Zero to Co-op program

Welcome to the Zero to Co-op program! Below you will find the self-directed co-op curriculum. This curriculum was designed in a partnership between CCE and the TESA Collective. The Zero to Co-op program is designed for start-up co-ops, and it can also be utilized by existing co-ops looking to improve their operations and governance. Each workshop and activity is editable and customizable. While they all provide guidance around timing, learning goals, and objectives, these are suggestions, and you should feel free to adjust the content and structure to fit your needs. Enjoy the curriculum, and please reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.

This program is free to subscribers of our mailing list.

Zero to Co-op

Phase I

Click on our classes below to get started

Unlock this section by joining our mailing list.

Initial Co-op Organizing Meeting Goals

Prepare group for initial meeting of co-op members
Discuss co-ops and cooperative structures
Organize sub-committees and work groups

Read Lesson

Get Co-op Committees Worksheet

Values Workshop Goals

Develop a shared understanding of individual values
Discuss and establish values that the co-op will embody

Read Lesson

Get Co-op Values Breakout Group Discussion Guide Worksheet

Conducting Key Individual Interviews Goals

Develop and execute key individual interviews in your community
Build community trust and awareness through interviews
Identify key community resources and stakeholders
Evaluate feasibility and structure of business

Read Lesson

Get Interview Scenarios Worksheet

Business Model Canvas Workshop Goals

Develop a Business Model Canvas
- A business model canvas can help your group identify and explore the different elements and practices of your business and see them all on one page.
Take the first step towards developing a more comprehensive business plan

Read Lesson

Get Worksheet: Business Model Canvas for Cooperatives

Get Worksheet: Business Model Canvas for Cooperatives – Questions

Zero to Co-op

Phase II

Click on our classes below to continue with our program

Unlock this section by joining our mailing list.

Finances I: Mapping out Expenses Goals

Explore the startup costs and how to fulfill them as a cooperative group
Collaborate with sub-committees to complete key individual surveys
Build financial literacy as a group and create a plan through the finance committee

Read Lesson

Get Committee Budget Focus Areas Worksheet

Finances II: Revenue and Expenses Goals

Identify and explore revenue streams and develop accurate projections
Develop customer profiles
Compare and reflect upon expenses and revenues

Read Lesson

COGs Activity

Finances III: Developing a Budget Goals

Explore the importance of a budget and analyze past financial planning
Develop and initial budget for the co-op
Generate a plan to sustain this through the finance committee

Read Lesson

Get Co-op Monthly Budget + Cash Flow Template: How Can We Make More Money? A Values Based Finance Education Kit

Zero to Co-op

Phase III

Click on our classes below to continue with our program

Unlock this section by joining our mailing list.

Marketing Workshop I Goals

Analyze your market, and develop a plan for how to effectively reach and communicate with your customers
Conduct a SWOT analysis, and explore the who, what, when, and where about your customers
Develop strategic marketing goals

Read Lesson

Get Customer Profile Worksheet

Get Analyzing Your Competition Worksheet

Marketing Workshop II Goals

Develop a plan to achieve your marketing goals, expand with a specific focus on communication strategies and digital marketing

Read Lesson

Get Digital Marketing Worksheet

Pro Forma Activity Goals

Learn and explore the importance of creating a Pro-Forma
- Pro-Forma is a tool that allows you to create short and long-term projections for your co-op based on the work you have already done on your market research and financial calculations.
Develop a Pro-Forma for your co-op

Read Lesson

Get Pro Forma Template

Business Plan Workshop Goals

Develop a business plan for your co-op
- This business plan is a culmination of your work so far in the Zero to Co-op Program.
Incorporate and analyze the financial projections, Pro-Forma, interviews and market research
- You will be using a business model template developed by BCCO for the Worcester Roots Academy. This business plan is available via cultivate.coop.
Celebrate your accomplishments in the Zero to Co-op Program!

Read Lesson

Get Business Plan Template