Get help
Are you looking for help with starting a new co-operative or growing and existing one?
We offer co-op entrepreneurs help with their business planning as well as free information and online tools, education and courses and resources to help groups plan, start and run co-operative businesses.
The BCCM works with a range of trusted industry associates who understand the co-operative business model.
How we can help you
The BCCM provides referrals to advisors who can assist your co-op in the journey from planning to start-up:
Co-operative development and business planning
- Develop and review your business plan with an experienced practitioner.
Legal and governance
- Advice on drafting or amending co-operative rules and other legal documents.
- Compliance issues.
Accounting and auditing
- Develop or review your financial projections and tax position.
- Advice from professionals experienced in co-operatives.
Co-operative finance
- Guidance on co-operative securities and financing options.
- Help with marketing your offer to potential members and/or investors.
Member engagement
- Develop strategies to engage members during formation and start-up.
Marketing and promotion
- Develop your co-operative branding and marketing.
- Help with web-based business features.
Contact the BCCM team for a referral
The BCCM does not warrant or guarantee the work undertaken by any advisers or professionals under referral and is not liable in relation to goods or services such advisers or professionals may provide to you. The BCCM makes all attempts to provide accurate and up-to-date information but does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of information provided.
The BCCM has developed a suite of FREE online resources for groups to plan, start and run co-operatives.
Use the Co-op Builder tool to draft your co-op’s legal documents and access template forms and resources. You can also use the Capital Builder tool to produce the documents and to access guides to help you raise the funding for your co-operative business.
Find BCCM training and courses to help you learn more about setting up and running successful co-operatives.
Farmers, fishers and foresters can register to use the free Co-operative Farming Co-operative Foundations online modules a full education program about setting up and running agricultural co-operatives.
Stay in touch with all things co-ops and mutuals: read latest news, media releases and in the media, sign up to our e-newsletter (in the footer of this page), like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn, and browse and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
The BCCM is hosting training and events suitable for new and existing co-operatives. See what’s coming up.
Co-operatives are usually willing to share information to assist other co-operatives at all stages of development. Reach out to a co-op in your area or industry using the Co-operatives and mutuals geolocator and directory.
The best way to get help and advice on setting up a new co-operative or running your existing one is to join the BCCM.
The BCCM is the national peak body for the co-operative and mutual sector. Co-operatives and mutuals can become a member of the BCCM and join our growing community of great Australian member-owned businesses.
Get member-only support, resources and networking opportunities. Contact us to discuss the benefits and options for membership as a start-up co-op.
Kevin Franey, TNR Chartered Accountants
“Comparing a co-operative business model to any other corporate model, e.g. a company, the owners share the benefits rather than the shareholders. The co-operative is there to act for its members. It’s there to gain a competitive advantage and it returns the benefits to the members. Not in the form of share growth or dividends, but largely in the form of reduced prices, reduced production costs, better marketing, better export opportunities.”
