Starting A Cooperative

We provide information and assistance for rural residents interested in exploring the development of a cooperative.

Steps to Organizing a Cooperative (PowerPoint)

Publications on cooperative development:

• How to Start a Cooperative
• Cooperative Feasibility Study Guide
• Creating Co-op Fever: A Rural Developer Guide to Forming Cooperatives
• Sample Legal Documents for Cooperatives
• Sample Policies for Cooperatives
• Library of publications on Cooperative Education and Development
• Rural Cooperatives bimonthly magazine

Videos and Podcasts:

• How to Start a Cooperative

Cooperative Development Centers:

• We help fund many Cooperative Development Centers around the nation that provide development and technical assistance to cooperatives. For assistance, contact the Center nearest you.

USDA/Rural Development State Offices:

• USDA/RD State Offices provide technical assistance, loans, loans guarantees, and grants for cooperatives. For assistance, contact your State Office.

If you have questions or to order publications, please contact us: coopinfo@wdc.usda.gov