The Role of External Advisors Throughout the various steps involved in starting a co-operative your group will need to consult with a number of external advisors. For example.

Representatives from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food and other government agencies can be valuable sources of support. As well as being an important source of industry and market information, they can help you to identify potential members professional advisors, and sources of government funding.

• Accountants, potential lenders or other financial specialists should be contacted early on in the development process for financial advice regarding anticipated capital needs, methods of financing, and the preparation of loan applications. An accounting firm may also be hired to establish a bookkeeping system, maintain and file tax records, and develop a capital program for the new co-op.
• Business consultants and co-operative specialists can provide assistance in a broad range of areas, including feasibility assessments, the development and implementation of business plans, the development of educational and training programs, the design of appropriate governance and capital structures, and group administration.
• A lawyer can help to prepare and will be needed to review the legal documents required to incorporate and organize the co-op. Legal counsel should also be sought when acquiring property, borrowing money, and writing agreements and contracts
• Technical advice may be needed periodically from a variety of technicians. For example, technical advice concerning equipment and facilities is often essential to developing a production plan and determining the capital requirements for the business.

It is important to remember that calling on the services of external advisors can not replace leadership from the steering committee. The responsibility for starting a co-operative and seeing the project through to completion ultimately rests with the members of the proposed co-operative. The steering committee must continue to play an active role in each step of the development process by collecting and disseminating information, setting up and facilitating general and committee meetings, and acting as a liaison between potential members and external advisors. Decisions regarding the co-operative must come from the potential members of the co-op-professional advisors should never be in decision-making positions.

When seeking out professional advisors, choose carefully. The advisor should understand the agri-food industry, as well as co-operative business structures and practices. Find someone with whom you feel you can establish a good working relationship. When searching for names ask business associates, members and staff from other co-operatives, government representatives, family and friends. For first meetings, be prepared to clearly explain your situation and what you are looking for. Ask what services the advisor or firm provides, how they can assist you and how much they charge for their services.