Get help

Looking for help with co-op business planning? The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals offers support, information and resources for new groups undertaking co-op business planning.

BCCM works with a range of trusted industry associates who understand the co-operative and mutual model of enterprise.

How we can help you

Get a referral for professional services

The BCCM provides referrals to advisors who can assist your co-op in the journey from planning to reality:

Co-operative development and business planning

  • Develop and review your co-operative business plan.

Legal and governance

  • Advice on drafting or amending co-operative rules and other legal documents.
  • Compliance issues.

 Accounting and auditing

  • Develop or review your financial projections and tax position.
  • Advice from professionals experienced in co-operatives.

Co-operative finance

  • Guidance on co-operative securities and financing options.

Member engagement

  • Develop strategies to engage members during formation and start-up.

Marketing and promotion

  • Develop your co-operative branding and marketing.
  • Help with web-based business features.

Contact the Co-operative Farming team for a referral

The BCCM does not warrant or guarantee the work undertaken by any advisers or professionals under referral and is not liable in relation to goods or services such advisers or professionals may provide to you. The BCCM makes all attempts to provide accurate and up-to-date information but does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of information provided.

Virtual support

Register for BCCM’s online modules in Learn.

Browse our summary of co-operative education in Australia.

Use our Co-op Builder tool to draft your co-op’s legal documents and access template forms and registers.

News and events

Stay in touch with all things co-ops and mutuals: read latest news, media releases and in the media, sign up to our e-newsletter (in the footer of this page), like us on Facebook,  or follow us on Twitter or Instagram. Browse the BCCM video gallery.

The Co-operative Farming project is hosting livestreaming events suitable for new and existing co-operatives. See what’s coming up.

Find a co-op

Co-operatives are usually willing to share information to assist other co-operatives at all stages of development. Reach out to a co-op in your area or industry using the Co-operatives and Mutuals Geolocator.

Become a member of the BCCM

Co-operatives and mutuals can become a member of the BCCM. The BCCM is the national peak body for the co-operative and mutual sector. Get member-only support, resources and networking opportunities. Contact us to discuss the benefits and options for membership as a start-up co-op.

Watch

Kevin Franey, TNR Chartered Accountants on could co-operative farming future proof Australian farmers?

“Comparing a co-operative business model to any other corporate model, e.g. a company, the owners share the benefits rather than the shareholders. The co-operative is there to act for its members. It’s there to gain a competitive advantage and it returns the benefits to the members. Not in the form of share growth or dividends, but largely in the form of reduced prices, reduced production costs, better marketing, better export opportunities.”

Extracted from Co-operative Conversations, Episode 1