Are you thinking of starting a business? Or looking for a different approach to your existing business or community venture? Have you considered a co-op?

If you’re looking for an inclusive, democratic approach to your business, then a co-op could be the perfect fit.

Our free event, Understanding Co-ops, is brought to you by Co-operative Development Scotland, one of Scottish Enterprise’s services, and explores how your business can thrive as a co-operative.

Why co-ops?

All kinds of businesses operate as co-ops. These include pubs, energy suppliers, taxi firms, bookstores, community gardens, wine sellers, farms, sports clubs, and much more.

Co-ops are run by their members. They can be customers, employees, residents, or suppliers. They have a say in how the co-op is run – this makes it a fairer, more collaborative, and democratic way of doing business.

Co-ops are also resilient as a business model. They are more than twice as likely to survive the early years of trading when compared to other start-up businesses.

What to expect

The workshop will be led by a co-op specialist from Co-operate Scotland LLP and will feature guests from local co-ops:

• Radiophrenia
• Greencity Wholesfoods

Our guests will share their experiences of starting and running a co-op.

This informative and interactive workshop will give you a more in-depth understanding of co-operatives, as well as the initial steps required to start one. You’ll discover:

• The different kinds of co-ops available and learn which type might suit you best
• What membership means
• The strengths of co-ops versus traditional business models
• Co-op values and principles
• Co-op facts and figures
• The different legal forms a co-op can take
• Support for co-ops from Co-operative Development Scotland