Para ver esta página es español haga clic aquí

Through our Startups resources, the USFWC carries forward the lessons of seasoned co-ops to startups and traditional businesses converting to worker-ownership.

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! 

Our Co-op Clinic's Worker Co-op Builder's Guide is a practical compilation of resources and considerations for building a worker co-op.

Worker Cooperative Startup Webinar

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

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

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

Image

Click the image to download the PDF. See the recording of the webinar associated with this topic on our YouTube channel.

Mini Guide: Setting Membership Fees

Image

Click the image to download the PDF!

Mini Guide: Conflict Resolution in Democratic Workplaces

Image

Click the image to download the PDF. See the recording of the webinar associated with this topic on our YouTube channel.

Mini Guide: Financing your Co-op

Image

Click the image to open the PDF!

Mini Guide: Funding for Technical Assistance

Image

Click on the image to open the PDF!

Mini Guide: Co-op Structure & Decision-Making

Image

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.

Image

 

Past Co-op Clinic Startup Videos

Worker Co-op Startup Webinar

August Startup Webinar

May Startup Webinar

April Startup Webinar