Para ver esta página es español haga clic aquí

Starting a worker cooperative is an exciting and challenging endeavor! 

Here are a few to-do's to get your team started:

  1. Learn the definition of a worker co-op.
  2. Join the USFWC as a member organization. You'll be connected to a national and international network of cooperators, developers, and allies that will help to support you through the process.
  3. Attend our FREE monthly Worker Co-op Startup webinar - see our events page for the next session
  4. Check out Start.coop's Introduction to Lean Co-op, an online course for entrepreneurs building cooperatively-owned businesses
  5. Choose a book from our Co-op Bookshelf to read with your team
  6. Work through the Co-op Movement study guide from TESA Collective

Additional startup resources from the Democracy at Work Institute are available here, and check out our past webinars and mini guides below! 

Worker Cooperative Startup Webinar

Hosted on the first Friday of every month. Register now on our events page.

Can't make a first Friday? Email us at clinic@usworker.coop for more information. 

Co-op Clinic Video Resources by Topic

Startup:

Co-op Governance and Membership:

Co-op Financing:

Worker Benefits:

Conflict, accountability and founders issues:

Taxes:

Mini Guides & Tools

Read these short guides on the fundamentals of worker ownership. These mini guides are topical guides for worker co-ops and democratic workplaces prepared by the USFWC's Co-op Clinic.

Download all mini guides at once here

Or individually below by clicking on images.

Mini Guide: Building Your Team, Hiring & Onboarding

Click the image to open the PDF and see the recording of the webinar associated with this topic on our YouTube channel.

Mini Guide: Setting Membership Fees

Click the image to open the PDF!

Mini Guide: Conflict Resolution in Democratic Workplaces

Click the image to open the PDF and see the recording of the webinar associated with this topic on our YouTube channel.

Mini Guide: Financing your Co-op

Click the image to open the PDF!

Mini Guide: Funding for Technical Assistance

Click on the image to open the PDF!

Mini Guide: Co-op Structure & Decision-Making

Click on the image to open the PDF!

Technical Assistance Packages from the Co-op Clinic

The USFWC Co-op Clinic offer high-quality support by and for the Worker Co-op movement.  See the suggested packages of support for the "bulb" tier, specifically made for Startup businesses.

See our Co-op Clinic page and check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.

 

Co-op Clinic Startup Videos

Making Cannabis Cooperative: community ownership and racial justice in the cannabis industry

Worker Co-op Startup Webinar

August Startup Webinar

May Startup Webinar

April Startup Webinar