Startup Development Framework

Strengthening Communities through Cooperation

This newly-launched Framework was created with input from both startups and startup experts gathered throughout 2023 and 2024 to create a shared language of universal best practices that speak to the needs of all startup food co-ops aiming for success, while explicitly identifying that how those best practices and milestones are met can take multiple forms. There is no one cookie-cutter way to meet them.

While FCI developed and will steward this new Food Co-op Development Framework, we also remain committed to the collaborative process that informed the Framework. We will convene an on-going, collaborative, movement-wide process for developing tools based on the Framework, and for continually reflecting on the Framework and updating it as needed, based on the real needs, and real results, of startup food co-ops and their efforts.

Learning About the Framework

While supporting documents and tools for the Framework will be developed over the coming months and year(s), the time to start learning about the Framework and incorporating it into your food co-op development plan is NOW!

FCI will begin offering opportunities for startup organizers to learn more about the new Startup Development Framework in fall 2024:

Up & Coming Conference (September 2024): Join FCI’s JQ Hannah to learn the basics of the Framework in zir session: “The Framework: An Introduction to the Startup Process”
Webinars (TBA for Fall 2024)
- Introductory webinar for startups that are new to co-op development
- Webinar for startups that have utilized the original 4-in-3 Co-op Development Model and are well into their startup journey. Learn about how the Framework does (and does not) differ from the Model and how that will impact their startup organizing.
The Framework will also be utilized and trained on in our 2025 FCI Peer Learning Groups.

Future learning opportunities for the Framework will be shared via our FCI eNews as they are solidified. If you do not already get our eNews, you can sign up for it HERE.

Collaborative Process

FCI will foster the collaborative evolution process of the Food Co-op Development Framework into the future in the following ways:

TA Framework Circle (starting summer 2025) – FCI will hold twice-yearly online gatherings for technical assistance (TA) providers who work extensively with startup food co-ops for a collective conversation. We will share Framework updates, new tools, and gaps in existing tools that startups have identified that need addressing. And, most importantly, we will discuss together, and gather feedback on how well the Framework is fostering better development support for startups.
Framework Collaborative Toolbox (starting 3rd quarter 2025) – Together, our community can build the Toolbox that will best support startups in utilizing the Framework and organizing their co-op successfully. In addition to the TA Framework Circle process to identify gaps in the tools available, FCI will also develop a process for building a collaborative Framework toolbox. Through the collaborative toolbox process, TA providers, support organizations, and startups themselves would be able to gather feedback from FCI on articles and tools they’ve created in alignment with the Framework and, if desired, have their creation carry the Framework logo, be linked on the FCI website, and featured in FCI trainings through programs like theFCI Peer Learning Groups and FCI Live.
Food Co-op Development Framework Summits (starting in 2026) – FCI will convene an in-person summit every three years where active organizers of startup food co-ops, TA providers, support organizations, GMs of established co-ops that are actively mentoring a startup, and startup lenders will be invited to review the Framework together and dive in deep on areas where change and/or additional support for startups to execute the Framework are needed.

If you are a TA provider and would like to get updates on the TA Framework Circle meetings as more details are available, email and let us know at info@fci.coop .

If you are a startup food co-op organizer that would like to participate in future Framework input round tables, email and let us know at info@fci.coop .

Our Process So Far

Our Process So Far

September 2023 – solidified into a rough draft all FCI internal knowledge of updates/changes needed to the original 4-in-3 model to serve the new startup food co-op landscape, presented it at Up & Coming 2023 and collected feedback from startups
Spring-Summer 2024 – collected multiple rounds of feedback and input from partner organizations and consultants on the draft framework, making significant changes and updates

Where We Are Now: Stage One of Launch!

September 2024 – presenting at the Up & Coming Conference the final Food Co-op Development Framework with four major areas:
- Vision
- Stages
- Resources
- Areas of Work
September 2024 – collecting reactions and feedback to the new Framework from startup food cooperators at the Up & Coming Conference. We will then develop a white paper synopsis of the feedback, to be released in late 2024

Next Steps

3rd quarter, 2024 – a small team of writers representing multiple organizations deeply involved in the work of developing and supporting startup food co-ops will convene to write definitions for all parts of the Vision, Stages, Resources, and Areas of Work
1st quarter, 2025 – we will gather input on the draft definitions from a larger multi-org Framework Review Team and startup food co-ops. We will host two virtual roundtables to collect startup food co-op input: one for Black-led startups only, and one for all startup food co-op organizers
1st quarter, 2025 – we will solidify and make public which pieces of the Framework will next be focused on for more in-depth explanations and tools utilizing input received from the startup roundtables and the Framework Review Team

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

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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.