University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives

The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) is a trusted and unbiased voice on the cooperative business model serving the needs of cooperatives in Wisconsin. Our team of cooperative development specialists is available to help you start a new co-op, strengthen an established co-op, or convert an existing business to the cooperative structure.

About

The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) is a trusted and unbiased voice on the cooperative business model serving the needs of cooperatives in Wisconsin and beyond. With a strong public service orientation and access to world-class university resources, we leverage research, education, and outreach capabilities to foster critical thinking and understanding about cooperatives. As the only U.S. university-based center that studies and supports all forms of cooperative business, UWCC provides valued education and research to a diverse range of business communities.

Our team of cooperative development specialists is available to help you start a new co-op, strengthen an established co-op, or convert an existing business to the cooperative structure. If you are located in a rural area of Wisconsin, technical assistance may be covered by our USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant.

COOPERATIVE START-UP

UWCC provides assistance to start-up co-ops in the following areas: organizational development, member surveys, community and stakeholder meetings, feasibility analysis and business plans, membership drives, capitalization strategies, development of bylaws and articles of incorporation, board training, and policy development. We also provide referrals to legal, accounting, and other professional service providers.

SUPPORT FOR EXISTING COOPERATIVES

Support to established cooperatives includes member training and education, strategic planning, meeting facilitation, board training, policy development, board and management evaluations, and referrals to appropriate legal, accounting, and other professional services.

SUCCESSION PLANNING AND COOPERATIVE CONVERSIONS

UWCC provides assistance to businesses looking to transition to the cooperative model.  Support includes transition planning and timeline development, management and governance succession planning, and referrals to appropriate legal, accounting, and other professional services. 

Services Provided

Economic and Site Development

  • Economic Development (Specialty)

Buying or Selling a Business

  • Purchasing or Selling an Existing Business

Business Planning

  • Business Succession Planning (Specialty)
  • Business Plan Consulting
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Forming a Business (Specialty)

Human Resources, Workforce and Talent

  • Leadership/Professional Development
  • Retention

Internship Programs and Student Services

  • Internship Program
  • Student Research Projects

Legal and Intellectual Property Services

  • Forming a Business

Management Issues

  • Leadership/Professional Development

Marketing and Sales

  • Feasibility Studies
  • Market Plan Development and Training

Mentoring

  • One-on-One Counseling

Networking and Associations

  • Geographically Based
  • Industry Specific
  • Small Business/General

Nonprofit and Social Enterprise

  • Board Development (Specialty)
  • Organizational Audits
  • Strategic Planning
  • Technical Services (Specialty)

Public Policy and Government Relations

  • African-American Business
  • City Business Issues
  • Hispanic Business
  • LGBTQIA Business Issues
  • Native-American Business
  • Small Business Policy
  • Women's Business Issues

Starting a Business

  • Business Research Resources
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Forming a Business
  • Registration, Licenses and Permits
  • Startup Business Counseling
  • Startup Classes

Training and Education

  • Online Courses and Videos
  • Budget, Cash Flow and Financial Statements Training
  • Business Management Training
  • Startup Classes
Contact Information
Courtney Berner
Address
427 Lorch Street
Madison, WI 53706