Education is important for any cooperative developer. Cooperation Works! (CW!) the cooperative of cooperative developers and Centers offers a three part developer sequence. The programs aid in the understanding of the cooperative business model and the essential steps for development. Session One and Two are five days of intensive study in Wisconsin. This also provides a great opportunity for networking with other developers. Session Three happens on line and is an intensive five days of financial modeling.
The CW! Training Program is a rigorous course for participants to develop the skills to start a new cooperative and to assist groups in starting cooperative enterprises. The curriculum includes the essentials of the following:
• Effective cooperative business development
• Cooperative governance and management
• Tools for group ownership in building long-term success
• Financial analysis and pro forma financial statements for new co-ops
This program has been designed to deliver the best of what has been learned in the field of cooperative business development. The program courses may be taken in any order. A summary of each Session follows:
Session One: The Steps to Start a New Cooperative Business
This first session covers the skills and key development steps for the successful development of cooperative businesses. Specific areas of study include:
1. Cooperative History and Principles
2. Comparative Business Models
3. The Critical Steps of Co-op Development
4. Feasibility Analysis
5. Business Planning
6. Building Stakeholder Capacity
7. Governance and Oversight
8. Case Study Analysis
Session Two: Key Ingredients for New Cooperative Business Success
Cooperative enterprises and how to build group capacity for long-term success. Case studies of four existing cooperative businesses are used to highlight the concepts and provide practical application of principles. Areas of study include:
1. Co-op Legal Structures and Taxation
2. Co-op Finance, Equity and Capitalization
3. Group Decision Making and Strategic Planning
4. Co-op Management Oversight
5. Keys to Achieving Operational Success
Session Three: Financial Analysis for Cooperative Start-Ups
Financial modeling and analysis used in developing feasibility studies and business plans for start-up cooperatives. Each student must complete a set of pro forma financial statements to pass the course. Areas of study include:
1. Components of financial analysis for start-up businesses
2. Financial success including liquidity, profitability and solvency
3. Revenue models, income statements, balance sheets and cash flow analysis
4. Financial projections and ratio analysis
For more information contact Audrey Malan at 307-655-9162 or cw@vcn.com.
By: Cathy Smith
The CW! Training Program is a rigorous course for participants to develop the skills to start a new cooperative and to assist groups in starting cooperative enterprises. The curriculum includes the essentials of the following:
• Effective cooperative business development
• Cooperative governance and management
• Tools for group ownership in building long-term success
• Financial analysis and pro forma financial statements for new co-ops
This program has been designed to deliver the best of what has been learned in the field of cooperative business development. The program courses may be taken in any order. A summary of each Session follows:
Session One: The Steps to Start a New Cooperative Business
This first session covers the skills and key development steps for the successful development of cooperative businesses. Specific areas of study include:
1. Cooperative History and Principles
2. Comparative Business Models
3. The Critical Steps of Co-op Development
4. Feasibility Analysis
5. Business Planning
6. Building Stakeholder Capacity
7. Governance and Oversight
8. Case Study Analysis
Session Two: Key Ingredients for New Cooperative Business Success
Cooperative enterprises and how to build group capacity for long-term success. Case studies of four existing cooperative businesses are used to highlight the concepts and provide practical application of principles. Areas of study include:
1. Co-op Legal Structures and Taxation
2. Co-op Finance, Equity and Capitalization
3. Group Decision Making and Strategic Planning
4. Co-op Management Oversight
5. Keys to Achieving Operational Success
Session Three: Financial Analysis for Cooperative Start-Ups
Financial modeling and analysis used in developing feasibility studies and business plans for start-up cooperatives. Each student must complete a set of pro forma financial statements to pass the course. Areas of study include:
1. Components of financial analysis for start-up businesses
2. Financial success including liquidity, profitability and solvency
3. Revenue models, income statements, balance sheets and cash flow analysis
4. Financial projections and ratio analysis
For more information contact Audrey Malan at 307-655-9162 or cw@vcn.com.
By: Cathy Smith
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