CoopZone - Pre-Development

Co-op Development InfoService

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:03:08 -0600

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.

CoopZone Tele-Learning Series II: Call IV - Converting Conventional Businesses to Co-operatives

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:45:44 -0600

Brief Description:

Converting Conventional Businesses to Co-operatives

CoopZone Tele-Learning Series II: Call II - Starting Co-ops within a Host Organisation

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:42:18 -0600

Brief Description:

Starting a co-op within a host organisation.

Excerpt:

A Sponsoring Organization, or Parent Organization gets involved in developing co-ops: think about whether or not this is a good idea; when to get involved or step back.

Childcare Co-ops

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:12:52 -0700

Brief Description:

OnCoop FactSheet on childcare co-operatives.

Using the 7 International Principles of Co-operation in Practical Ways

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:07:47 -0700

Brief Description:

Using the 7 International Principles of Co-operation in Practical Ways

For-profit vs. not-for-profit co-operatives

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:59:40 -0700

Brief Description:

For-profit vs. not-for-profit co-operatives

Excerpt:

Introduction

The concept of not-for-profit vs. for-profit is one that can often be challenging for groups and organizations when considering a corporate structure for their group. Not-for-profit status can often be confusing because it has a particular connotation related to income tax, which requires filing information with different government departments or agencies than those that apply to for-profit business and the operations of a for-profit business. With co-ops, not-for-profit status is less closely tied to corporate form than for typical not-for-profit corporations, which has practical impacts for groups to consider.

Share capital vs. non-share capital co-ops

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:58:07 -0700

Brief Description:

Share capital vs. non-share capital co-ops.

Excerpt:

Introduction

Under the Ontario Co-operative Corporations Act, co-operatives have two different forms to choose from when incorporating: with share capital and without share capital. Each structure offers different options and benefits for raising money or carrying on operations. For the most part, this decision will be made based on the purpose of the co-operative and what types of financing are required.

Co-ops and Charities

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:54:45 -0700

Brief Description:

Fact sheet on co-operatives operating as charities.

Excerpt:

Introduction

Co-operatives can operate as either not-for-profit or for-profit organizations, and in some cases, they may wish to operate with charitable status. Charities are organizations that meet the Canada Revenue Agency’s legal and administrative standards of charitable work, and must be operated solely for public benefit. If a co-op wishes to operate as a charitable organization, there are some specific things that must be done during incorporation and while the co-op operates in order to maintain both its co-operative and charitable status.

What is the difference between a co-op and a not-for-profit corporation?

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:14:21 -0700

Brief Description:

What is the difference between a co-op and a not-for-profit corporation?

Excerpt:

Introduction

Co-operatives are a unique type of business model that share some commonalities with both private corporations and not-for-profit organizations but there are some key differences between the three types of organizations in how they are organized and carry on activities. In the case of co-ops and not-for-profit organizations (also called NFP organizations or NFPs), there are some similarities in their structures and in some cases, their tax status, but there are also differences in their organizational setup and how members benefit and are involved.

What is a Co-operative?

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:06:25 -0700

Brief Description:

Fact sheet introduction to all-things Co-op.

Excerpt:

Introduction

A co-operative, or co-op, is an organization that is owned by its members. Co-ops are formed when a group of individuals come together to meet a common need - co-ops can provide almost any type of product or service imaginable and can operate either on a not-for-profit or for-profit basis. A co-op operates on a democratic system that specifies “one member, one vote”. This ensures that all members of the co-op have an equal say in how the co-op is run, regardless of how much money they have invested in the co-op or how much they use the services offered.

Co-operative Development Toolkit

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:15:14 -0700

Brief Description:

FactSheets

The following factsheets provide a general overview and guide to selected topics in co-op development. They are suitable for those people that need to answer a particular question quickly or need a fast overview of a particular topic. These factsheets are also suitable to be distributed in hardcopy as part of a literature rack or as a resource to clients.

Developing a Co-op

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 18:05:19 -0700

Brief Description:

Developing a co-op.

Excerpt:

Introduction

Co-operatives are a well-proven model for doing business and providing for people’s needs. They have a very successful track record in Canada, with nearly fifteen million members of co-ops, credit unions and caisses populaires.

Co-op Self Assessment

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:40:10 -0700

Brief Description:

A self assessment procedure for co-ops.

Excerpt:

This is a self-assessment in the truest sense. You won’t be asked to score a number of questions, total your score and then be told where you fit on an arbitrary scale that purports to measure temperament, attitudes or motivations. Rather, it’s an opportunity to reflect, talk to friends and family and potential members of your co-op.

Co-op Business Plan

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:37:19 -0700

Brief Description:

A co-op business plan template.

Excerpt:

INTRODUCTION

A business plan is a vital document for any successful co-op. Ideas are simply that until they can be effectively communicated and implemented in a systematic manner. A comprehensive, written document that expresses ideas and assigns specific responsibility to individuals and\or teams within your co-op provides the map for the whole organization to follow. Without a written plan, people go in their own directions, their destinations always moving before they arrive. A co-ordinated effort in a co-operative organization depends upon a written plan that everyone can follow and use as a basis of evaluation for their performance.

Business Model Comparison

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:25:10 -0700

Brief Description:

A comparison of two business models.