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

May 4

Moving Beyond Cottage Food - May 4, 2026

May 4, 2026 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.
May 18

Michigan Cottage Food Law - May 18th, 2 p.m.

May 18, 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.
May 21

What's New in Cottage Food Webinar: Voluntary Registration Launch, Expanded Sales Options and Limits

May 21, 2026 7:00PM – 8:30PM Webinar

Join businesses around the state for Michigan Cottage Food Law updates and the launch of the Michigan Cottage Food Business Voluntary Registration system. Learn how registration impacts your labeling options and much more.
May 28

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference 2026

May 28, 2026 – May 29, 2026

Join MSU Extension and local partners for the 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) on May 28-29 in the communities of Newaygo and Fremont.