Up & Coming

Startup Food Co-op Conference

The 2025 Up & Coming Conference will take place Thursday, September 11th through Saturday, September 13th in Kalamazoo, Michigan!

We are honored to be hosted by the People’s Food Co-op in Kalamazoo and to partner again with National Black Food & Justice Alliance to host Black-led Day on the 11th.

Registration will open soon.

Learn more about Up & Coming

Up & Coming Food Co-op Conference collage

Why should you attend?

  • Dozens of sessions for startup food co-ops in all stages of development. Whether you’re just getting started or you are hiring your GM, you will find critical sessions to attend!

  • Learn from experts and peers nationwide.You’ll hear case studies, attend panels, and engage in interactive workshops.

  • Connect and build community with your peers.

  • Tour our host co-op’s store, which is a similar size and scale to most startups.

  • Reconnect with your “why” and go home feeling energized and ready to take on the year of co-op development ahead!

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

Contact Us!

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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.