All co-operatives, regardless of their size or type, need a business plan. A business plan helps clarify the activities for the co-operative and identifies the logistics, resources and finances needed for it to be successful. All co-operatives should be able to prepare forecast financial statements that identify how the co-operative will fund its first year of operation. This information establishes what the co-operative’s capital and finance needs will be. The rules for a co-operative must set out the minimum share capital required for membership or the amount of an annual subscription. For distributing co-operatives, the business plan is an essential component of your disclosure statement.
Learn about
- Introduction to the co-operative
- Operating context of a co-operative
- Resources and strategy
- Forecasting and financial statements