Start a new co-op : step by step

The first step in starting a co‑op – or any business or enterprise – is to define your business idea and test it. This section will help you understand and complete this process.

1. 1.1. Is your business idea viable?
2. 1.2 Create a feasibility study

This section outlines key questions to understand whether a co‑op is the right solution for your start‑up business.

1. 2.1 What is a co‑op?
2. 2.2 Is a co‑op right for me?
3. 2.3 Who will your co‑op's members be?
4. 2.4 Benefits of a co‑op

We outline the various finance and investment options open to start-up and recently incorporated co-ops.

1. 3.1 About financing your business
2. 3.2 Types of finance
3. 3.3. Sources of finance

You have tested your ideas – now you need to write a business plan to help you bring them to life!

1. 4.1 What is a business plan
2. 4.2 Create your business plan

This section makes up the final stages and decisions before you're ready to register your co‑op – from the type of co‑op and legal form you take, to your co‑op's name.

1. 5.1 Choosing to incorporate
2. 5.2 Choosing your legal form
3. 5.3 Choosing your type of co‑op
4. 5.4 Choosing a name for your co‑op
5. 5.5 Choosing your governing document

1. 6.1 Start your registration
2. 6.2 Resume a registration

We outline the support available to co-ops and the benefits of joining Co-operatives UK – the network for thousands of co-ops across the UK.

1. 7.1 After registration