“A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise, according to internationally recognized co-operative values and principles”. 

What makes a co-operative different from a conventional business is:

• It fulfils a social or environmental objective, or is formed to fulfil its members? needs

• Its democratic ownership and control

• Its way of working

• Its legal structure

If you want to set up a co-operative, you should seek Professional advice from RCA or a co-operative development body if there is one in your area.