WBEX announces the availability of grants to anyone interested in forming or expanding a co-operative:
The Ohio Cooperative Development Center (OCDC) at The Ohio State University South Centers is offering reimbursement seed grants to groups interested in exploring or growing a cooperative. Cooperatives are legal businesses that form when members of the group can do something better together than they can individually. There are many different types of cooperatives in Ohio. They range from farmers’ markets and local food hubs, to health care providers, industrial cleaning enterprises, and manufacturers. Groups interested in forming a cooperative may request up to $1,500 for research and early planning, feasibility study, and formation services. Examples include legal and/or professional fees, focus groups, development of articles of incorporation, financial projections, and other feasibility and/or formation work. Incorporated cooperatives or member controlled businesses may request up to $3,000 for assistance with the expansion of the cooperative into new markets and/or enterprises. Examples of eligible expenses include marketing and promotions, contract services, training and development, accounting systems, bylaw completion, and contractual document development. Recipients must provide 25% matching funds for project costs with their own resources. The project must take place between the date of your application approval and the project completion deadline of Friday, June 27, 2014. This is a reimbursement program and the project must be completed and proper documentation provided for reimbursement. If your existing or emerging cooperative is interested in applying for this program, email Kimberly Roush at roush.143@osu.edu, call 740-289-2071x 232, or go to under the Seed Grants Tab on their webpage to download an application.
The Village Market 
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