Community Supported Tax and Legal Advisory Board (CSTLAB)

The Community Supported Tax and Legal Advisory Board (CSTLAB) is a pan-European cooperative specializing in the tax and legal needs of companies, non-profit organizations and individuals operating in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey and other non-EU countries. CSTLAB offers tailor-made solutions, especially for non-profit organizations, cooperatives and projects related to solidarity agriculture and logistics, working closely with the TEIKEI network and similar communities.

A key step in the establishment of the CSTLAB is the formation of a working group of tax and legal advisors to develop a Letter of Intent to express their commitment to founding the cooperative and at the same time carry out pilot projects to refine the advisory model.

Although the establishment of a cooperative seems promising, the final structure is still being examined. Regardless of the final legal form, CSTLAB will be part of the TEIKEI Stewardship and the principles of solidarity and transparency reflect.

Goals and visions

CSTLAB is continuously evaluated to ensure that its operations and organizational structure remain consistent with the evolving principles of TEIKEI stewardship and focus on solidarity, transparency and sustainability concentrate.

• Long-term goal: Establishment of a tax and legal advisory body that acts as a trusted partner and reflects TEIKEI's principles of solidarity. The final organizational form, likely a cooperative, will be anchored as part of TEIKEI's stewardship.
• Short-term goals: Formation of a working group through the Letter of Intent (LOI), in which tax and legal advisors come together to lay the foundations and initiate pilot projects.
• Recruitment of experts from Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Scandinavia and the Netherlands to cover various tax and legal landscapes.
• Clarification of the long-term structure, with the cooperative remaining the preferred option, although this decision is still open.

Market analysis

CSTLAB will focus on working with organizations and individuals that are committed to ethical business practices and social responsibility and actively contribute to sustainable and solidarity-based economic models across Europe.

• Target group: Non-profit organizations and cooperatives operating transnationally in Europe.
• Logistics companies that operate in a Europe-wide network.
• Individuals and companies that are active in solidarity-based and sustainable economic models.

Range of services

• Tax and legal advice: Europe-wide support for companies and non-profit organizations, with a focus on the needs of sustainable and solidarity-based projects.
• Support for non-profits: Tailored legal and tax advice for non-profit organizations and individuals, including tax secured loans within the TEIKEI ecosystem.
• International expertise: Comprehensive advice on cross-border tax and legal matters, with a focus on Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. CSTLAB's services are continuously developed based on the findings of pilot projects and case studies.

Business model and financing

Through these pilot projects and case studies, CSTLAB will not only test its service offerings, but also ensure that its business model remains financially transparent and adapts to the needs of the organizations it supports, in line with the principles of solidarity and transparency.

Community building and cooperation

CSTLAB will focus on building long-term relationships with tax and legal advisors who share the same ethical principles of solidarity, sustainability and transparency be led. Our approach to outreach will be based on community building, rather than broad recruitment, to ensure that each new member embraces the core values of solidarity and sustainability strengthens.

7. management and personnel

• Expert network: A pan-European network of tax and legal advisors with expertise in key regions such as Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
• Additional roles:
  • IT team for the development and maintenance of the digital platform, ensuring GDPR compliance and the secure management of customer data.
  • Legal experts specializing in non-profits and international regulations, ensuring that CSTLAB provides expert advice on cross-border legal issues.
  • Tax compliance officers: specialists in cross-border taxation, especially for non-profits and cooperatives, to ensure that tax advice complies with international regulations.
  • Ethics and Governance Advisors: Professionals who ensure that CSTLAB complies with ethical standards and with the values of solidarity, sustainability and transparency is in harmony.
  • Community Outreach Coordinators: Individuals responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the TEIKEI network, other solidarity organizations and potential clients.
  • Sustainability and Impact Analysts: professionals who monitor the social impact of CSTLAB's services and ensure that the project contributes effectively to sustainability contributes.
  • Operations Manager: Responsible for the day-to-day management of CSTLAB, ensuring smooth coordination between teams and managing the logistics of cross-border operations.
  • Data Protection Officer: A dedicated role to ensure GDPR compliance and data protection.
  • Training and Development Lead: Responsible for the ongoing training and development of new and existing consultants to ensure they are up to date on current tax, legal and ethical guidelines.

8. financial plan

CSTLAB will be transparent in its financial activities in line with the principles of TEIKEI stewardship. The revenue structure will consist of membership fees and services to cooperatives, NGOs and companies operating across borders. The cost structure includes legal advice, infrastructure development, personnel costs and operating expenses.

9 Legal aspects

CSTLAB's legal form, be it a cooperative or other structure, will be designed to ensure long-term viability, ethical governance and accountability. CSTLAB will be part of TEIKEI stewardship and ensure that it is in line with the values of solidarity and legal compliance.

10 Risks and challenges

• Regulatory and legal complexities: Different tax and legal frameworks in different countries pose challenges that require professional navigation.
• Technological infrastructure: Ensuring secure, GDPR-compliant digital platforms. CSTLAB will proactively address these risks through a dedicated team of tax and legal experts.

11. schedule

• Phase 1 (0-3 months): Recruitment of members, signing of the LOI, first activities of the working group.
• Phase 2 (4-12 months): Start of pilot projects, refinement of the organizational structure.
• Phase 3 (12-24 months): CSTLAB will set key milestones to assess progress and ensure that its strategy and services can be adapted based on customer feedback and market requirements.

Together we can create a fairer and more sustainable future - join us and become part of CSTLAB to promote solidarity and sustainability. transparency into practice!