Find Books

Find Books

This section will introduce several "how-to" books on business to help you get started with your research. These books will primarily introduce you to business plan writing. These books will also introduce general business types such as retail and service business models.

Find Customer Info

Find Customer Info

  Conduct Your Customer Research

  • Create your customer analysis
  • Identify your target customer
  • Demonstrate how your products and services satisfy your customers' needs

  Checklist

  • Who is going to buy my services (e.g. couples, parents, other businesses)
  • What is the future outlook of my target market?

Find Competitive Info

Find Competitive Info

  Conduct Your Competitive Research

  • Gather and analyze competitive information
  • Define your competitive edge
  • Use benchmarking tools to create your financial analysis
  • Find competitor information for your own organizational plan

  Checklist

  • Who are my direct or indirect competitors? Where are they located?

Find Industry Info

Find Industry Info

  Conduct Your Industry Research

  • Find information specific to your industry to help you succeed
  • Write your industry overview
  • Start your market analysis

  Checklist

  • What are NAICS or SIC codes for the co-operative industry?

Getting Started

Getting Started

  Start Right

  • Review general resources about the co-operative industry
  • Read books related to your industry and business planning
  • Review sample business plans for ideas
  • Find capital

  Checklist

  • Are there books about running a business in this industry?

Co-operative Guide

Welcome to the Co-operative Guide

What is the Co-operative Industry?

Co-operatives offer an alternative business model, where control and ownership of the business is in the hands of members. Members can be employees, customers or residents, but in each case the members have a share in decision making and profits. Rooted in democratic values and self-responsibility, co-operatives are becoming increasingly popular.