For 38 years, we have been at the forefront of sustainable cooperative development in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Cooperative Development Services (CDS) and its 501(c)3 charitable subsidiary, the Cooperative Development Fund of CDS (the Fund) actively support the growth of cooperative businesses at all stages, including long-established co-ops, startups, and co-op conversions in urban and rural communities. Our programs and services reflect our understanding that a cooperative must be successful both as a democratic association of members AND as an operating business. We offer analysis, planning, and educational services customized to meet your co-op’s specific needs. Our technical assistance gives co-ops tools to maximize business opportunities and gain access to necessary capital. View our Program pages to learn more.
CDS is registered to accept tax-deductible donations for its clients in all states across the nation, and helps co-ops reach their respective fundraising goals and expand their presence within their communities.
2024 Coming soon!
May 22-23. Stay tuned for more details coming here end of March. Sign up for our newsletter below to get updates.
What We Do Best
- Cooperative Startups and Education
- Cooperative Local Foods Systems
- Cooperative Business Development
- Cooperative Capitalization
To talk to us about your specific project,
Contact Us.
Want to know what’s needed to successfully start a co-op? Download our Co-op 101 Tutorial.
Lovettsville Co-op Opens
After over a decade of planning, last week, Lovettsville Cooperative Market (LCM) in Lovettsville, Virginia opened its doors to their over 1,200 member-owners and their extended community! The Cooperative Development Fund…
Co-op Month Event Brings Cooperators Together
CDS hosted a Co-op Month gathering on October 25, bringing together over 40 cooperators from multiple co-op sectors for great conversation and networking. The event also served an opportunity to…
Senior Housing Cooperative Conference a Success
A record 370 board members, committee members and managers from 83 co-ops in nine states including management companies, developers and other professionals working with senior housing cooperatives, attended the 20th Senior Housing…