Explore your new business idea.
| You will need to... | CDI can provide... | By the end of this phase... |
| Form an Organizing or Steering Committee with people who represent the cooperative's potential members. Identify your mission and core values. | Meeting facilitation. | A committed group of people who agree on what they want this business to sell to whom |
| You will need to... | CDI can provide... | By the end of this phase... |
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Define your key business concept What products and services might the corop supply that could make a significant economic difference in the lives of its members? Create a project development plan and budget. Conduct Market Research to determine the need for your cooperative s products and services and complete your feasibility analysis to see if you have a viable business idea. |
Meeting facilitation; market research and feasibility analysis or help hiring and managing a consultant to assist you; lessons learned by other projects and guidance on project plans, market research, and feasibility analysis. |
Market research that shows there is a large enough market and sufficient product to sell that the cooperative will be financially viable and make a significant economic contribution to its members; A clear plan and budget for each stage of development. |
| You will need to... | CDI can provide... | By the end of this phase... |
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Share information with potential members about your business idea. |
Guidance on member education materials; help creating print resources for potential members informing them about your project. |
Growing interest from potential cooperative members. |
| You will need to... | CDI can provide... | By the end of this phase... |
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Secure funds for Stage One and begin fundraising for Stage Two. |
Help to identify sources and raise funds. |
Funds raised to cover the cost of development for Stage One and some of Stage Two: $0 - $10,000 |