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

Mar 2

Better Process Control School

March 2, 2026 – March 5, 2026 Erickson Hall, 620 Farm Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824

The Better Process Control School offers an in-person course on food safety.
Mar 2

Artisan Cheese Workshop 2026

March 2, 2026 – March 4, 2026 Michigan State University Dairy Plant, 474 S. Shaw Lane E. Lansing, MI 48824

This 3-day workshop will teach participants the science and art of cheesemaking and participants will make several types of cheeses.
Mar 4

Michigan Cottage Food Law - March 4th , 6 p.m

March 4, 2026 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.
Mar 10

Moving Beyond Cottage Food - March 10. 2026

March 10, 2026 2:00PM – 3:30PM 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.