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 workshops, Understanding Co-ops, explore 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.
Who should attend?
This event is open to:
- Anyone considering a new business who wants to do things differently and adopt a fair, inclusive and democratic business model.
- Existing businesses who are looking for an alternative approach and are considering adopting a different business model.
- Community groups with an idea for a community owned business venture.
- Business advisors who would like to know more about co-ops to help support their clients.
What to expect
We are hosting a series of four informative and interactive workshops that will give you an in-depth understanding of co-operatives, as well as the initial steps required to start one. The workshop will be led by a co-op specialists from Co-operative Development Scotland and Co-operate Scotland LLP and will feature guests from local co-ops who will share their experiences of starting and running a co-op.
The content for each workshop will include:
- 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
Workshop dates with booking links are listed below:
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24th January 9:30am-12:30pm |
Civic House, Glasgow (creative Industries focussed workshop) 26 Civic Street Glasgow G4 9RH Featuring House Arts and Glasgow Theatre & Arts Collective |
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6th February 9:30am-12:30pm |
The Crannie Edinburgh 9 Cranston Street Edinburgh EH8 8BE Featuring Open Data Services and Tripod |
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26th February 10:00am-12:00pm |
Online Workshop Featuring the Scottish Flower Growers Collective and gaming co-op, Very Evil Demons |
Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival and the light lunch will be available after our speakers have presented.