As the Silverton Food Co-op works towards opening the doors of a brick and mortar store, it will move through three distinct and important stages of development: 1) Organizing, 2(a) Feasibility, 2(b) Planning, 3(a) Pre-construction, and 3(b & c) Construction and Opening Prep. Currently, the co-op is in the first stage of development.

Stage 1  – Organizing

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0 to 300 owners

• Begin to organize and recruit volunteers
• Conduct shopper survey to determine shopper needs
• Incorporate the organization
• From interim co-op council and finalize bylaws
• Set-up financial and record-keeping systems
• Start ownership drive

Stage 2 (a) – Feasibility

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300 – 500 owners

• Establish feasibility committee and explore the site options
• Set-up owner loan committee
• Set-up finance committee and develop capital plan
• Conduct feasibility study
• Develop business plan

Stage 2 (b) – Planning

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500 – 700 owners

• Find real estate agent and plan to hire a general manager
• Complete site analysis and secure store location
• Recruit new owners based on store location
• Finalize business plan and owner loan compaign
• Analyze supplier options

Stage 3 (a) – Pre-construction

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700 – 900 owners

• Recruit new owners based on store location
• Secure external funding and launch owner loan campaign
• Finalize plans for store design and renovations

​Stage 3 (b & c) – Construction & Opening Prep

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900 – 1000+ owners

• Finalize budget
• Work with the general manager to hire and train staff
• Order and install equipment inventory
• Open the store