For 37 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.
Senior Housing Cooperative Conference a Success
A record 370 board members, committee members and managers from 83 co-ops in nine states including management companies, developers and other professionals working with senior housing cooperatives, attended the 20th Senior Housing…
CDS Fiscal Sponsor Client Asset Co-op Market Opens Their Doors
Assabet Co-op Market of Maynard, Massachusetts opened its new store in May under the leadership of the co-op’s board of directors and General Manager, Sam McCormick. The Cooperative Development Fund of CDS is proud…
Read more CDS Fiscal Sponsor Client Asset Co-op Market Opens Their Doors
Wisconsin Lenders Learn About Worker Cooperatives
Along with our partners, Northcountry Cooperative Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, CDS made a presentation to the annual Wisconsin Lenders Conference. The presentation specifically addressed worker-owned co-ops as a succession…