Food Co-op Development Framework

What is the Framework?

The Food Co-op Development Framework is a set of universal best practices that can increase your co-op’s chances for success.

This newly-launched Framework was created with input from startups and startup experts 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.

Food Co-op Development Framework graphic

How to use the Framework

We’ve developed the Framework Action Guide, a walk-through of how to apply these best practices to your food co-op and the Framework Checklist, a tool that breaks into manageable pieces the work that needs to be done to launch a community-owned grocery store.

Framework Action Guide

The Action Guide is a walk-through of how to apply the best practices from the Food Co-op Development Framework to your food co-op.

Framework Checklist

The Framework Checklist is a tool that breaks into manageable pieces the work that needs to be done to launch a community-owned grocery store.

Framework Stages Timeline Tool

The Stages Timeline Tool illustrates the main steps for each of the five stages of the Framework.

Collaborative Toolbox

Tools created by other cooperators that use the Food Co-op Development Framework as a foundation.

Fillable Framework Checklist

Another version of the Framework Checklist that can be filled out directly in Google Sheets. Created by Reteisha Byrd of the Big River Grocery Co-op in Helena, AR. Use this as a way to track real time progress amongst your steering committee or board.

Member Capital Campaign Self-Assessment Checklist

This self-assessment is designed to help your cooperative’s leadership team—board members, your General Manager or CEO, and key staff—honestly evaluate your readiness to undertake a member capital campaign. Created by Roderick McCulloch of Shared Capital Cooperative.

Startup Food Co-op Business Concept Template

This template can assist startup food co-ops with articulating their business concept in the early stages of their cooperative development. The business concept is essential in more clearly communicating the co-op vision and purpose, guiding strategy, testing feasibility, and validating viability. The goal of the business concept is to identify gaps and address them before launching while spotting opportunities and ways to leverage them as the groundwork is laid for the full business plan.

Created by Allanah Hines of the Development Co+operative of National Co+op Grocers.

startup food co-op business concept template cover image

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.