How to Join

Joining BDRC: A Simple Process

Becoming a member of BDRC is straightforward. The process is designed to be accessible while ensuring that members understand what membership involves.

Before You Apply

Review Eligibility

Confirm that you meet eligibility criteria:

  • You operate an independent retail business
  • Your business is legitimate and documented
  • You are willing to commit to cooperative principles
  • You understand membership is voluntary participation, not compulsory commitment

Understand Membership

Read about membership to make an informed decision:

Informed decisions lead to satisfied members.

Consider Your Needs

Ask yourself:

  • Will cooperative membership benefit my business?
  • Am I prepared to participate in democratic governance?
  • Do I accept voluntary, opt-in participation in cooperative activities?
  • Am I willing to maintain basic membership obligations?

Membership should serve your business needs.

The Application Process

Step 1: Express Interest

Contact BDRC to express interest in membership:

  • Visit our contact page for current contact methods
  • Attend a member information session where available
  • Connect through existing members who can facilitate introduction
  • Reach out through regional offices or representatives where established

We will respond to your expression of interest.

Step 2: Receive Information

BDRC will provide:

  • Detailed information about the cooperative
  • Current bylaws and key policies
  • Explanation of membership fees and share capital requirements
  • Answers to any questions you have

This ensures you make an informed decision.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather required documentation:

Business Documentation

  • Business registration or relevant business licenses
  • Proof of business operation (utility bills, tax records, etc.)
  • Evidence of physical retail location
  • Any other documentation specified in membership requirements

Personal Documentation

  • Identity proof as required by regulations
  • Address proof
  • Photographs if required
  • Any additional documentation needed for verification

Specific requirements will be communicated clearly.

Step 4: Complete Application

Fill out the membership application form:

  • Provide accurate information about your business
  • Confirm understanding of cooperative principles
  • Indicate acceptance of bylaws and policies
  • Submit required documentation

Application forms are designed to be accessible and straightforward.

Step 5: Application Review

BDRC will review your application:

  • Verify eligibility criteria
  • Confirm documentation completeness
  • Conduct any necessary verification
  • Review according to defined procedures

Review typically takes a defined period (specific timeframe communicated during application).

Step 6: Approval and Admission

Once approved:

  • You will be notified of approval
  • Membership fee and share capital requirements will be confirmed
  • Payment instructions will be provided
  • Formal admission process will be completed

Approval may be by Board of Directors or designated authority as defined in bylaws.

Step 7: Payment

Complete required payments:

  • Membership fee (if applicable)
  • Initial share capital subscription
  • Any other applicable fees

Payment methods will be clearly communicated.

Step 8: Formal Admission

Upon payment completion:

  • Your membership is formally recorded
  • You receive membership certificate or documentation
  • You are added to the member register
  • You gain access to member services and rights

You are now a member of BDRC.

After Joining

Orientation

New members receive orientation:

  • Introduction to cooperative services
  • How to access member communications
  • How to participate in governance
  • Who to contact for questions or support

Orientation helps you engage effectively.

Access to Services

Begin using cooperative services:

  • Digital tools where available
  • Market intelligence and information
  • Participation in collective arrangements (opt-in)
  • Financial facilitation when needed

Use what serves your business; ignore what does not.

Governance Participation

Start participating in cooperative governance:

  • Receive notices of General Body meetings
  • Exercise voting rights on member matters
  • Consider standing for Board positions in future
  • Engage with other members

Democracy requires participation.

Membership Fees and Capital

Share Capital

Members subscribe for share capital as defined in bylaws:

  • Represents ownership stake in the cooperative
  • Amount set to be accessible for neighbourhood retailers
  • May be paid in installments where bylaws permit
  • Returned upon exit (subject to regulations and bylaws)

Share capital is not a fee; it is your investment in the cooperative you own.

Membership Fee

A one-time membership fee may apply:

  • Covers administrative costs of membership admission
  • Kept minimal to ensure accessibility
  • Clearly stated before application

No Hidden Costs

All fees are transparent:

  • Stated clearly before you commit
  • No surprise charges
  • No ongoing fees beyond those clearly disclosed
  • Services are accessed according to transparent terms

Transparency builds trust.

No Pressure, No Rush

BDRC does not pressure retailers to join:

  • Take time to consider whether membership is right for you
  • Ask all questions before deciding
  • No sales tactics or artificial urgency
  • No penalty for deciding not to join

Join only if membership serves your needs.

Voluntary Nature

Remember:

  • Membership is completely voluntary
  • You are not required to use all services
  • Participation in activities is opt-in
  • You maintain full business independence

BDRC exists to serve members, not to control them.

Geographic Availability

BDRC may expand membership gradually:

  • Initial focus on specific regions
  • Expansion based on cooperative capacity
  • Staged growth to ensure quality member service

If membership is not yet available in your area, you may register interest for future expansion.

Group Applications

Multiple retailers from the same area may apply together:

  • Collective learning about the cooperative
  • Shared orientation and support
  • Building local member networks
  • Potential for regional member committees

Group applications are welcome where they arise naturally.

Support for Rural and Informal Retailers

BDRC works to make membership accessible for:

  • Rural retailers with limited documentation
  • Informal retailers in the process of formalization
  • Retailers with lower digital literacy

Special support may be available to help eligible retailers navigate the application process.

Questions and Support

Throughout the application process:

  • Ask questions at any time
  • Request clarification on anything unclear
  • Seek support with documentation if needed
  • Contact us through available channels

We want you to feel confident about membership.

After You Join

Membership is the beginning, not the end:

  • Participate actively or minimally as suits your needs
  • Use services that benefit your business
  • Provide feedback to improve the cooperative
  • Help build a strong cooperative community

Your membership matters.

If Application Is Not Approved

In rare cases, applications may not be approved:

  • You will be informed of the reason
  • You may address concerns and reapply
  • The decision will be based on clear criteria
  • You may seek clarification or review

Application decisions are made fairly and transparently.

Exiting Membership

Should you ever wish to exit:

  • You may resign according to defined procedures
  • Share capital is returned (subject to regulations)
  • Accounts are settled fairly
  • No penalties for voluntary exit

Membership remains voluntary throughout.

Ready to Join?

If you are ready to become a member of BDRC:

  1. Review eligibility criteria one more time
  2. Ensure you understand member rights and responsibilities
  3. Contact us to begin the application process

We look forward to welcoming you as a member of the cooperative.