1. Taking the first steps: An introduction to forming a community co-operative enterprise
Tasha Bevan
Plunkett Foundation
14th March

2. What are Community Co-operatives?2 2

3. Community led - focuses on community need.
Inclusiveness - membership which is open and accessible to all members of the community.
Democratic – one-member, one-vote.
Enterprising – trades with and on behalf of it’s members and their communities.
Profit Distribution- The distribution of profit does not enable some members’ greater control than others.
Asset Lock – where a premises is involved.
Community the enterprise should be one which focuses on meeting community need and which requires the support of that community to succeed
Inclusiveness membership should be open and accessible to all members of the community and efforts made to reach out to everyone in that community
Democracy the enterprise should be based on one-member one-vote
Enterprise the enterprise's main source of income will come from trading with and on behalf of its members and their community
Investment the enterprise will have decided to either not provide a return on investment or to only give a return which is sufficient to attract and retain capital
Profit distribution the enterprise will either have decided not to distribute profit to individual members or to do so in a way that it provides rewards to members in proportion to their transactions with the enterprise, not the amount they have invested
All communities will need to fulfil (or be working towards fulfilling) these criteria in order to qualify for fully-funded support from us.
Enterprises are also strongly encouraged to do the following*:
Asset lock in the event of the winding up of the enterprise, any residual assets should be applied to purposes or organisations that will further the aims of the enterprise and not be used for distribution to individuals
Solidarity the enterprise will support and promote its approach to other communities

4. Why choose a Community Co-operative?
The services provided can go beyond their core service
Particularly benefit those disadvantaged or vulnerable
Elderly, limited mobility, those seeking employment
Provide community hub for people to meet and socialise
Provide additional services such as prescription collection, postal services, dry cleaning, community groups, internet access…..
Employment and volunteer opportunities
Provides Informal support networks
Supports the local economy
Host wider community events

5. Simple Steps for setting up

6. 1. Form a working group. A minimum of 3 people Key Roles - Chair
Treasurer
Secretary

7. 2. Consider your vision and how best to explain what you are trying to do.
What you want to do?
Where you want to do it?
What you need to achieve your plans?

8. 3. Identify and consult with your community.

9. 4. Visit other enterprises.
5. Review original plans and determine whether to proceed.

10. 6. Formalise your working group.
Roles:
Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
& up to 9 others
Responsible for:
Business planning
Fundraising
Operations
Communications

11. 7. Explore and decide on legal structure
What kind of organisation are you?
Would incorporation be beneficial?
If so, find the legal structure that works best for you
Do we want to involve large numbers of members?
Would we need to be able to raise investment through shares?
What are the reporting and regulatory requirements? 11

12. 8. Determine start-up costs and consider business plan.
9. Consider finance options and raise capital.

13. 10. Consider your Operating Structure
Community Owned Premises, enterprise managed by the community
Community Owned Premises, enterprise managed by commercial operator
Privately-owned premises, leased by community co-operative, and managed by community.
Other Community premises (church or village hall), enterprise managed by the community.

14. 11. Secure premises and plan for opening.

15. 12. Celebrate your success with an opening event.
13. Constantly review and engage with your members and customers.

16. Support Plunkett Offers
Frontline Service
Information, advice and support
Staff, Adviser and Mentor network
Online tools and resources
Networking opportunities
One-to-one advice
Mentoring and study visits
Legal Structures and Shares
Funding – Project dependant
Signposting
Membership
Richard / James 16 16

17. Support available from
Helpline: