For 38 years, we have been at the forefront of sustainable cooperative development in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Cooperative Development Services (CDS) and its 501(c)3 charitable subsidiary, the Cooperative Development Fund of CDS (the Fund) actively support the growth of cooperative businesses at all stages, including long-established co-ops, startups, and co-op conversions in urban and rural communities. Our programs and services reflect our understanding that a cooperative must be successful both as a democratic association of members AND as an operating business. We offer analysis, planning, and educational services customized to meet your co-op’s specific needs. Our technical assistance gives co-ops tools to maximize business opportunities and gain access to necessary capital. View our Program pages to learn more.

CDS is registered to accept tax-deductible donations for its clients in all states across the nation, and helps co-ops reach their respective fundraising goals and expand their presence within their communities.
What We Do Best
- Cooperative Startups and Education
- Cooperative Local Foods Systems
- Cooperative Business Development
- Cooperative Capitalization
To talk to us about your specific project,
Contact Us.
Want to know what’s needed to successfully start a co-op? Download our Co-op 101 Tutorial.
CDS goes into the new year with much to celebrate and build on!
I wrote last month’s column with a mere three weeks under my belt as the new executive director. Now a seasoned veteran, I’m primed and excited to share with you…
Read more CDS goes into the new year with much to celebrate and build on!
Please consider a year-end gift to support our work
We also encourage you to support any of the co-ops participating in our fiscal sponsorship program, as they are all engaged in meaningful cooperative ventures in their communities and would…
Read more Please consider a year-end gift to support our work
Unlock your Business’s Future: Discover the Power of Employee Ownership
Earlier this fall, Char Vrieze participated alongside several of our cooperative partners in Unlock your Business’s Future: Discover the Power of Employee Ownership, a webinar providing an overview of employee…
Read more Unlock your Business’s Future: Discover the Power of Employee Ownership