy Facebook Groups * [Calderdale Co-operative Association](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1524115624501624/) * [Co-operative members](https://www.facebook.com/groups/526434044114633) * [Community-Led Housing](https://www.facebook.com/groups/CommunityLedHousing/) * [Co-operative Pubs Network](https://www.facebook.com/groups/cooperativepubsnetwork/) * [Coop Exchange](https://www.facebook.com/groups/coopexchangecommunity/) * [Co-op Support Network](https://www.facebook.com/groups/coopsupport/) * [Kirklees Solidarity Economy Network](https://ksen.org.uk) * [P2P](https://www.facebook.com/groups/p2p.open/) * [Platform Cooperativism - Discussion & Linkshare](https://www.facebook.com/groups/platformcoop/) * [REconomy Practitioners](https://www.facebook.com/groups/REconomyCoP/) * [Solidarity Economy](https://www.facebook.com/groups/964129340273806/) * [Southampton Friends of Co-operation](https://www.facebook.com/groups/p2p.open/) * [Students for Co-operation](https://www.facebook.com/groups/p2p.open/) * [Worker Co-operatives](https://www.facebook.com/groups/workercoops/) ## Co-operative, Commoning and Solidarity Economy Subreddits * [r/cooperatives](www.reddit.com/r/cooperatives) * [r/coopUK](www.reddit.com/r/platformcoop) * [r/neweconomy](www.reddit.com/r/neweconomy) * [r/economicdemocracy](www.reddit.com/r/economicdemocracy) * [r/socialistprogrammers](www.reddit.com/r/socialistprogrammers) * [r/platformcoop](www.reddit.com/r/platformcoop) ## Email discussion lists * [Platform cooperative email discussion list](https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/platformcoop-discuss) * [Scottish Radical Cooperativists Network](https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/radical_cooperative_network_scotland) ## On-line discussion forums * [Cooperative Technologists Community](https://community.coops.tech/) "A network of technology focused digital cooperatives, CoTech, who are building a tech industry that’s better for its workers and customers through co-operation, democracy and worker ownership." * [Platform 6 Development Co-operative](https://www.loomio.org/g/S2GO31ij/platform-6-development-co-operative) A public Loomio group to facilitate co-operative development advice, support, funding, delivery, market-making and education, primarily in the UK. * [UK Co-operative Development Forum Loomio](https://www.loomio.org/g/RwbnzEXl/co-operative-development-forum) A Loomio group for UK Co-operative Development community of practice. Membership is open to any individual or organisation involved in promoting, supporting or delivering co-operative development. * [Worker Co-operatives Loomio](https://www.loomio.org/g/egRGQNn9/worker-co-operatives) An open Loomio for members of workers' co-operatives and supporters of worker co-operation * [PATIO](https://patio.ica.coop/) a forum where ICA members can go to get advice on different IT products, services and service providers and where IT professionals from coops or who serve coops can work together, learn from each other and recommend products and services to help members. The IT Network will not be a place to discuss the different political aspects of platform coops. It is a practical network. ## Chat rooms * [Cooperative Empowerment Discord Group](https://discord.gg/RTBzjZw) Chat group for everything cooperative related. * [Comrade Coop Discord Group](https://discord.gg/RSUgQ8C) Comrade coop is not a corporate structure. We are an autonomous digital cooperative, managed through members' democratic consensus. Utilizing blockchain we collaborate remotely, manage agreements, fund each other ideas and share the profits of our labour. All of which as we see fair. * [Althea Network Discord Group](https://discord.gg/WpAhBgD) Chat group for a US cooperative that enables automatically competitive internet access by empowering anyone to become an ISP. * [Legderback Research Cooperative Discord Group](https://discord.gg/3Zyfhuf) Chat group for Ledgerback Research Cooperative, an Independent Research and Education Center for the advanced study of decentralized and open alternatives, with an emphasis on technology, governance, economics, and sustainability.

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