Cooperative & Business Development Assistance

KCARD provides assistance to groups in the formation and start-up of their business operation. Business development activities where KCARD can assist new groups include: creating steering committees, assisting with market assessment and feasibility analysis, researching comparative business structures, developing articles of incorporation and bylaws, assisting with job descriptions and hiring of manager, developing operating policies, establishing recordkeeping system, planning and implementing capitalization strategy, and assisting with development of a comprehensive business plan.

KCARD is committed to following sound business development practices in assisting cooperatives and businesses in the development stage to make sure they have the best chance to succeed. KCARD takes a very hands-on approach to business and cooperative development, and wants to be involved with the group during the entire process. KCARD facilitates a process where the group takes ownership of the project, and KCARD just assists with the necessary tasks.

During the development process, KCARD facilitates a process that includes each of the following steps (but the order can change depending on the process):

• Assessment meeting: designed to understand proposes business activity and assess needs of the group;
• Organizational meeting: create steering committee, develop action plan, and assign tasks and responsibilities;
• Pre-feasibility analysis: evaluate market potential for business activity;
• Feasibility study: provide market analysis, identify opportunities and threats, and perform due diligence services;
• Business plan: develop a comprehensive plan that includes a management plan, marketing plan, financial management plan, and financial projections;
• Secure financing: obtain legal and accounting counsel, conduct equity drive, acquire grant funding, establish bank relationship, and secure debt;
• Incorporate: draft and file articles of incorporation and finalize bylaws;
• Board of Directors: elect initial board of directors;
• Organization structure: write job descriptions, hire manager, and develop operating policies;
• Acquire land and equipment; and
• Start operations
.