Our idea's for how we could set up a co-operative bio-fuel station

Buzz has had ideas to set up similar projects in the past, but the time hadn't seemed right. Now, having done a little groundwork and investigation, the conditions that need to be in place in order to seriously consider committing to this idea look to be in place - the time feels right to go for it, with strong enthusiasm and motive.

It seems there is bursting interest amongst local people, just waiting to be let loose. A lot of these people have expertise in specific and important areas related to this project - such as building the structure itself, vehicle engines and different types of fuels, marketing, renewable energy technology and organic farming

A few local farmers have expressed an interest in growing crops for bio-fuels, to supply our business with, should we manage to set it up.

A few sites have been briefly looked into for suitability, and there are a couple of promising possibilities (although not thoroughly investigated at this early stage).

Possible grants have been looked into. The response from those in charge of distributing them has been very encouraging.

So the roots needed to grow this co-op, at the moment, look very healthy. Our being here is the first step. We are here after having received funding to spend 2 weeks promoting and educating about the idea. We will make a record of these two weeks, with film, photographs, feedback forms etc., and use this record as part of our basis for applying for some hefty grants to really start setting up. Unfortunately, we are not endowed with money, so grants are possibly the most likely avenue for the success of building the bio-fuel station. However, should we not succeed in getting grant support, we have other ideas to raise money such as offering membership for small fees, setting up as a charity or setting up via already established systems of supplying bio-fuels.

We are people who devote effort and thought into these areas as it is. Our motivation is not to make lots of money but to try to harness the effort we are already making, to build a co-operative business. Through this we could make a contribution to the solution, and perhaps more importantly, supply others with the opportunity to do so too. Then if we could make a living too (or part of one) that would be fantastic! We don't have much experience with the process of setting up a business, however we feel very enthusiastic about it and we're up for the challenge. This is something that needs to be done, we'll try - and then whether we succeed or fail is in the lap of the gods.