Michigan Cooperative Development Program

The Michigan Cooperative Development Program assists new and existing cooperatives, and employee-owned companies through education, research, and technical assistance.

48 Co-ops

received technical assistance

20 Years

of co-op development expertise

9 Staff

strategically located across the state

The Michigan Cooperative Development Program exists to support current and emerging cooperative and employee-owned enterprises in meeting their business goals. The program has 20 years of experience in supporting housing, worker, producer, consumer, purchasing, and multi-stakeholder co-ops.

We offer no-cost education and technical assistance to support co-ops at all points in their business journey. Services include:

business planning
financial analysis
feasibility studies
board trainings
bylaws development
marketing plans
business succession
legal incorporation

All types of co-ops are eligible for assistance. For more information, contact Bill Knudson at knudsonw@msu.edu or Parker Jones at jonesp28@msu.edu.

A Handbook for New Cooperative Directors

Published July 31, 2023

Topics in Cooperative Governance

Published December 9, 2022

News

Exploring the possibility of a grass-fed and grain-fed beef producer co-op in Michigan

Published on January 13, 2020
The idea of a producer owned cooperative for grass-fed and grain-fed beef is something that has been talked about for a while. The speakers at this meeting, will share their stories of such cooperatives.
Starting a cooperative and developing a business plan: Phase 2

Published on June 4, 2015
Having enough interest in starting a cooperative is just the first step, developing a viable business plan, when implemented, that meets the identified needs is the second.
Detroit People's Food Co-op: More than Just a Grocery Store

Published on September 1, 2014
On July 12, 2014, the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) kicked off the membership drive for the Detroit People's Food Co-op at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History.
Edible flint urban farmers co-op has community impact beyond food

Published on August 24, 2011
This urban gardening effort in the City of Flint produces multiple benefits towards a healthier community.

Events

Feb 5

Learn how Grand Traverse Pie Co and others use funding to grow their sales through trade shows

February 5, 2025 12:00PM – 1:00PM Zoom

Join MDARD's International Marketing Team for an overview of their free services and easy-to-access funding connections to grow your food, farming or beverage business.
Feb 13

Michigan Cottage Food Law

February 13, 2025 10:00AM – 12:00PM Zoom Webinar

The Michigan Cottage Food Law, Food safety practices related to producing cottage foods and how to start a cottage food business.
Feb 18

Moving Beyond Cottage Food Feb. 18, 2025

February 18, 2025 6:00PM – 7:30PM Zoom Webinar

Entrepreneurs and cottage food operators can learn basic knowledge to guide them in the right direction for becoming a licensed food operator and Moving Beyond Cottage Foods.
Feb 27

Michigan Urban Agriculture Summit

February 27, 2025 8:00AM – 4:00PM MSU James B. Henry Center, 3535 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910

Join Michigan State University and partners for a convening of urban farmers and urban agriculture stakeholders to enhance urban agriculture in Michigan through collaborative, community-led research and initiatives.