Stage 4: In Business

Open the doors and start providing goods and services.

Organizational Development:
You will need to... CDI can provide... By the end of this phase...

Provide staff and management education and engage in strategic planning.




Meeting facilitation;

Communications support;

Financial systems support;

Trainings for management, staff, members and board, including on conflict management;

Referrals to co-op professionals and peer supporters;

Connections to other co-ops in the Northeast and beyond.

A viable business, up and running, bringing economic benefit to its members and functioning in a democratic, responsible manner.



BUSINESS Development:
You will need to... CDI can provide... By the end of this phase...

Provide products and services in response to member needs; engage in sales and marketing and ongoing business development.

Member/customer surveys;

Help with marketing;

Suggestions for expansion, diversification, spin-offs, etc.

A viable business, up and running, bringing economic benefit to its members and functioning in a democratic, responsible manner.

MemberS:
You will need to... CDI can provide... By the end of this phase...

Engage in member and board education.

Training;

Sample member education materials, news items, etc.

A viable business, up and running, bringing economic benefit to its members and functioning in a democratic, responsible manner.

And take time to celebrate and acknowledge your accomplishments!