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

Jun 18

Michigan Cottage Food Law

June 18, 2026 – December 7, 2026 Zoom Webinar

The Michigan Cottage Food Law, Food safety practices related to producing cottage foods and how to start a cottage food business.
Jun 30

Serie Empresarial para Emprendedores de Alimentos: Identidad, Marca y Mercadeo de Productos de Comida

June 30, 2026 5:00PM – 6:30PM Battle Creek Food Reimagined, 50 Jackson St. W., Battle Creek

Haga que su negocio destaque. Aprenda a construir una marca memorable, identificar a su cliente ideal y promocionar sus productos de manera efectiva.
Jun 30

Food Entrepreneur Business Workshops in Spanish: Branding and marketing food products

June 30, 2026 5:00PM – 6:30PM Battle Creek Food Reimagined, 50 Jackson St. W. in Battle Creek

Make your business stand out by learning how to build a memorable brand, identify your ideal customer and effectively market your products.
Jul 7

Serie Empresarial para Emprendedores de Alimentos: Cómo Crear Múltiples Fuentes de Ingreso para su Negocio de Comida

July 7, 2026 5:00PM – 6:30PM Battle Creek Food Reimagined, 50 Jackson St. W., Battle Creek

Descubra nuevas oportunidades de crecimiento. Aprenda cómo generar ingresos a través de catering, food trucks, ventas al por mayor, eventos, clases de cocina y más.