AK Co-op Sourcebook

A comprehensive sourcebook dedicated to starting, forming, and expanding a co-op in Alaska. This sourcebook is a on-going work in progress, and we encourage users to send us feedback and help add content to the site by e-mailed us at accrow@alaska.edu. This resource is intended to assist in the creation of by-laws, co-op legal structure, and tax structures. However, it is in no way a substantiate for working with tax and accounting professionals as you form your co-op. We have also included a section on "Getting Started! Business Principles" for those who are in the beginning stages of planning and forming. 

 

Co-ops 101: An Introduction to Cooperatives by USDA Rural Development 

"Abstract: This report provides a comprehensive summary of basic information on the cooperative way of organizing and operating a business. It covers the nature and extent of the use of cooperatives, compares cooperatives to other business structures, explains the roles various people play in a cooperative, and discusses equity accumulation and income taxation. The purpose is to make available, in a single report, the information someone would need to acquire a general understanding of how cooperatives function."

 

Understanding Cooperatives: How to Start a Cooperative

Walk-through guild to the first steps and stages to starting a co-op. A great place to start if you have an idea for a new cooperative! 

 

How to Start a Cooperative by USDA Rural Development 

Slideshow outlining the steps, timeline, pitfalls, and rules for success to starting a co-op.

 

Cooperatives Essentials: What they are and the role of members, directors, managers, and employees By USDA Rural Development

"Abstract: This is an educational guide for teaching basic information about cooperatives. It explains what cooperatives are—their business, principle, and structural characteriza- tions, and the responsibilities and roles of cooperative members, directors, managers, and employees."

 

Copper River Fishermens Co-op

In 1983 a small group of fishermen, working together created a business that within two years was selling $5,000,000 worth of salmon, and had over 130 members.  In three years it owned a million dollar processing facility and was buying 30% of the Copper River sockeye run, and along the way it created the Copper River brand.  But, despite this success, within ten years of its founding the co-op was in bankruptcy and had disappeared from the scene. This is a collection of interviews from those involved with the Copper River Fishermens Co-op.