the hive: applicant guidance march 2019 · the hive support support and resources introduction the...
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The Hive: Applicant guidance _
March 2019 _
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3
What support is available? ............................................................................................................. 4
Who can apply? .................................................................................................................................. 6
How to apply ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Pathway 1: For start‑up groups and recently incorporated co‑operatives ............................... 8 Pathway 2: For existing co‑operatives looking to grow and develop ........................................ 12 Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to co‑operative or community ownership .... 16
Delivering The Hive support .......................................................................................................... 20
Additional support and resources ................................................................................................ 22 Support and advice agencies and networks ................................................................................... 22 Raisingfinanceandfundingsources................................................................................................ 23 Sectorspecificfunding........................................................................................................................ 25
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Back to top ^
IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
IntroductionThe Hive is a support programme for co-operatives delivered by Co-operatives UK in partnership with The Co-operative Bank.
From renewables to retail, sports to social care, The Hive aims to support new and growing co‑operative businesses with a bespokepackageofsupportwhichincludesone‑to‑one direct support, skills training and peer mentoring.
The Hive launched in February 2016 and will run until December 2020. To date over 600 groupshavebenefitedfromsupport.
TheHivehostsawealthofusefulresourcesanddownloadsavailablefornewgroupsstarting a co‑operative or community enterprise, through to established co‑ops looking to grow.
The Hive is delivered by Co-operatives UK,thenetworkforthousandsofco-operativebusinesseswhichworksto promote, develop and unite member‑owned businesses worth £36 billion to the UK economy.
TheHiveisfundedbyThe Co-operative Bank,whichhasenshrinedco-operativevaluesinitsarticlesofassociation and its customer‑led Ethical Policy includes the commitment to support co‑operatives, including throughitsassociatemembershipofCo-operativesUK.InJune2018,TheCo-operativeBankannounceditwouldextendfundingfortheprogrammeuntiltheendof2020.
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
What support is available?The Hive has three pathways of support:
• Pathway 1: For start‑up groups and recently incorporated co‑operatives.
• Pathway 2: For existing co‑operatives looking to grow and develop.
• Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to co‑operative or community ownership.
FromMarch2019,TheHivewilloffersuccessfulapplicantsabespoke package of support, which includes some orallofthefollowing:
• Up to eight days of direct one-to-one advice with a co‑operative development adviser.
• One skills training session delivered in‑house.
• Up to three days peer mentoringfromanexperiencedco-operative.
Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,wewillagreewithyouthebespokepackageofsupportandnumberofdaysyouwillbeawarded(uptoamaximumof12days).Thiswillbebasedontheinformationinyourapplicationandyoursupport needs.
Weanticipatethattheonetooneandpeermentorsupportwillinvolvesomefacetofacetimebutwillbeprimarily delivered by phone/video calls or email. The skills training will be delivered in‑house to your group and willbefacetoface.
TheHivesupportisopentogroupsintheprocessofstartingaco-operative,newlyincorporatedco-opsandintheearlydaysoftrading.
The following page outlines the support available in more detail.
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Direct one-to-one support with a co-operative development adviser
Pathway 1: Start-up groups and recently incorporated co-operatives
Up to 6 days
Pathway 2: Existing co-operatives looking to grow and develop
Up to 8 days
Pathway 3: Businesses looking to convert to co-operative or community ownership
Up to 8 days
Way
s o
ne-t
o-o
ne s
upp
ort
can
he
lp
• Todecidethemostappropriatetypeofco-operativemodelandstructure,fine-tunethegovernance and participation associated with that structure and with the incorporation process.• To develop membership criteria and a member engagement and/or member training plan.• With business planning, testing out the idea or raisingfinance.• Developingacommunityshareoffer.
• A board or management level diagnostic review or action planning session. This is a holistic approachforthewholeorganisationandaimstoassessthecurrentbusinessintermsofbusinessperformance,managementandgovernanceandwillalsodependontheoverallambitionsoftheorganisation to scale or expand.• Advice and guidance to assist with developing strategies and action plans to help with sustaining jobs, growing the membership, improving trading incomeorprofitability.
• An initial diagnostic review working with the existing owners toassesstheviabilityofanemployeeownershipoption.• Clarificationoftheowner’swithdrawalexpectationsandthemostsuitablemodelofco-operativeemployeeownershipforthebusiness.• Afinancialassessmenttounderstandthepotentialbuy‑out timescale.• Adviceandsupportaroundhowfundscanberaisedforthebuyout.• An implementation plan leading to incorporation as a co‑op.• Wheremorespecificexpertiseisrequired,wewillsign-post clients to industry technical and legal expertise.
Ind
icat
ive
out
put
s
• New registrations / incorporations.• Newpremises(assettransfer).• Newcommunityshareoffersand£amountraised.• Numberofpeoplebenefitingfromskillstraining/peer mentor support.
• A new strategic plan, board members trained, new systems and processes.• Newpremises(assettransfer).• Newcommunityshareoffersand£amountraised.• Numberofpeoplebenefitingfromskillstraining/peer mentor support.• Increaseinturnover,profitability.• Numberofnewemployees,members.• Numberofnewclients,customers,products,services, markets.
• New registrations / incorporations.• Newmembers(employees).
Skills training delivered in-house – up to one day (all pathways)
Onein-housetrainingsessionisonoffer,tobedeliveredtothegroup’sboardormanagementcommittee.ThiswillbedeterminedbythesupportneedsidentifiedinapplicationsaswellasfurtherdialoguewithTheHiveteam.Thefocusofthetrainingsessionwillbeflexiblebutislikelytoaddressareasrelatingtogovernance(newdirector/boardtraining,howtomanageconflict),membershiporunderstandingco-opfinances.
Peer mentoring from an experienced co-operative – up to three days (all pathways)
Uptothreedaysmentoringisonofferwhereagrouporco-operativeismatchedwithanother,moreestablishedandexperiencedco-operative.Thecontentofsupportis agreed between the applicant and their mentor. Thementoringwilllikelytakeplaceinarangeofways,fromface-to-facemeetings(one-to-oneorgroup),phone/videocallsoremail.Mentorco-operativesneedtobeaCo-operativesUKmember.TheHiveteamwilladviseaboutthisduringtheapplicationprocess.
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Who can apply?WewelcomestrongapplicationsfromallsectorsandfromallregionsoftheUK.Belowoutlinesspecificcriteriaandobjectivesthatwearelookingtoachieveandthatwillmakeyourapplicationforsupportevenstronger.
Essential criteria
Co-operatives that are or will be based in the UK.
Co-operatives that are or will be trading and sustainable businesses.
• Already are or aspire to be a business with a clear trading model and aim to sustain or grow jobs or members.• Alreadyareoraimtogenerateasurpluswhichwillbedistributedamongmembers,reinvestedinthebusinessorwillbenefitthelocal communitye.g.acommunityfundorimprovedservices.• Will not be wholly dependent on charitable donations or grants.
Additional criteria
Co-operatives from key sectors
TheHivewelcomesstrongapplicationsfromallsectors.However,weareparticularlyinterestedinapplicationsfromthefollowing:• Creatingfairerworkingconditionsforfreelanceorcasualworkers,particularlyinthe‘gig’economywhereworkcanbeprecarious.• Creatingmorecollaborativedigitalandtechownershipmodelse.g.platformco-ops(seealsotheUnFound programme: http://unfound.coop)• Delivering improved health and social care provision.
Co‑operativesofferingsomethingnew
• Co-operativesthatmaybefillingagapinthemarketorcreatingalternativeandmoredemocraticsolutionstospecificissuesorchallenges.• Wherethemodelhasthepotentialforscaling-uporbeingreplicated.• Examplesmightincludeprovidingaccesstobetterqualityserviceswhichbenefitthelocalcommunitythatmightnototherwiseexist,delivering affordablequalitycommunity-ownedhousingorinnovativecommunity-ownedrenewableenergyprojects.
Co-operatives from key regions/nations and demographics
TheHivewelcomesstrongapplicationsfromacrosstheUK.However,weareparticularlyinterestedinapplicationsfromthefollowingregions:• LincolnshireandEastofEngland,Midlands,NorthEast,NorthernIreland,Scotland,Wales.
Wearealsointerestedinsupportingco-opswhichserveorbenefitunder-representedcommunitiessuchasBlack,AsianandMinorityEthnic(BAME)communities or young people.
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
How to applyGroups and co-operatives apply to The Hive at www.thehive.coop/apply
There are two stages when applying to The Hive. • Eligibility checker: Applicantscompleteaninitialeligibilitychecker.Iftheapplicantisableto demonstrate that they meet our minimum eligibility, they will be directed to the page to complete the fullapplication.Thisdoesnotcollectanyinformationordatafromtheapplicant–itisaself-assessment.
• Application form: Applicantscompletethefullapplication,wherequestionsrelatetotheselected support pathway.
The Hive is open to applications all year round. Applications are reviewed at monthly panel assessment meetings.Weaimtonotifyapplicantsoftheoutcomewithintwoweeksofamonthlypanelmeeting,whichmeansthatthemaximumamountoftimeanapplicantwillhavetowaitforadecisionfollowingsubmissioniseight weeks.
Applicants can also access this guidance on The Hive website: https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/apply/guidance
The following pages provide you with the information you will need to successfully complete the online application form – including any documents you should attach in support of your application.
We will assess your application based on the information you provide. The questions will be differentdependingonwhichsupportpathwayyouselect.
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Pathway 1: For start-up groups and recently incorporated co-operatives
Topic Questions Additional comments
Organisation information
Organisation name / address / contact email
Have you applied to The Hive support programmebefore?
Ifyes,pleaseincludeanycasereferencenumberyouhavefrompreviousapplication(s).AcasereferencenumberwouldstartwiththeletterSandcontain5numbers.
AreyoucurrentlyamemberofCo-operativesUK?
Ifyes,whatisyourmembershipnumber?
Any website / social media links so wecanfollow/engagewithyourorganisation on your journey through this process
Thiswillhelpustofollow/engagewithyourorganisationonyourjourneythroughthisprocess.
Support pathway
Please select the support pathway which most meets your current requirements
Pathway 1: For start‑up groups and recently incorporated co‑operatives.Pathway 2: For existing co‑operatives looking to grow and develop.Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to co‑operative or community ownership.Questionswillbebasedontheselectedsupportpathway.Wewillreviewyourapplicationand,ifsuccessful,wereservetherighttoofferadifferentsupportpackagebasedontheinformationprovidedinyourapplicationform.
About your business
Tell us about your emerging group or business idea and how you will trade
• Canyoudemonstratethatyouunderstandwhatitmeanstobeaco-opbothintermsofmembership,businessandtrading?• Howwillaco-opmodelofownershipaddvaluetoyourbusiness?• Whatisyourservice/product?• Whathaveyouachievedsofarandwhatdoyouexpecttodonext?Pleaseletusknowtheresourcesyouhaveused,includingthoseprovidedbyTheHive/Co-operativesUK.
Viability, sustainability and growth.• What work have you undertaken to testyourbusinessideaandfinancialviability?• Canyoudemonstratethatyourproductorserviceisneeded?
• Evidencecouldincludemarketresearch,feasibilitystudy,communitysupportandengagement(pledges,surveys),aprototype,orsuccessfulexamplesofasimilarnature.• Whatareyourambitionstogroworscalethebusinessand/orimproveyourbusinessperformance?E.g.newproducts/services,newpremises/assets?• Howareyouplanningtobemoresustainable(jobs,members,profitability)?
Tell us how your co‑operative is offeringsomethingnew
• Tellushowyourco-ophaspotentialforgrowth,scalinguporreplication.• Areyoufillingagapinthemarket?• Areyoucreatingalternativeandmoredemocraticsolutionstospecificissuesandchallenges?• Seeourguidanceforkeysectors/marketstheHivewouldliketosupporthttps://www.uk.coop/the-hive/apply/guidance#who
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Pathway 1: For start-up groups and recently incorporated co-operatives
Support needs Telluswhyyourequirethesupportand what the direct one‑to‑one supportwillhelpyouachieve?
• Whatarethespecificissuesorchallengesyouarecurrentlyfacing?• Doyouneedsupporttoidentifythemostappropriateownershipmodelandlegalstructure?• Doyouneedhelpwithincorporating?• Howwillthedirectone-to-onesupporthelpyouandwhataretheintendedoutcomesattheendofthedelivery?• Areyoulookingtotestoutyourbusinessideaordevelopyourbusinessplan?• Areyouintendingtoundertakeacommunityshareoffer?YoushouldclearlyindicatewhetheryourequiredevelopmentsupportorassessmentsupportleadingtobeingawardedtheCommunitySharesStandardMark.YouwillneedtoundertakeStep1oftheCommunitySharesStepbySteptoolandsubmitthereportwithyourapplication: http://communityshares.org.uk/how-does-it-work
Tell us how bespoke skills training will helpyou?
• Thismightinvolveskillstrainingforyoursteeringgrouporboardaroundstrategicplanning,changemanagement,governance,membership,communications,HRorfinanceetc.
Tell us how peer mentoring support will helpyou?
• Areyoulookingtolearnfromanexistingtradingco-opinasimilarsector,sametypeofbusiness(ownershipmodel)?• Areyoulookingtolearnfromtheirexperiencearoundtheirgovernancearrangements,memberrecruitmentandengagement,strategicplanning,communityshareofferetc?
When do you want the support to commenceandoverwhatperiod?
• The Hive is open to applications all year round with applications reviewed at monthly panel assessment meetings. Weaimtonotifyapplicantsoftheoutcomewithintwoweeksofamonthlypanelmeeting,whichmeansthatthemaximumamountoftimeyouwillhavetowaitforadecisionfollowingsubmissioniseightweeks.• TheHiverecommendsamaximumdeliveryperiodofsixmonths,pleasebesuretoletusknowifyouanticipaterequiringalongerduration.
Members and customers
Tell us about your intended customers, users and members• Who are the members, what will be thememberbenefitandwhatwillbeyourmembertransaction?
• Trytobespecifice.g.numbers,demographics,wherelocated,whatistheirinterestintheco-op,aretheyindividuals,localcommunityorbusinesses?Howhaveyouresearchedthis(primaryorsecondarydata)• Whatisyourintendedco-operativeownershipmodel?https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/is-a-co-op-right-for-you/getting-started/co-op-movement/co-op-models• What engagement has there been with potential or existing customers, stakeholders and members (e.g. social media,surveys,events,meetings,subscribers,numberofexistingmembers)?
Social and environmental impact
Tell us how your business idea/organisation supports, serves or benefitsunder-representedorhardtoreach communities and demographics, e.g.Black,Asian&MinorityEthniccommunities(BAME),oryoungpeople
• Tell us how you are creating or delivering social value and environmental impact (what issues, problems are users/beneficiariesfacingandhowareyousolvingtheseissues?Howwillyoumeasuresocialimpact?• Doyouhaveanunderstandingoftheco-operativevaluesandprinciples?Seehttps://www.uk.coop/the-hive/is-a-co-op-right-for-you/getting-started/co-op-movement/values-principles
Governance Howareyouorganised? • Ifyouarenotyetincorporatedorattheearlystartstageofsettingupyourbusiness,tellusmoreaboutyourcorefoundinggroupandhowyouareorganised?• Howmanypeopleareinvolved?Whataretheirrolesandrelevantexperienceandisthereexperienceofworkingtogether?• Whatworkhaveyouundertakentounderstandworkingco-operatively?• Whatbusinessmodeldoyouthinkismostappropriateforyourorganisation?
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Pathway 1: For start-up groups and recently incorporated co-operatives
Sector Whichsectordoyouoperatein? • Communityenergy,sustainabilityandenvironment• Communityretail,wholesale• Digital, creative and media• Employment, training and education• Foodandfarming,communitysupportedagriculture• Health and social care• Housing• Pubs and brewing• Sport and leisure• Tourism, arts, heritage and community hub• Transport
Legal status Whatisyourorganisationslegalstatus?• [Ifapplicable]Whatyearwasyourorganisationincorporated?• [Ifapplicable]Whatisyourannualturnover?
• For companies, societies and charities we need a registered number.• CharitableIncorporatedOrganisation;CommunityInterestCompany;Company;LLP;ScottishCharitableIncorporatedOrganisation;Society;Unincorporated;Don’tknow
Reach Whatisyourorganisation’sreach? • Local/Neighbourhood/Regional/Multi-regional/National/International/Notsure
Currentstaffetc
How many employees, volunteers or membersdoyoucurrentlyhave?
• Parttimestaff;Fulltimestaff;Volunteers;Members;Boardmembers
Funding Howareyouraisingthefundstostartyourenterprise?
• CommercialLoans/CommunityFinanceLoan/CommunityShares/Crowdfunding/Donations/Grants/Sponsorship.• Pleaseprovideanyadditionalinformationyoucanregardingfunding
Support providers, mentors and training providers
Doyouhaveaspecificproviderinmind to deliver the direct one‑to‑one support?
• Youareabletoindicateapreferredsupportproviderforallaspectsofthesupportavailableaspartofyourapplication.Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,wewillmakeeveryefforttoallocateyouyourpreferredsupportprovider.However,wereservetherighttoofferanalternativebasedonavailability,geography,skillsandexperience.YoucanseealistofTheHiveSupportProvidershere:https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/providers• Doyouhaveanexistingworkingrelationshipwiththeselectedprovider?Youwillbeaskedtoselecttheproviderfromadropdownlist.
Doyouhaveaspecificmentorinmind to deliver the peer mentoring support?
• Ifyouwouldliketobementoredbyanexistingtradingco-oporhaveapre-existingrelationshipwithaco-opthatyouwishtocontinue,pleaseprovidedetailsoftheco-op.Pleaseprovideinformationregardingyourrelationshipwith the support mentor you have indicated. • Mentorco-operativesneedtobeaCo-operativesUKmember.TheHiveteamwilladviseaboutthisduringtheapplication process.
Doyouhaveaspecificorganisationor training provider in mind to deliver bespokein-houseskillstraining?
• Pleaseprovidedetailsregardingtherelationshipwiththetrainingprovideryouhavesuggested?Whyhaveyouindicatedthistrainingprovider?Howwillyoubenefitfromthetraining?
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Pathway 1: For start-up groups and recently incorporated co-operatives
How heard HowdidyouhearaboutTheHive? • Co-operativedevelopmentbody/adviser;Co-operativesUKmailinglistore-bulletin;Co-operativesUKwebsite,TheHivewebsite;Event;Socialmedia;Wordofmouth;Other(pleasespecify)
Supporting documentation
Youmayattachdocumentsthatsupport your application. Please name these clearly, e.g. Co-operatives UK 2019 Business Plan. Youcanaddupto30MBworthofdocumentation–pleasekeepthistorelevant documentation that aids our understandingofyourorganisation.
Agoodstartingplacefornewstartco-operativesorrecentlyincorporatedarearoundbusinessplanning:https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/co-operative-business-planning
Examples / other things to consider:• Feasibilitystudy.TheHivewebsitehasdetailsofhowtoundertakeafeasibilitystudy,includingatemplate,underthe‘testingyourbusinessidea’section.• Businessplan.TheHivewebsitehasinformationonhowtowriteabusinessplan,includingatemplate,underthe‘businessplan’sectionincludingcashflowforecastsandbasicbudgets.• IfyouplantoapplyforsupportwithaCommunitySharesoffer,youwillneedtoundertaketheinitialPhase1CommunitySharesStep-by-Steptoolanduploadthereportcreated:http://communityshares.org.uk/how-does-it-work• Youmighthaveotherrelevantdocumentation–e.g.marketresearchreport,documentswhichdemonstratesustainability,futureambitions(suchasstrategydocuments)andstatutoryaccountsforexistingtradingco-ops.
Commitment fee
SuccessfulapplicantswillbechargedasmallfeebyCo-operativesUKto access the support. This will be just£100or£75forCo-operativesUKMembers,andisaflatrate,irrespectiveofthenumberofdaysaccessed.
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IntroductionThe Hive support
Applying to The Hive
Delivering support
Service Agreement
Ways of workingAdditional
support and resources
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Pathway 2: For existing co-operatives looking to grow and develop
Topic Questions Additional comments
Organisation information
Organisation name / address / contact email
Have you applied to The Hive support programmebefore?
Ifyes,pleaseincludeanycasereferencenumberyouhavefrompreviousapplication(s).AcasereferencenumberwouldstartwiththeletterSandcontain5numbers.
AreyoucurrentlyamemberofCo-operativesUK?
Ifyes,whatisyourmembershipnumber?
Any website / social media links so wecanfollow/engagewithyourorganisation on your journey through this process
Thiswillhelpustofollow/engagewithyourorganisationonyourjourneythroughthisprocess.
Support pathway
Please select the support pathway which most meets your current requirements
Pathway 1: For start‑up groups and recently incorporated co‑operatives.Pathway 2: For existing co‑operatives looking to grow and develop.Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to co‑operative or community ownership.Questionswillbebasedontheselectedsupportpathway.Wewillreviewyourapplicationand,ifsuccessful,wereservetherighttoofferadifferentsupportpackagebasedontheinformationprovidedinyourapplicationform.
About your business
Tell us about your co‑op and how you currently trade
• Whatisthepurposeofyourorganisation?• Howdoyouactivelydemonstrateyourco-operativevaluesandprinciples?• Whatisyourservice/product?
Viability, sustainability and growth • Whenwasyourbusinessplanlastupdated?Pleaseattachacopyattheendoftheform.• Wearekeentosupportambitiousprojectslookingtoscaleorgrow;howfeasibleisthisandwhatarethelikelychallenges?• Howwillexistingstructuresmeetpotentialgrowthandimprovedbusinessperformancee.g.newmembers,newstaff,newproducts/services/newpremises/assets,expandingbusinessactivities,increasedprofitability?• Istherethecapacityandleadershiptoengagewiththesupportandachievetheseambitions?• Doyouhaveastrategicplaninplace?Ifso,whenwasthisproduced/last/updated?Pleaseattachacopyattheendoftheform.• Doyouhaveacopyofyourmostrecentannualaccounts?Pleaseattachacopyattheendoftheform.• Areyouconfidentthatthatyouhavethecapacitytoengagewiththesupportincludingstrategicplanningsessions,diagnosticreview,skillstrainingetc?Whowillleadonthis-yourboardormanagementteam?
Tell us how your co‑operative is offeringsomethingnew
• Tellushowyourco-ophaspotentialforgrowth,scalinguporreplication.• Areyoufillingagapinthemarket?• Areyoucreatingalternativeandmoredemocraticsolutionstospecificissuesandchallenges?• Seeourguidanceforkeysectors/marketstheHivewouldliketosupporthttps://www.uk.coop/the-hive/support-for-co-ops
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IntroductionThe Hive support
Applying to The Hive
Delivering support
Service Agreement
Ways of workingAdditional
support and resources
Back to top ^
Pathway 2: For existing co-operatives looking to grow and develop
Support needs Telluswhyyourequirethesupportand what the direct one‑to‑one supportwillhelpyouachieve?
• Whatarethespecificissuesorchallengesyouarecurrentlyfacing?• Howwillthedirectone-to-onesupporthelpyouandwhataretheintendedoutcomesattheendofthedelivery?• Areyouintendingtoundertakeacommunityshareoffer?YoushouldclearlyindicatewhetheryourequiredevelopmentsupportorassessmentsupportleadingtobeingawardedtheCommunitySharesStandardMark.YouwillneedtoundertakeStep1oftheCommunitySharesStepbySteptoolandsubmitthereportwithyourapplication: http://communityshares.org.uk/how-does-it-work
Tell us how bespoke skills training will helpyou?
• Thismightinvolveskillstrainingforyoursteeringgrouporboardaroundstrategicplanning,changemanagement,governance,membership,communications,HRorfinanceetc.
Tell us how peer mentoring support will helpyou?
• Areyoulookingtolearnfromanexistingtradingco-opinasimilarsector,sametypeofbusiness(ownershipmodel)?• Areyoulookingtolearnfromtheirexperiencearoundtheirgovernancearrangements,memberrecruitmentandengagement,strategicplanning,communityshareofferetc?
When do you want the support to commenceandoverwhatperiod?
• The Hive is open to applications all year round with applications reviewed at monthly panel assessment meetings. Weaimtonotifyapplicantsoftheoutcomewithintwoweeksofamonthlypanelmeeting,whichmeansthatthemaximumamountoftimeyouwillhavetowaitforadecisionfollowingsubmissioniseightweeks.• TheHiverecommendsamaximumdeliveryperiodofsixmonths,pleasebesuretoletusknowifyouanticipaterequiringalongerduration.
Members and customers
Tell us about your customers, users and members
• Trytobespecifice.g.numbers,demographics,wherelocated,whatistheirinterestintheco-op,aretheyindividuals,localcommunityorbusinesses?• Whoarethemembers(e.g.workers,customers,communityoracombination)?Whatisthememberbenefitandmembertransaction?• How do you engage with existing customers and members (e.g. social media, surveys, events, meetings, subscribers)?
Social and environmental impact
Tell us how your business idea/organisation supports, serves or benefitsunder-representedorhardtoreach communities and demographics, e.g.Black,Asian&MinorityEthniccommunities(BAME),oryoungpeople.
• Whatareyoursocialorenvironmentalaims?Tellusabouthowyouarecreatingordeliveringsocialvalueandimpact.
Governance Howareyouorganised? • Whichofyourboardmembers/managementteamwillparticipateinaninitialdiagnosticreview/oractionplanningsession?• Whoisresponsibleforenactinganyactionsthatresultfromthediagnosticreview/actionplanningsession?• Tell us about your ownership model, legal and governance structure and decision‑making process.
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IntroductionThe Hive support
Applying to The Hive
Delivering support
Service Agreement
Ways of workingAdditional
support and resources
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Pathway 2: For existing co-operatives looking to grow and develop
Sector Whichsectordoyouoperatein? • Communityenergy,sustainabilityandenvironment• Communityretail,wholesale• Digital, creative and media• Employment, training and education• Foodandfarming,communitysupportedagriculture• Health and social care• Housing• Pubs and brewing• Sport and leisure• Tourism, arts, heritage and community hub• Transport
Legal status Whatisyourorganisation’slegalstatus?• [Ifapplicable]Whatyearwasyourorganisationincorporated?• [Ifapplicable]Whatisyourannualturnover?
• For companies, societies and charities we need a registered number.• CharitableIncorporatedOrganisation;CommunityInterestCompany;Company;LLP;ScottishCharitableIncorporatedOrganisation;Society;Unincorporated;Don’tknow
Reach Whatisyourorganisation’sreach? • Local/Neighbourhood/Regional/Multi-regional/National/International/Notsure
Currentstaffetc
How many employees, volunteers or membersdoyoucurrentlyhave?
• Parttimestaff;Fulltimestaff;Volunteers;Members;Boardmembers
Support providers, mentors and training providers
Doyouhaveaspecificproviderinmind to deliver the direct one‑to‑one support?
• Youareabletoindicateapreferredsupportproviderforallaspectsofthesupportavailableaspartofyourapplication.Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,wewillmakeeveryefforttoallocateyouyourpreferredsupportprovider.However,wereservetherighttoofferanalternativebasedonavailability,geography,skillsandexperience.YoucanseealistofTheHiveSupportProvidershere:https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/providers• Doyouhaveanexistingworkingrelationshipwiththeselectedprovider?Youwillbeaskedtoselecttheproviderfromadropdownlist.
Doyouhaveaspecificmentorinmind to deliver the peer mentoring support?
• Ifyouwouldliketobementoredbyanexistingtradingco-oporhaveapre-existingrelationshipwithaco-opthatyouwishtocontinue,pleaseprovidedetailsoftheco-op.Pleaseprovideinformationregardingyourrelationshipwith the support mentor you have indicated. • Mentorco-operativesneedtobeaCo-operativesUKmember.TheHiveteamwilladviseaboutthisduringtheapplication process.
Doyouhaveaspecificorganisationor training provider in mind to deliver bespokein-houseskillstraining?
• Pleaseprovidedetailsregardingtherelationshipwiththetrainingprovideryouhavesuggested?Whyhaveyouindicatedthistrainingprovider?Howwillyoubenefitfromthetraining?
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IntroductionThe Hive support
Applying to The Hive
Delivering support
Service Agreement
Ways of workingAdditional
support and resources
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Pathway 2: For existing co-operatives looking to grow and develop
How heard HowdidyouhearaboutTheHive? • Co-operativedevelopmentbody/adviser;Co-operativesUKmailinglistore-bulletin;Co-operativesUKwebsite,TheHivewebsite;Event;Socialmedia;Wordofmouth;Other(pleasespecify)
Supporting documentation
Youmayattachdocumentsthatsupport your application. Please name these clearly, e.g. Co-operatives UK 2019 Business Plan. Youcanaddupto30MBworthofdocumentation–pleasekeepthistorelevant documentation that aids our understandingofyourorganisation.
Agoodstartingplaceforexistingco-operativesishttps://www.uk.coop/the-hive/growing-your-co-operative
Specifically:• Goodgovernancehttp://thehive.coop/governance• Finance https://www.uk.coop/the‑hive/growing‑your‑co‑operative/finance• Marketing and strategy https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/growing-your-co-operative/marketing/marketing-objective-strategy-plan-and-actions• Member recruitment https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/growing-your-co-operative/membership/member-recruitment• SettingandmeasuringKeyPerformanceIndicators(KPIs)https://www.uk.coop/resources/key-performance-indicators-framework-and-guidance-co-operatives
Other examples / things to consider:• Businessplan.TheHivewebsitehasinformationonhowtowriteabusinessplan,includingatemplate,underthe‘businessplan’sectionincludingcashflowforecastsandbasicbudgets.• IfyouplantoapplyforsupportwithaCommunitySharesoffer,youwillneedtoundertaketheinitialPhase1CommunitySharesStep-by-Steptoolanduploadthereportcreated:http://communityshares.org.uk/how-does-it-work• Youmighthaveotherrelevantdocumentation–e.g.marketresearchreport,documentswhichdemonstratesustainability,futureambitions(suchasstrategydocuments)andstatutoryaccountsforexistingtradingco-ops.
Commitment fee
SuccessfulapplicantswillbechargedasmallfeebyCo-operativesUKto access the support. This will be just£100or£75forCo-operativesUKMembers,andisaflatrate,irrespectiveofthenumberofdaysaccessed.
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Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to co-operative or community ownership
Topic Questions Additional comments
Organisation information
Organisation name / address / contact email
Have you applied to The Hive support programmebefore?
Ifyes,pleaseincludeanycasereferencenumberyouhavefrompreviousapplication(s).AcasereferencenumberwouldstartwiththeletterSandcontain5numbers.
AreyoucurrentlyamemberofCo-operativesUK?
Ifyes,whatisyourmembershipnumber?
Any website / social media links so wecanfollow/engagewithyourorganisation on your journey through this process
Thiswillhelpustofollow/engagewithyourorganisationonyourjourneythroughthisprocess.
Support pathway
Please select the support pathway which most meets your current requirements
Pathway 1: For start‑up groups and recently incorporated co‑operatives.Pathway 2: For existing co‑operatives looking to grow and develop.Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to co‑operative or community ownership.Questionswillbebasedontheselectedsupportpathway.Wewillreviewyourapplicationand,ifsuccessful,wereservetherighttoofferadifferentsupportpackagebasedontheinformationprovidedinyourapplicationform.
About your business
Tell us about your business and how you currently trade
• Canyoudemonstratethatyouunderstandwhatitmeanstobeaco-opbothintermsofmembership,businessandtrading?• Howwillaco-opmodelofownershipaddvaluetoyourbusiness?• Whatisyourservice/product?
Viability, sustainability and growth • Whenwasyourbusinessplanlastupdated?Pleaseattachacopyattheendoftheform.• Doyouhaveacopyofyourmostrecentannualaccounts?Pleaseattachacopyattheendoftheform.• Doyouhaveastrategicplaninplace?Ifso,whenwasthisproduced/last/updated?Pleaseattachacopyattheendoftheform.• Whatareyourambitionstogroworscalethebusinessand/orimproveyourbusinessperformance?E.g.newproducts/services,newpremises/assets?• Howareyouplanningtobemoresustainable(jobs,members,profitability)?
Tell us how your co‑operative is offeringsomethingnew
• Tellushowyourco-ophaspotentialforgrowth,scalinguporreplication.• Areyoufillingagapinthemarket?• Areyoucreatingalternativeandmoredemocraticsolutionstospecificissuesandchallenges?• Seeourguidanceforkeysectors/marketstheHivewouldliketosupporthttps://www.uk.coop/the-hive/support-for-co-ops
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Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to co-operative or community ownership
Support needs Telluswhyyourequirethesupportand what the direct one‑to‑one supportwillhelpyouachieve?
• Whatarethespecificissuesorchallengesyouarecurrentlyfacing?• Howwillthedirectone-to-onesupporthelpyouandwhataretheintendedoutcomesattheendofthedelivery?• Areyouintendingtoundertakeacommunityshareoffer?YoushouldclearlyindicatewhetheryourequiredevelopmentsupportorassessmentsupportleadingtobeingawardedtheCommunitySharesStandardMark.YouwillneedtoundertakeStep1oftheCommunitySharesStepbySteptoolandsubmitthereportwithyourapplication: http://communityshares.org.uk/how-does-it-work
Tell us how bespoke skills training will helpyou?
• Thismightinvolveskillstrainingforyoursteeringgrouporboardaroundstrategicplanning,changemanagement,governance,membership,communications,HRorfinanceetc.
Tell us how peer mentoring support will helpyou?
• Areyoulookingtolearnfromanexistingtradingco-opinasimilarsector,sametypeofbusiness(ownershipmodel)?• Areyoulookingtolearnfromtheirexperiencearoundtheirgovernancearrangements,memberrecruitmentandengagement,strategicplanning,communityshareofferetc?
When do you want the support to commenceandoverwhatperiod?
• The Hive is open to applications all year round with applications reviewed at monthly panel assessment meetings. Weaimtonotifyapplicantsoftheoutcomewithintwoweeksofamonthlypanelmeeting,whichmeansthatthemaximumamountoftimeyouwillhavetowaitforadecisionfollowingsubmissioniseightweeks.• TheHiverecommendsamaximumdeliveryperiodofsixmonths,pleasebesuretoletusknowifyouanticipaterequiringalongerduration.
Members and customers
Tell us about your customers, users and members
• Tell us about your customers (numbers, where are they located, demographics• Whatwillbethememberbenefitandtransactionwithmembers(employees)?• Doyouhaveanunderstandingoftheco-operativevaluesandprinciples?Seehttps://www.uk.coop/the-hive/is-a-co-op-right-for-you/getting-started/co-op-movement/values-principles
Social and environmental impact
Tell us how your business idea/organisation supports, serves or benefitsunder-representedorhardtoreach communities and demographics, e.g.Black,Asian&MinorityEthniccommunities(BAME),oryoungpeople.
• Whatareyoursocialorenvironmentalaims?Tellusabouthowyouarecreatingordeliveringsocialvalueandimpact.
Governance Howareyouorganised? • Whatisthecurrentbusinessmodelandhowisitorganised?• Whoisinvolvedandwhatroleswilltheyplayinthisprocess-i.e.vendorandemployeecommitteeetc.?• Howhaveexistingemployees/proposedmembersbeenconsulted?
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Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to co-operative or community ownership
Sector Whichsectordoyouoperatein? • Communityenergy,sustainabilityandenvironment• Communityretail,wholesale• Digital, creative and media• Employment, training and education• Foodandfarming,communitysupportedagriculture• Health and social care• Housing• Pubs and brewing• Sport and leisure• Tourism, arts, heritage and community hub• Transport
Legal status Whatisyourorganisation’slegalstatus?• [Ifapplicable]Whatyearwasyourorganisationincorporated?• [Ifapplicable]Whatisyourannualturnover?
• For companies, societies and charities we need a registered number.• CharitableIncorporatedOrganisation;CommunityInterestCompany;Company;LLP;ScottishCharitableIncorporatedOrganisation;Society;Unincorporated;Don’tknow
Reach Whatisyourorganisation’sreach? • Local/Neighbourhood/Regional/Multi-regional/National/International/Notsure
Currentstaffetc
How many employees, volunteers or membersdoyoucurrentlyhave?
• Parttimestaff;Fulltimestaff;Volunteers;Members;Boardmembers
Support providers, mentors and training providers
Doyouhaveaspecificproviderinmind to deliver the direct one‑to‑one support?
• Youareabletoindicateapreferredsupportproviderforallaspectsofthesupportavailableaspartofyourapplication.Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,wewillmakeeveryefforttoallocateyouyourpreferredsupportprovider.However,wereservetherighttoofferanalternativebasedonavailability,geography,skillsandexperience.YoucanseealistofTheHiveSupportProvidershere:https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/providers• Doyouhaveanexistingworkingrelationshipwiththeselectedprovider?Youwillbeaskedtoselecttheproviderfromadropdownlist.
Doyouhaveaspecificmentorinmind to deliver the peer mentoring support?
• Ifyouwouldliketobementoredbyanexistingtradingco-oporhaveapre-existingrelationshipwithaco-opthatyouwishtocontinue,pleaseprovidedetailsoftheco-op.Pleaseprovideinformationregardingyourrelationshipwith the support mentor you have indicated. • Mentorco-operativesneedtobeaCo-operativesUKmember.TheHiveteamwilladviseaboutthisduringtheapplication process.
Doyouhaveaspecificorganisationor training provider in mind to deliver bespokein-houseskillstraining?
• Pleaseprovidedetailsregardingtherelationshipwiththetrainingprovideryouhavesuggested?Whyhaveyouindicatedthistrainingprovider?Howwillyoubenefitfromthetraining?
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Pathway 3: For businesses looking to convert to employee ownership
How heard HowdidyouhearaboutTheHive? • Co-operativedevelopmentbody/adviser;Co-operativesUKmailinglistore-bulletin;Co-operativesUKwebsite,TheHivewebsite;Event;Socialmedia;Wordofmouth;Other(pleasespecify)
Supporting documentation
Youmayattachdocumentsthatsupport your application. Please name these clearly, e.g. Co-operatives UK 2019 Business Plan. Youcanaddupto30MBworthofdocumentation–pleasekeepthistorelevant documentation that aids our understandingofyourorganisation.
Agoodstartingplaceforexistingbusinesseslookingtoconverttoaco-operative:https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/buyouts-and-conversions/employee-buyouts
Youmayattachdocumentsthatsupportyourapplication.Pleasenametheseclearly,e.g.Co-operativesUK2019BusinessPlan.Youcanaddupto30MBworthofdocumentation–pleasekeepthistorelevantdocumentationthataidsourunderstandingofyourorganisation.Forexample:• Businessplan.TheHivewebsitehasinformationonhowtowriteabusinessplan,includingatemplate,underthe‘businessplan’sectionincludingcashflowforecastsandbasicbudgets:https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/co-operative-business-planning/testing-your-business-idea• Ifthegrouporco-operativeplanstotoapplyforsupportwithaCommunitySharesoffer,theyneedtoundertaketheinitialPhase1CommunitySharesStep-by-Steptoolanduploadthereportcreated:http://communityshares.org.uk/how-does-it-work• Youmighthaveotherrelevantdocumentation–e.g.marketresearchreport,documentswhichdemonstratesustainability,futureambitions(suchasstrategydocuments)andstatutoryaccountsforexistingtradingbusinesses.
Commitment fee
SuccessfulapplicantswillbechargedasmallfeebyCo-operativesUKto access the support. This will be just£100or£75forCo-operativesUKMembers,andisaflatrate,irrespectiveofthenumberofdaysaccessed.
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Delivering The Hive support
Roles and responsibilitiesCo-operatives UK created and manages The Hive support programme.
TheHivehasa‘preferredprovider’listofco-operativedevelopmentbodieswhodeliversupportonbehalfof TheHive.Youcanviewthislistathttp://uk.coop/the-hive/providersSupport providers have been selected based on their skills, knowledge and experience and have also agreed to abidebyaCodeofConduct.
Privacy noticeBycompletingtheHiveapplicationyouagreethattheinformationisafairandaccuratereflectionofyourorganisationandsupportneeds.Bycompletingtheapplicationformyoualsoagreewithourprivacynoticebelow.
TheinformationcapturedinyourapplicationformwillhelpCo-operativesUKandourfundingpartnerTheCo-operativeBanktoreviewandmakeadecisiononyourapplicationforsupport.
Co-operativesUKiscommittedtoprocessinginformationinaccordancewiththeGeneralDataProtectionRegulation(GDPR)andinlinewithourprivacypolicyhttps://www.uk.coop/privacy
Thepersonaldatacollectedonthisformwillbeheldsecurelyandwillonlybeusedforadministrationpurposes.Youarewelcometocontactustodiscussthedataweholdonyouatanytime.
Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,wewillshareyourpersonaldetailswithrelevantthirdpartieswhowilldelivertheprogrammeofsupport.Allourthird-partysupportprovidersarerequiredtotakeappropriatesecuritymeasurestoprotectyourpersonalinformationinlinewithourprivacypolicyandtheyareonlypermittedtoprocessyourpersonaldataforspecifiedpurposesandinaccordancewithourinstructions.
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Allocating support packagesA bespoke package of support will be agreed for successful applicants based on the needs identifiedinapplicationaswellasfurtherdialoguewithTheHiveteam.
ReportingCo-operatives UK will agree milestones for the support delivery with the applicant and the support provider and will contact support providers at regular intervals to check against progress.
Whenthesupportpackagehasbeencompleted,thesupportproviderwillinformCo-operativesUK.BoththesupportproviderandtheapplicantwillbesentanemailcontainingauniqueURLtocompleteanonlinesurvey.Thisisyouropportunitytoadvisehowthesupportwasdelivered–whatwentwell,whatcouldhavebeenbetterandtheimpactofthesupportincludingreportingagainstagreedoutputs.
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Additional support and resourcesBelowoutlineswebsitesandorganisationswhocanofferadditionalsupport,adviceandfunding,wherenecessary.WehavedevelopedresourcesandlinkstohelpfulorganisationsonTheHiveandsomeofthesearelistedbelow.
Support and advice agencies and networksCo-operatives UKisthenationaltradebodywhichcampaignsforco-operationandworkstopromote,developandunitemember‑owned businesses, which are worth more than £37 billion to the economy. http://uk.coop
Co-operatives UK Advice team. From simple rule changes to director training to arbitration, we are experts in the co-operativemodel.Whatweoffer:GovernanceandHRaudits,Governingdocumentandpolicydocumentreviews,Mediation services, Registration services, Training http://uk.coop/advice
Co-operatives UK HR package provideshighqualityadvice,supportandguidanceinHRpolicy,law,rewardandbenefits,jointprocurementofotherHRproductsandservices,bringingforward-thinkingmemberstogethertoshareinnovationsinbestHRpractice,benchmarkingandcommunicatingthebenefitsofworkingforaco-operative.http://uk.coop/hrpackage
Co-operatives UK’s Directory–ausefulwaytofindlocalco-ops,orco-opstradinginparticularsectors.http://uk.coop/directory
The Hive support providers.Thereareanumberofpreferredproviderswhoofferone-to-oneandgroupsupportforTheHive programme. https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/about/providers
The Community Shares Unit workswithpartnerstodevelopstandardsofgoodpractice,encouragepolicyreformsandraiseawarenesstosupportthegrowthofcommunityshareshttp://communityshares.org.uk
Community Shares Booster programme supportsandstimulatespublicinvolvementwithcommunityshareoffersinEngland, particularly in more disadvantaged areas and sectors where community businesses are under‑represented. Successfulcommunitygroupscouldreceiveabusinessdevelopmentsupportgrantupto£10,000inadvanceoflaunchingtheircommunityshareoffer.Afterthat,organisationscanaccessupto£100,000matchfundingintheformofanequityinvestmentbyCo-operativesUKwhentheshareoffergoeslive.https://www.communitysharesbooster.org.uk
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Bright Ideas Fund aims to provide community groups with the support and tools to start setting up a community business. Itwillprovidegroupswithearlystagefinancetocarryoutconsultationwithlocalpeopleandfeasibilitystudiestodevelopacommunitybusinessideathecommunitywantsandneeds.Aprogrammeofsupportandgrantsofupto£15,000isavailable.TheprogrammeisfundedbyPowertoChangeanddeliveredinpartnershipbyLocality,Co-operativesUKandThePlunkett Foundation. https://mycommunity.org.uk/funding-options/bright-ideas-fund/
Plunkett Foundation helpscommunitiestotakecontroloftheirchallengesandovercomethemtogether.Wesupportpeople,predominantlyinruralareas,tosetupandrunlife-changingcommunityco-operativesthathelpthemtackleissuesrangingfromisolationandlonelinesstopoverty.https://plunkett.co.uk
Wales Co-operative Centreareinthebusinessofcreatingabetter,fairer,moreco-operativeWales.Weapplyour co‑operative values to supporting social businesses, strengthening communities, tackling poverty and promoting inclusion. https://wales.coop
Co-operative Development Scotland supports company growth in Scotland through co‑ownership and collaborative businessmodels.Weofferadvicetohelpyouchooseandimplementthebestco-operativebusinessmodelforyourorganisation or community. http://cdsblog.co.uk
Localityistheleadingnationwidenetworkofdevelopmenttrusts,communityenterprises,settlementsandsocialactioncentres. https://locality.org.uk
Community Energy England providesavoiceforthecommunityenergysectorandhelpscreatetheconditionswithinwhichcommunityenergycanflourish.https://communityenergyengland.org
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
RaisingfinanceandfundingsourcesFunding Central–thisisareallyusefulwebsiteforanyonelookingforfunding,includingloansandcontracts.Itallowsyoutosearchthroughallofthegrantsavailableonthesitetofindthosemostappropriatetoyourneeds.Thesitealsofeaturesasupportandadvicesectiontohelpyoumaximiseyourchancesofgettingfunded.ItisrunbytheNationalCouncilforVoluntaryOrganisations(NCVO)andisfundedbytheOfficeforCivilSocietyintheCabinetOffice.https://www.fundingcentral.org.uk
Finding Finance–thiswebsiteallowsyoutosearchforfinancefromCommunityDevelopmentFinanceInstitutions(CDFIs)based on the amount that you would like to borrow and where you are in the country. The site is run by Responsible Finance,whoisthemembershipbodyforlocalresponsiblefinanceproviders.http://www.findingfinance.org.uk
The Directory for Social Change produceseveralpaytoregistersearchengineswhichprovidesaccesstoawiderangeoffundersincludingtrusts,governmentfunds,companygivingandgrantsforindividuals.https://www.dsc.org.uk
Funding Informationisanonlinepay-to-registerwebsitewithadatabaseofgrants,contractsandloansfromcharitabletrustsandfoundations,Government,NationalLottery,EuropeandcompaniesFundingisavailabletosocialenterprises;charities;voluntaryandcommunityorganisations;socialbusinesses;co-operatives/mutuals;un-constitutedcommunitygroups. http://fundinginformation.org
Grants Onlineisacomprehensivefundinginformationservice.ItprovidesinformationongrantfundingopportunitiesfromtheEuropeanUnion,UKGovernmentAgencies,theLotteryaswellasGrantmakingTrustsandFoundations.https://www.grantsonline.org.uk
J4bgrantsisafree-to-registerwebsitewithadatabaseofEuropean,UKGovernmentandothersourcesofgrantfunding.Thesiteisavailabletosocialenterprises;charities;voluntaryandcommunityorganisations;socialbusinesses;cooperatives/mutuals;unconstitutedcommunitygroups.https://www.j4bcommunity.co.uk
Co-operative and Community Financeprovidesympatheticloanfinancetohelppeopletakecontroloftheireconomiclivesandcreatesocialbenefit.https://coopfinance.coop
The National Lottery Community Fund providesgrantstoorganisationsfrom£300tomorethan£500,000tocommunityandvoluntarygroupsandcharities.Theymakeavailableinformationtoidentifythemostsuitablefundingprogrammefordifferenttypesofprojects.https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/grants
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Awards for AllgivesgroupsaquickandeasywaytogetsmallLotterygrantsofbetween£300and£10,000.Theywanttofundprojectswhichaddresstheissues,needsandaspirationsoflocalcommunitiesandpeople.https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/under10k
MyCommunity.TheMinistryofHousing,Communities&LocalGovernmentissupportinganumberofotherprogrammestohelpcommunitiestakecontrolovertheirLand&Buildings,LocalServices,NeighbourhoodPlanningthroughtheCommunityRights,grants,expertadviceandnetworking.https://mycommunity.org.uk
Power to Change isthelargesttrustofitskindinEuropeandprovidesfundingandsupporttoexistingandnewcommunitybusinesses.ItiscurrentlyfundinganumberofprogrammesacrossEnglandaswellastheCommunityBusinessFund grants programme. https://www.powertochange.org.uk
The Esmée Fairbairn Foundationisoneofthelargestindependentgrant-makingfoundationsintheUK.TheiraimistoimprovethequalityoflifeforpeopleandcommunitiesintheUKbothnowandinthefuture.https://esmeefairbairn.org.uk
The Ernest Cook Trustgivesgrantstoregisteredcharities,schoolsandnotforprofitorganisationswishingtoencourageyoungpeople’sinterestinthecountry,theenvironment,thearts,oraimingtoraiselevelsofliteracyandnumeracy.http://ernestcooktrust.org.uk
Nesta isaglobalinnovationfoundationwhichaimstotacklethebigchallengesofourtime,fromthepressuresofanageingpopulationtostretchedpublicservicesandafastchangingjobsmarket.https://www.nesta.org.uk
The Reach Fund is a grant programme that helps charities and social enterprises raise investment. The programme is fundedbyAccess–TheFoundationforSocialInvestmentandisopentoorganisationsinEngland.https://www.reachfund.org.uk
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Sectorspecificfunding
Community energy
Next Generation programmeisa£1m+fundandexpertsupportprogramme,createdbyPowertoChangetopioneerinnovativecommunity-ledenergyprojectsandbusinessmodels.Grantsofupto£100,000willbeavailabletocommunitybusinesses to develop decentralised, decarbonised, and democratised energy business models. https://www.powertochange.org.uk/get-support/programmes/next-generation-community-energy-programme
Sport, arts, heritage and pubs
For heritage building projects, investigate the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Heritage Lottery Fund provides grants to helpsustainthecountry’sheritage–frommuseumsandhistoricplacestoarchaeology,naturalenvironmentandculturaltraditions. http://www.heritagefund.org.uk
Sport England focusesinvestmentonorganisationsandprojectsthatwillgrowandsustainparticipationingrassrootssports,createopportunitiesforyoungpeopletoexcelinsportandsupportlocalauthoritiestounlocklocalfunding.https://www.sportengland.org
The Football Foundationprovidesgrantsandfunding,todeliverprogrammesfornewandimprovedcommunitysportsfacilitiesintownsandcitiesacrossthecountry.https://www.footballfoundation.org.uk
The Arts Council EnglandisthenationaldevelopmentagencyfortheartsinEngland,distributingpublicmoneyfromtheGovernmentandtheNationalLottery.https://www.artscouncil.org.uk
More than a pub. TheCommunityPubBusinessSupportProgrammeisauniquethreeyearprogrammeestablishedtohelpsupportcommunityownershipofpubsinbothruralandurbancommunitiesinEnglandandgrowtherangeofservicestheyoffertohelplocalpeople.Itsvalueis£3.85millionandisjointlyfundedbytheMinistryofHousing,CommunitiesandLocalGovernmentandPowertoChange.https://plunkett.co.uk/more-than-a-pub
Housing
Community Led Homes,anewpartnershiprunbyfourleadingcommunity-ledorganisations:ConfederationofCo-operativeHousing,Locality,NationalCommunityLandTrustNetwork,andUKCohousingisofferingthreenewfundingstreams. https://www.communityledhomes.org.uk
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Useful resources
Guidance, tools and online communities
The Hive website: http://www.thehive.coop• Find out more about the support available at http://www.thehive.coop/apply
• For groups at the early stage looking to start a co‑op, this section contains resources helping groups throughthedifferentstagesfromtestingandfeasibility,businessplanningandfinancingtheco-op: https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/co-operative-business-planning/testing-your-business-idea
• This section is designed to help groups navigate the legal processes involved in registering a new co‑operative business: https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/setting-up-a-co-operative/overview-checklist
• Growingyourco-operative.Thissectiontakesgroupsthroughanumberofareastohelpgrowand develop their co‑operatively run business or organisation: https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/growing-your-co-operative
• Co-operativeconversionsandbuyouts.Thissectionconsidersthedifferentwaysinwhichanon-co- operative business could convert to a co‑operative: https://www.uk.coop/the-hive/buyouts-and-conversions
The Hive’s online community: http://www.thehive.coop/communityTheonlinecommunityisaspaceforanyoneinvolvedwithaneworexistingco-optoaskquestions,offeradviceand discuss ideas with peers. We need your support to engage with the online community and share your experienceandknowledge.We’llbeusingthisforumasaspacetoengagewithyouallregularlyandprovideyouwithupdates.Youwillhaveyourownprivateareatoshareideas,concernsanddevelopyourownpeertopeernetworks.
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IntroductionWhat
support is available?
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Pathway 1 New co-ops
Pathway 2 Existing co-ops
Pathway 3 Convert to a
co-op
Delivering The Hive support
Support and resources
Community Shares Handbook (PDF version): https://communityshares.org.uk/resources/handbook
Community Shares Step-by-Step: https://communityshares.org.uk Anonlinetoolthatenablesyoutoworktowardslaunchingacommunityshareoffer.Itisdesignedtohelpanyoneconsideringraisingcommunitysharesatanystageofdevelopment,fromthoseinvestigatingtheideafortheveryfirsttime,tothosewhoareonthevergeofissuinganoffer.
Community Shares Standard Mark: https://communityshares.org.uk/standard-mark-0TheCommunitySharesStandardMarkisawardedbytheCommunitySharesUnittooffersthatmeetnationalstandardsofgoodpractice.CSStandardMarkinformationpack.
The Hive feasibility / testing your idea tools: http://www.uk.coop/the-hive/co-operative-business-planning/testing-your-business-idea/how-section-works Thisguideisdesignedtohelpbringmorewholefoodco-operativesintotheworldbyspreadingthebusinessmodeltriedandtestedbyUnicornGroceryWorkerCo-operativesince1996.Whetherstartinganewfoodshoporexpandinganexistingco-operative,youmaychoosetofollowthismodelcompletelyorutiliseelementsofourexperience.
The Community Energy Hub: http://hub.communityenergyengland.orgAimstoprovideasinglepointofaccessforinformationoncommunityenergyacrosstheinternet,helpingpeopletoeasilyfindtheinformationtheyneedwhentheyneedit.