The Northwest Cooperative Development Center's Co-op Starter Series is a set of "How-To" articles for

developing co-ops. 

General Co-op Info:

• Types of Cooperatives
• Steps to Forming a Co-op

Decision Making Processes:

• Deciding on Formal Decision Making Process
• Introduction to Consensus Decision Making
• Drafting Committee Charters

Meeting Mechanics:

• How to Hold Effective Meeting
• How and Why to Take Notes
• Facilitation Techniques

Strategic, Business and Financial Planning Basics:

• Introduction to S.W.O.T. Analysis
• Sources and Uses Budget
• Creating a Shared Vision
• Mission Statements
• Planning the Business
• Balance Sheets

Presentations

• The Role of Co-ops in Entrepreneurship and Fair Trade
• Co-ops in Green Enterprise Development