This publication reviews the key elements needed for successful formation and development of new cooperative businesses. Six phases of cooperative formation are described: - identifying the opportunity
- building consensus on the potential for a cooperative
- developing trust among potential members
- securing member commitment
- involving other stakeholders
- starting up the cooperative enterprise
Potential obstacles are presented for each of these phases and common causes for new cooperative failures are reviewed. Key ingredients for successful cooperative start-up are discussed. These include: - a joint recognition of a common economic problem by the potential members and initial leaders;
- a cooperative solution which will be more effective at providing the desired service than the prospective members could achieve individually.
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