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
Topics in Cooperative Governance
Published
News
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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
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May 29
Produce Safety Workshop for Beginning Farmers
May 29, 2025 5:30PM – 8:30PM Kalamazoo Valley Community College Food Innovation Center, 224 E Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Free workshop to learn farming skills and provide feedback on new curriculum
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Jun 5
Soil Health Workshop for Beginning Farmers
June 5, 2025 5:30PM – 8:30PM Kalamazoo Valley Community College Food Innovation Center, 224 E Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Free workshop to learn farming skills and provide feedback on new curriculum
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Jun 12
Integrated Pest Management Workshop for Beginning Farmers
June 12, 2025 5:30PM – 8:30PM Kalamazoo Valley Community College Food Innovation Center, 224 E Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Free workshop to learn farming skills and provide feedback on new curriculum
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Jun 17
Michigan Cottage Food Law
June 17, 2025 6:00PM – 8:00PM Zoom Webinar
The Michigan Cottage Food Law, Food safety practices related to producing cottage foods and how to start a cottage food business.
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