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

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

Mar 10

Moving Beyond Cottage Food - March 10. 2026

March 10, 2026 2:00PM – 3:30PM 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.
Mar 12

MSU Product Center New Client Intro Seminar

March 12, 2026 10:00AM – 11:30AM Online

This virtual seminar is designed to help prospective clients determine whether the MSU Product Center is the right fit for their business needs. Potential clients must attend one of these seminars to register as a client.
Mar 16

Benton Harbor Farmer & Food Business Listening Session

March 16, 2026 9:30AM – 1:00PM Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, 376 W. Main Street, Suite 130, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Join us for this interactive event designed to collect feedback that will shape future MDARD funding opportunities and provide direct input into an active study on new opportunities at the Benton Harbor Fruit Market
Mar 23

Michigan Cottage Food Law - March 23rd, 2 p.m.

March 23, 2026 2:00PM – 4:00PM Zoom Webinar

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