Organizing a community driven project is rarely a quick process. To ensure the Co-op is a success, the Oshkosh Food Cooperative is following the Food Coop Initiative's 3 phase model. A general outline of this process is found below.
Stage 1: Organizing
Emerging Co-op: Brings about the organization
- One or more people start with an idea
- Recognition of a common problem or need that a food co-op could meet
- Includes
- Convening a core group
- Assessing common interest and needs
- Designating leadership
- Building a shared vision
- Committing time and money
- Brings about the organization
Stage 2: Feasibility & Planning
Emerging Co-op: Brings about the business plan
- An organized group with commitment, interest and capacity
- Assesses market potential and internal readiness
- Includes
- Feasibility – deeper assessments of financial, market and organizational capacity
- Planning – a business plan for financing and operations
- Builds commitment and capacity (both leadership and management)
- Brings about a secured site for the operation
Stage 3: Implementation
Emerging Co-op: Brings about the open store and satisfaction of owner/member needs
- Demonstrated capacity in all the cornerstones
- Includes
- Pre-construction
- Construction & Renovation
- Preparation for Opening
- Sustaining – First Year and Beyond
- Brings about the satisfaction of member needs
