CED Programs
Alaska Cooperative Development Program
The Alaska Cooperative Development Program is a collaboration of the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development and the University of Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. We are here to help you with the following questions:
What are cooperatives, and how are they different from other businesses?
A cooperative is a business that is owned and controlled by those who use its services. Although cooperatives resemble other businesses in many respects, they are distinctly different in terms of ownership structure and in the distribution of earnings. In a cooperative, member-users finance and operate the business for their mutual benefit. Control is democratic, and earnings are distributed according to patronage provided by the members or retained in the business for overall member benefit.
Co-ops are economic institutions. Consumers form co-ops to obtain improved products and services at better prices. Retail businesses use them to gain benefits of group purchasing or other shared activities, and employees utilize the cooperative form of business to improve their income and equity positions in a company.
Key to the concept, however, is an identifiable economic need which participants recognize and are willing to support financially and with their patronage.
Underlying any co-op is the shared recognition of a common economic need. Cooperatives can meet that need if their members are willing to participate, patronize/utilize the business, and provide financial support.
More information on the Northwest Cooperative Development Center Web site>
How do you set up a cooperative?
If you are just starting out, we recommend you review the Northwest Cooperative Development Center’s online resources.
Read sample by-laws and articles of incorporation:
Notes on articles of incorporation
Sample by-laws
Annotated by-laws
Where can you learn more about cooperatives in general?
Where can you learn more about cooperatives in Alaska?
Link to existing cooperatives in Alaska.
Read the Alaska Sea Grant publication on Cooperatives in the Alaska Seafood Industry
For additional information, contact Andrew Crow, Co-Director, Cooperative Development Program, at 907.786.5447.