Michigan Cooperative Development Program

The Michigan Cooperative Development Program assists new and existing cooperatives, and employee-owned companies through education, research, and technical assistance.

48 Co-ops

received technical assistance

20 Years

of co-op development expertise

9 Staff

strategically located across the state

The Michigan Cooperative Development Program exists to support current and emerging cooperative and employee-owned enterprises in meeting their business goals. The program has 20 years of experience in supporting housing, worker, producer, consumer, purchasing, and multi-stakeholder co-ops.

We offer no-cost education and technical assistance to support co-ops at all points in their business journey. Services include:

business planning
financial analysis
feasibility studies
board trainings
bylaws development
marketing plans
business succession
legal incorporation

All types of co-ops are eligible for assistance. For more information, contact Bill Knudson at knudsonw@msu.edu or Parker Jones at jonesp28@msu.edu.

A Handbook for New Cooperative Directors

Published July 31, 2023

Topics in Cooperative Governance

Published December 9, 2022

News

Exploring the possibility of a grass-fed and grain-fed beef producer co-op in Michigan

Published on January 13, 2020
The idea of a producer owned cooperative for grass-fed and grain-fed beef is something that has been talked about for a while. The speakers at this meeting, will share their stories of such cooperatives.
Starting a cooperative and developing a business plan: Phase 2

Published on June 4, 2015
Having enough interest in starting a cooperative is just the first step, developing a viable business plan, when implemented, that meets the identified needs is the second.
Detroit People's Food Co-op: More than Just a Grocery Store

Published on September 1, 2014
On July 12, 2014, the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) kicked off the membership drive for the Detroit People's Food Co-op at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History.
Edible flint urban farmers co-op has community impact beyond food

Published on August 24, 2011
This urban gardening effort in the City of Flint produces multiple benefits towards a healthier community.

Events

Nov 6

Trademarking Your Brand

November 6, 2024 12:00PM – 1:00PM

Join this free webinar to learn the basic steps involved in trademarking your brand.
Nov 11

Michigan Cottage Food Law Nov. 11, 2024

November 11, 2024 6:00PM – 8:00PM Zoom Webinar

The Michigan Cottage Food Law, Food safety practices related to producing cottage foods and how to start a cottage food business.
Dec 5

Michigan Cottage Food Law Dec. 5 2024

December 5, 2024 10:00AM – 12:00PM Zoom Webinar

The Michigan Cottage Food Law, Food safety practices related to producing cottage foods and how to start a cottage food business.
Dec 10

Moving Beyond Cottage Food Dec. 10, 2024

December 10, 2024 6:00PM – 8:00PM Zoom Webinar

Entrepreneurs and cottage food operators can learn basic knowledge to guide them in the right direction for becoming a licensed food operator and Moving Beyond Cottage Foods.