Tools & Case Studies
Tools
Cooperative entrepreneurship doesn’t have to feel difficult. Come check out our growing library of tools and templates designed to make it easier to build your business.
Ownership Model Canvas
We design everything else in our businesses. Why not company ownership? This canvas allows you to start thinking about who your member-owners are as well as the rights and responsibilities that come with ownership in your co-op.
Learn more about the Ownership Model Canvas
Start designing your Ownership Model
Bylaw Starter Kit
To craft your full bylaws you’ll need to work with an attorney. Before you do, we recommend taking some time to talk through the basics with your founding team. This template saves your time and money by helping you ask and answer the fundamental questions about your co-op so that when you’re ready to turn to an attorney, you’re already half way there.
Case Studies
On topics ranging from governance to fundraising, our Start.coop case studies give real life examples on how co-ops have used innovative tools to grow their business.
Brightly
Franchising Worker Co-op Development
Defector Media
Designing a governance structure aligned with a vision for a media workplace driven by its most valuable asset, the editorial team.
Learn more. (PDF download)
Equal Exchange
Creating Non-Voting Investor Shares for Co-ops.
Real Pickles
Community Investment in the Local Food System.
Stocksy United
Digital Platform Co-op for Freelance Artists
The Drivers Cooperative
How a hybrid fundraising strategy helped one co-op become the largest worked-owned cooperative in the United States.
Learn more. (PDF download)
Zebras Unite Cooperative
Redesigning the culture of innovation through sociocracy.
Learn more. (PDF download)