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Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- What is a co-op?
- Values and principles common to all co-ops
- What is a food co-op?
- Different types of food co-ops
- Why start a food co-op?
- Case Study: Root River Market Co-op
- II. From Talk to Food: Nine steps to starting a food co-op
- 1. Gather background
- FYI: Holding successful meetings
- FYI: Guidelines for meeting chairs or facilitators
- 2. Organize
- FYI: Responsibilities of the steering committee
- Case Study: Riverwest Co-op
- 3. Research feasibility
- FYI: Key elements of a feasibility study
- Case Study: Boulder Co-op Market
- 4. Review findings and vote to incorporate
- FYI: About incorporating your co-op
- FYI: Basic responsibilities of the co-op board of directors
- Case Study: Oneida Community Market Co-op
- 5. Recruit members
- FYI: A primer on consumer co-op membership
- FYI: A recommended membership structure
- FYI: About member loans
- 6. Planning and financing
- FYI: A basic business plan—table of contents
- Case Study: Monroe Street Grocery Co-op
- 7. Secure financing
- FYI: Methods of capitalization for cooperatives
- 8. Begin operations
- FYI: Sample general manager job description
- Case Study: River Valley Cooperative Market
- 9. Open the doors!
- Case Study: Midtown Food Co-op
- III. Ensure Your Co-op’s Success
- Keys to success
- Case Study: Abundance Co-op Grocery
- Ten maxims for starting out right
- IV. Conclusion and Resources
- Summary
- Glossary of terms
- Resources for further assistance
- Acknowledgments and publication information
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