FAQs
What are co-ops all about, anyway?
Throughout your organiziing efforts, you will encounter many people who do not know what a co-op is, how it operates or why it would be worth investing in. Follow this link to an excellent overview of food co-ops written by Allison Riemer: Co-op Grocery Stores and the Triple Bottom Line...
We want to start a food co-op. What should we do first?
Research and organize! You and the other founding organizers should become familiar with the organizing process and unique characteristics of retail food co-ops. There are a wealth of resources and links here on our website (go to the Resources and Downloads tab.) While you are doing this, start creating a strong, accountable organization that can remain effective over the next two or more years that it will take to open a store. Recruit volunteers and spread the word throughout your community that a retail food co-op may be on its way if enough people support it. Be sure to contact us so that we can include you on our mailing list and offer our help.
Who do you work for?
Food Co-op Initiative is an independent, non-profit organization. We orginated as a pilot project (Food Co-op 500) created by Cooperative Development Services, the National Cooperative Grocers Association, and NCB (the National Cooperative Bank.) These organizations continue to be supporters of Food Co-op Initiative. We work closely with them and many others who provide expertise and in-kind support to help make our programs possible.
When will you be accepting applications for Seed Fund grants?
These grants are offered when we receive funding from our supporters. At this time, there is not a predictable schedule for grants since we do not have a long-term commitment for these funds. We will announce when we can accept grant applications by putting a notice on our web site and sending information to all organizers who are on our mailing list.
Who is eligible for your Seed Fund grants?
Any organizing group that intends to open a retail food co-op may apply. However, the number of grants that we can offer is limited and therefore it is a very competitive process. We try to support a cross-section of the communities seeking co-ops, from rural areas to urban centers, small to large. Preference is given to those projects that appear to have a high likelihood of success.
When can we apply for Sprout loans?
You can submit an application for a Sprout loan at any time. These loans are provided by NCB (the National Co-op Bank) from a pool of money that they have designated for this purpose. The loans are generally awarded to groups that are approaching or already in their implementation phase. When we evaluate your application, we will be looking for solid planning, a professional market study, realistic financial projections and clear indications that your co-op can be successful.
More Questions?
Contact our Food Co-op Development Specialist, Stuart Reid!
