Dear cooperators and friends,

READ THE INTERVIEW

The Four Cornerstones in Three Stages Development Model, lovingly known as the “4-in-3 Model” has guided startup food co-ops and co-op developers since its inception nearly 20 years ago, helping startups all over the country go from idea to successful community-owned grocery stores. Over the last 14 months, FCI has been building a new Co-op Development Framework from the foundation of the 4-in-3 Model to serve the diverse experiences and development journeys of today’s startups. 

As we prepare to launch the Co-op Development Framework at the Up & Coming Conference next month, we are present to the impact the 4-in-3 Model has had on the food co-op community. The Model was collaboratively developed by many leaders within the co-op development community, including Denice Chevalier, Kevin Edberg, Marilyn Scholl, and the late Bill Gessner. I was honored to have a conversation with Kevin and Marilyn earlier this month to learn more about the Model’s inception and to reflect on its impact. Click here to read our conversation! 

In cooperation,
  Faye

P.S. We are excited for you to learn more about the Co-op Development Framework and provide your input at the Up & Coming Conference September 12-14th. Register today!

Resource Spotlight

“Communications and Ownership Growth” Video Resources Playlist

Is your ownership and outreach committee looking for new ideas and tools? We’ve compiled a playlist of all of FCI’s videos on communications and ownership growth that is loaded with inspiration, peer case studies, and tips! 

There are eleven videos in this playlist covering everything from how to plan for ownership growth, to how to utilize two easy-access graphic design tools provided by FCI you can use for community education, to how to offer swag to get your startup’s brand out while not breaking the bank. 

You can find FCI’s YouTube “Communications and Ownership Growth” video playlist HERE. 

See All our Resources at FCI.coop >>

Startup UPDATES & Celebrations

Future home of Electric City Food Co-op in Schenectady, NY

Winchester Food Co-op - organizing launched! - Fredericksburg, VA opened their co-op grocery in 2021; Lovettesville, VA opened their co-op grocery in 2023 and now cooperators in Winchester, VA are working to be the next Virginia community to open a cooperatively-owned, retail grocery store! Learn more HERE. 

Grand Rapids Food Co-op  - ownership growth! - GRFC has more than doubled their ownership growth rate from 2023 in the first half of 2024, adding 117 new owners in only six months! This Michigan startup is picking up momentum, learn more about them HERE. 

West Chester Cooperative  - site announced  - this startup food co-op in West Chester, PA is the second startup in PA to announce a site this summer! The co-op has secured a lease on a 4,000 sq ft site that will have an estimated 2,600 of retail space in their community’s downtown. 

Electric City Food Co-op  - site announced  - the owners of this startup in Schenectady, NY are one big step closer to opening their retail grocery store! With over 1,100 owners, ECFC has signed a letter of intent on a 12,000 sq ft space. Learn more HERE. 

Upcoming Events & WORKSHOPS

It’s not too late to register for the 2024 Up & Coming Food Co-op Conference, September 12-14 in Kalamazoo, MI with our host co-op, PFC Natural Grocery & Deli! Join us for the only national conference for startup food cooperatives! 

Peer Group Registration Extended!  Registration for our 2025 FCI’s Peer Learning Groups has been extended through Friday, September 21st and the peer call meetings will now be starting the second week of January 2025 for those startups registered. If your startup wants to learn more about the program, you can find our Q&A HERE; to apply for our 2025 cohort, fill out an application HERE. 

SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL STARTUPS

Startups need to know the latest innovations and today's best practices in order to open a successful and sustainable food co-op. Your generous donation helps FCI develop new resources, tools, and webinars to make sure that the nearly 100 startups organizing nationwide get the advice and guidance they need to serve their communities – and open their store! 

We want to hear from you!! Cooperative Principle 5 emphasizes the importance of education, training, and information sharing.  Each month we will share up to five items that are of interest to the co-op community. This month we are sharing three inspiring articles. If you would like to submit your P5 to our corner, please use this form for consideration. You can also access the form on our website.

• New HFFI grant opportunity: Have you heard?  Your peer startup food co-ops are accessing funding from national grants. And HFFI has a new Food Access + Retail Expansion Fund that will support "predevelopment, planning, and implementation of eligible food retail and food retail supply chain projects." A full Request for Applications (RFA) for the HFFI FARE Fund is now open. More information here…. 

• seven roots' newsletter: Do you appreciate this new “P5 corner?”  Our inspiration came from seven roots' “Fast Five”-- subscribe and check it out ‘cause the seven roots team pulls together great tidbits!

• Everything Co-op: If you are not listening to Everything Co-op, check it out!  This weekly radio broadcast hosted by Vernon Oakes features many examples of co-op innovation, including how cooperatives address issues related to housing, health care, sustenance, cost of living increases, and the distribution of wealth. FCI Board Members amaha sellassie and Jamila Medley were both featured guests in recent episodes:  
  • amaha sellassie discusses Gem City Market and its Contribution to Building a More Just and Equitable Society
  • Jamila Medley shares about the Partnership Action Fund & Collective Courage Fund

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