Getting Started

New to food co-ops? Start with these resources and give us a call if we can help.

Converting your store to a co-op: Introductory webinar

May 14, 2024/in Getting Started /by Joel Brock

Walk through the Converting Your Store to a Co-op Action Guide with this webinar.

Converting your store to a co-op: Action Guide

May 6, 2024/in Getting Started /by Joel Brock

Thinking about turning an existing grocery store into a co-op? Start here!

The FCI Guide to Starting a Food Co-Op

July 5, 2021/in Getting Started, The Essentials /by Eric Shellito

As an organizer working to start a food co-op, you’ve likely asked yourself but where do I start?

Let’s Start a Food Co-op: What Do We Do First?

July 4, 2021/in Getting Started /by Eric Shellito

You are interested in a food co-op, but don’t know how to get started? Here’s the introduction you have been looking for.

La Guia De FCI Para Iniciar Una Cooperativa De Alimentos.

July 3, 2021/in Getting Started, The Essentials /by Eric Shellito

Esta publicación ha sido un esfuerzo cooperativo entre todas las personas que se esfuerzan por construir la economía cooperativa compartiendo nuestro conocimiento y experiencia.

Developing a Budget For a Food Cooperative

July 2, 2021/in Business Development, Finances & Budgets, Getting Started /by Eric Shellito

Budget planning begins early in the startup process and continues through every stage. Get a good start.

A Food Co-op In Your Community

July 1, 2021/in FAQs, General Information, Getting Started /by Eric Shellito

What is a food co-op and what does it bring to your community? Co-op staff talk about their experiences and explain how important the co-op is to shoppers and the community as a whole.

Get Started with Food Co-op Initiative

Food Co-op Initiative provides exceptional resources for people in the U.S. working to start a retail food co-op that meets the needs of their community. New startups can use our materials at no charge and are able to reach out to our staff for phone consultations and additional technical help.

Popular Resources

Let’s Start a Food Co-op! What do we do first?

What can FCI Do for me?

Guide to Starting a Food Co-op

Annual Impact Reports

QuickStart from FCI Classroom

Connect with Us

Have questions, want to know where to start?
Call today: (844) 324-2667

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Food Co-op Initiative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the law. Food Co-op Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.