Intensive Technical Assistance

Intensive Technical Assistance is tailored to each group's needs, and can include financial analysis, legal structure assistance, or the researching of an operational issue such as a personnel policy.  Check out our experienced team of consultants.  We can also identify potential referrals, outline research topics, assist with problem-solving, and provide guidance on next steps.
Exploration and Expansions
Education and Training: including presentations on Co-op 101 and 102, Principles and Structures of Cooperatives, The Cooperative Advantage, Profits, Steering Committee and Board Formation, Steps to Starting a Co-op, Identifying Stakeholders, Co-op Roles and Responsibilities.
Needs Assessments: We help groups identify their common needs and goals through questionnaires, intake interviews, surveys and focus groups, and the first steps to cooperative development.
Meeting Facilitation: We train clients to write agendas, keep notes, maintain contact lists, and arrange for facilities, among other tasks.

Business Development
Feasibility Analysis: KDC has advised on or provided at least 44 feasibility studies to our co-op clients which include market research and financial modeling. 
Business Planning: We guide clients to author their own business plans by providing templates and advice throughout the business planning process.
Member Equity Drives:  We assist with the logistics of raising equity through membership.
Cooperative Accounting: We consult with an accountant who has expertise in cooperative accounting. The KDC team have access to his expert services. 
Funding Support: We help prepare grant proposals for our clients to state, federal, and private sources.

Organization
Board and Management Development: KDC conducts board trainings, develops board policies, provides boards with advice in hiring managers and provides training for managers in the unique aspects of managing cooperatives. 
Strategic Planning:  KDC offers guided facilitation of strategic planning processes and other organizational development and transitional processes.
Legal and Organization Documents: We draft legal documents, bylaws and articles of incorporation which then are reviewed by our cooperative lawyer on retainer.

Operation
Organizational Analysis: KDC assists client organizations to capitalize on strengths while shoring up deficits with appropriate advice and support.
Administrative Systems: KDC provides advice on the administrative systems of client co-ops.
Policies: Operational Policies, consultation in hiring practices and roles and responsibilities.
IT Support: We advise on the selection, installation, customization, and optimization of IT systems including Point of Sale, Customer Relation Management, websites, and more. 

Interested groups must fill out our request for assistance form and demonstrate need for in-depth consultation and the ability for follow-through.  Your project must be located within our coverage area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware).  For immediate assistance visit our resource page.