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Timeline

The West Chester Cooperative board, volunteers, member-owners and community partners are working towards opening the doors of a full-service, brick and mortar store. The timeline below illustrates each distinct and important stage of development. Completed tasks are highlighted. We are currently in Stage 2B.

ORGANIZING: 0 - 200 Member-Owners

  • Organize

  • Hold community meetings

  • Conduct community survey

  • Form board and incorporate

  • Launch membership drive

  • Develop internal systems

 

Stage 1

FEASIBILITY: 200 - 400 Member-Owners

  • Explore sites

  • Conduct market research study and feasibility analysis

  • Develop capital plan

  • Setup member loan committee and finance committee

 

Stage 2a

PLANNING: 400 - 600 Member-Owners

  • Secure Site

  • Finalize business plan

  • Prepare for member-owner loan campaign

  • Plan for GM hire

Stage 2b

PRE-CONSTRUCTION: 600 - 800 Member-Owners

  • Secure external funding

  • Launch member-owner loan campaign

  • Finalize plans for store design

Stage 3A

CONSTRUCTION & OPENING PREP: 800 - 1200 Member-Owners

  • Hire and train staff

  • Order and install equipment and inventory

  • Final pre-opening member-owner drive

  • Promote store opening

Stage 3B

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