Communitas provides services to clients developing a cooperative business. There are generally four stages of development. The time frame involved in each stage is a function of the members of the group, their resources and the complexity of the issues that have to be addressed.

These developmental stages are:

Exploratory/Pre-feasibility Stage:

During this stage the group members will define the exact nature of the business and familiarize themselves with the nature and operations of a co-operatively owned business, as well as review the applicability of this operating model for their particular venture. In addition, the group will need to commission a preliminary feasibility of the proposed business venture. Should the group decide to proceed with the development of their co-operative business, then a detailed time/activity schedule (critical path) will be developed to guide the group through the next stage of the development process. A budget detailing the costs involved in moving through the next stage must also be prepared. This budget will identify sources of financing to cover the costs associated with the preparation of the business plan.

Business Plan Stage:

This will include the exploration of the financial, membership, legal and physical aspects of the co-operative business. At the completion of this stage the group will have a business plan in place and can then proceed to the implementation stage. While not exhaustive the areas that will be addressed in this stage include:

Financial

• market potential
• marketing plan
• start-up time
• staffing requirements
• initial capital requirements
• on-going capital/staffing requirements
• income/expense projections
• cash flow requirements/income potential
• availability of debt/equity financing
• long term viability
• tax implications

Membership

• optimum organizational model
• identification of potential members
• capital requirements/member capital available
• preliminary membership marketing plan

Legal

• basic bylaw framework required to meet the groups goal and objectives
• internal member agreements
• licensing requirements

Physical

• facilities required to undertake the business venture
• availability/location/cost of such facilities
• land use requirements including in environmental requirements

At the end of this Stage the group will know exactly how it will structure the co-operative business venture. The project will have a business plan in place and have secured the capital necessary to move through the business start-up stage.

Start Up Stage:

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Initital Operation:

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