Start & open a co-op grocery store

We’re Hiring!

We are excited to announce we are accepting applications for our brand new Startup Support Manager position now through Wednesday, December 4th.

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Learn how to start, organize and open a community-owned grocery store with 20+ FCI Live 2026 FREE webinars

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FCI is partnering with communities across the country to support and guide them as they develop and open thriving co-op grocery stores. Our collective work depends on the financial support of donors like you. Donate today to help a new co-op open tomorrow.

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The Framework Action Guide is here

The Food Co-op Development Framework Action Guide contains milestones and guide posts to help increase your food co-op’s chances for success.

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FCI’s Latest Newsletter is out now!

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New FCI Action Guide:

Converting your grocery store to a co-op

Grocery stores across the country are for sale, at risk of closing, or have an owner who is thinking about retiring in the near future. Converting a grocery store into a co-op is a great option that more and more grocers, employees, and communities are considering. Food Co-op Initiative, the Rural Grocery Initiative at Kansas State University and experts Stuart Reid and Bonnie Hudspeth have joined forces to develop a new FCI Action Guide to help you understand the conversion process and the steps involved.

Jump to the Action Guide

In honor of Bill Gessner, cooperative hero and primary creator of the Four Cornerstones in Three Stages Food Co-op Development model, the food co-op community is proud to make an annual award to recognize excellence in food co-op development.

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Resource Library

Upcoming Events

FCI Classroom

Resource Library

Whatever information you need, you’ll probably find it in our library: guidebooks, templates, recorded training events, and much more. Plus, all of FCI’s resources are available to you at no cost (donations are gratefully accepted).

Check out our library

Upcoming Events

Classes, workshops, and conferences are vital ways our co-op community learns and grows. Search our calendar for upcoming opportunities to learn more about starting your food co-op.

Calendar of Events

FCI Classroom

Designed for working boards and organizers of startup food co-ops: learn critical development skills in our virtual classroom. Register at any time, then learn at your own pace. FCI staff follows your progress, provides feedback on homework, and answers your questions.

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The FCI Guide to Starting a Food Co-op

As an organizer working to start a food co-op, you’ve likely asked yourself But where do I start? FCI’s Guide to Starting a Food Co-op is the answer! This guide is a comprehensive overview of the development process, covering essential topics like getting incorporated, writing a business plan, growing your ownership, capital campaigns, and even preparing to hire a general manager. Your entire organizing team will find this resource invaluable as you work towards the day you get ‘doors on the store’. Available in English and Spanish.

More Info

FCI has helped over 175 food co-ops open successfully.

Our methods are tested. We can help you too.

4-in-3 Development Model

FCI uses the Four Cornerstones in Three Stages development model to help frame the critical stages of development and keep the focus on what really matters.

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The Seven Cooperative Principles

Seven Principles guide cooperative businesses all over the world. Learn more about the shared values and these seven principles.

Free Resources & Support

As of 2022, Food Co-op Initiative has seen 175 new retail food co-ops open in the U.S. Every store is unique, but they all share a belief in the Seven Cooperative Principles and the pride that community ownership can bring.

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Get Started with Food Co-op Initiative

Food Co-op Initiative provides exceptional resources for people in the U.S. working to start a retail food co-op that meets the needs of their community. New startups can use our materials at no charge and are able to reach out to our staff for phone consultations and additional technical help.

Popular Resources

Let’s Start a Food Co-op! What do we do first?

What can FCI Do for me?

Guide to Starting a Food Co-op

Annual Impact Reports

QuickStart from FCI Classroom

Connect with Us

Have questions, want to know where to start?
Call today: (844) 324-2667

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Food Co-op Initiative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the law. Food Co-op Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.