According to the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA), the national voice for co-operatives in English-speaking Canada, the seven steps in forming a co-operative are:

PHASE I - DEVELOP THE CO-OPERATIVE BUSINESS IDEA

Step 1: Assemble a group of interested people

Step 2: Conduct a feasibility study 

PHASE II - CO-ORDINATE THE PRE CO-OPERATIVE'S ACTIVITIES

Step 3: Hold an organizing meeting

Step 4: Conduct a viability study

PHASE III - ORGANIZE AND START UP THE CO-OPERATIVE

Step 5: Organize the association

Step 6: Organize the enterprise

Step 7: Hold the initial general meeting

Visit the CCA CoopZone website for more information and useful examples.