Starting a Co-op

Co-op Development InfoService

Brief Description:

Canada’s two national co-op associations have created a new information service aimed at providing a first point of contact for groups who are interested in starting a co-op. The Co-op Development InfoService, which was launched on March 31 by the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the Conseil candien de la coopération et de la mutualité, includes a toll-free telephone number, a dedicated e-mail address and co-op development information on the CCA and CCCM websites. The InfoService is funded by the federal government through the Advisory Services component of the Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI). The object of the service is to make it easier for people to obtain co-op development information and assistance, regardless of where they live in Canada. Provincial co-op associations will continue to be responsible for "on-the-ground" co-op development, and in many cases, users of the InfoService will be referred to the appropriate provincial association. There are three ways to contact the InfoService: by phone at 1-877-268-9588 (toll-free), by email atcoopdev@coopscanada.coop (English) or devcoop@cccm.coop or by visiting the InfoService pages on the CCA or CCCM websites.

Starting a co-op

Brief Description:

Co-operative By Design - Building Blocks to Co-op Development

Brief Description:

Co-ops By Design is a clearly written guidebook, with a focus on BC, designed to help you help yourself. It takes you through the process of developing your co-op, from forming your core group, to developing your business plan, to starting your co-op operations.

Creating a Co-operative, an Information Guide

Brief Description:

This section of the Co-operatives Secretariat website provides information on co-op legislation, forming a co-op, and co-op development support for each province individually.

Canadian Worker Co-op Federation

Brief Description:
Providing a national website for worker co-operatives in Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives (NLFC)

Brief Description:
The NLFC is the central agency representing the collective interests of the co-operative business sector in the province; promotes the co-operative business model and supports the growth and developme

The Centre for Co-operative and Community-Based Economy

Brief Description:

The Centre for Co-operative and Community-Based Economy is a focal point on campus for the promotion of interdisciplinary research and learning on subjects related to co-operative and community-based economy engaging faculty members from the University of Victoria and elsewhere, graduate and undergraduate students, and members of the wider community.