People starting a cooperative have diverse and varied goals, from wanting to build democratic workplaces, to helping farmers or artists reach new markets, or finding ways for small businesses to save costs. Creating a business with the unique values, principles, and characteristics of a cooperative that serves members’ goals is not a one-size-fits-all structure. The frameworks that build a cooperative can include its legal structure, tax treatment, key partnerships, capitalization strategy, and more, which can take on a variety of distinct approaches.
This complexity can be overwhelming for groups new to the cooperative model and working to build their own cooperative enterprise. That is why building a team of competent advisors is an important part of the business start-up process. Those advisors can include attorneys, accountants, tax advisors, risk management and insurance advisors, industry experts, and others who can help the group build the frameworks that will help accomplish their goals.
How can different legal structures accomplish cooperative ownership?
That question, along with helping cooperative entrepreneurs prepare for meeting with an attorney during their pre-venture phase, is the subject of an upcoming learning program with the CFAES Center for Cooperatives’ Appalachia Cooperates Initiative.
On Wednesday, December 11, attorneys Jacqueline Radebaugh, Managing Partner and Shareholder with Jason Wiener p.c., and Mike Russell, Attorney with The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will talk with entrepreneurs and business developers about legal frameworks that can accomplish cooperative business approaches and working effectively with an attorney, including how to prepare for working with an attorney who can best advise on the right structure for a business.
Staff from the CFAES Center for Cooperatives will share resources for locating professional advisors for a cooperative or other emerging business, with a particular focus on Appalachia.
Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Time: 1 – 2 p.m. Eastern
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Questions: Ann Luther (luther.111@osu.edu or 740-289-1952)
REGISTER HERE
This online learning program is presented as part of the CFAES Center for Cooperatives Appalachia Cooperates Initiative, a learning and peer-exchange network connecting cooperative, community, business, and economic developers and advocates in Central Appalachia to resources about the cooperative business model.
Event Details
Online events are hosted by the CFAES Center for Cooperatives at Ohio State via Zoom. Participants can join via the Zoom application on a computer or mobile device or by telephone. Unless otherwise noted, events will not be recorded. Registrants will receive Zoom connection details via email prior to the event. Events will be presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations such as interpretation, please contact Ann Luther at luther.111@osu.edu or 740-289-1952. Requests made two weeks in advance will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu.