Business support for co-ops programme

Are you a group of people wanting to start as a co-op? Or a business that is just getting started and wants to be a co-op? Then we are here to help you kick-off your fair and ethical business.

We can offer up to six days of tailored support with a co-op expert to help get your co-op off the ground. The support will help you set the foundation for your business and guide you in getting it up and running. Alongside expert advice, we will pair you with an existing co-op to receive half a day of peer-support. The business support is tailored to your specific needs and arranged around your own schedule – as long as it is completed within six months.

If this is for you, please read carefully the guidance provided and apply for support via our online form. We look forward to receiving your application!

This support is made possible thanks to our partnership with The Co-operative Bank – supporting fair and ethical business together.

Eligibility requirements

Start a co-op is a business support programme for people wanting to launch their own co-op.

To be eligible for this programme you must fall into one of the following categories:

• A group of (at least two) people aiming to register a co-op in the UK within 12 months
• An existing co-op that incorporated in the UK less than 18 months ago and/or has not started trading yet (the co-op hasn't yet submitted any financial accounts)
• An existing organisation aiming to convert to a co-op in the next 12 months, that has been incorporated for less than 18 months and/or has not started trading