This thesis seeks to identify those elements/practices salient for the success and sustainability
of an online Community of Practice (CoP) by the case-study method for the build out of a
grassroots, start-up development organization, Aarhus Soup, for entrepreneurs. As a means to
encourage co-creation of the online CoP, the Participatory-Design method was utilized to
identify those features perceived by the potential members to the CoP as most needed and
desired in such an online community (OC). The case-study literature relevant to creation of OC
CoPs was reviewed to determine what parameters were perceived as more or less effective in
creating and sustaining an OC CoP. Through participatory design, conducted via interviews,
and a workshop as derived from the data, this paper presents Aarhus Soup with a veritable
menu of steps it should take, practices it should implement in order to achieve its goal of
becoming a thriving online Community of Practice.