Co-operatives First

In this month's newsletter, catch up on our visits to amazing client co-operatives! And make sure you're following us in August to learn more. Check it out: bit.ly/3Rsba4x

Running a pottery studio in Victoria, BC was a heavy lift as a private business — so its owners decided creating a co-op instead would be the perfect way to share the load and build a welcoming, inclusive space. bit.ly/44so8SA

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary this year, and are proud that we've helped to start 170 co-operatives to date! It's been an honour to work with so many dedicated clients who have done the hard work of starting a co-op.

Last month was a big one for us — we celebrated our 10th anniversary! In this month's newsletter, find out about our incredible anniversary event and content: bit.ly/44tmvEa

We're proud to have assisted these co-op champions to reach their goal! Learn more about this innovative co-op: bit.ly/3SwjK2e

If you're looking for new ways to finance local co-op projects, this webinar is for you! Check out our conversation with Catalyst Community Finance about unlocking local capital: bit.ly/4f1LynU

We were excited to attend the Rock Your Roots walk again this year, to mark National Indigenous People's Day! Thank you to Reconciliation Saskatoon for this great Walk for Reconciliation event.

Co-operatives First is 10! And to celebrate we're looking back on the lessons we've learned from a decade of helping to create co-operatives. If you want to start a co-op, here are 10 pearls of wisdom from our team of experts: bit.ly/44d5JZP

If you work in economic development, the co-op model is a key tool for you have in your toolbelt. Join us for this free workshop to learn how the co-op model works, and how you can use it in your regional ec dev strategies. Don't miss it! Sign up: bit.ly/3xBpvwT

Considering a co-op? This webinar is for you. Join us to hear about grants, funding, and advisory services, co-op success stories, and practical tips for accessing resources and navigating the start-up process. Sign up FREE: bit.ly/4eCCgOY

Kyle was in Toronto this week for Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada's Congress and Co-op Developer Day! He joined a panel to discuss "The co-op development ecosystem."

We've worked with many "co-op champions" who make change in their communities — like George Casimir from Community Futures of Central Interior First Nations. Here, he tells us about his organization's services and the important role of co-ops. Listen: bit.ly/4eaHIXO

This week Kevin is at the Keeping it Rural Conference in Kelowna to talk about successful and innovative rural development initiatives and how co-ops can play a role. Thanks to the BC Rural Centre for a great event!

Proud to be working with this dedicated group to meet their community's childcare needs: bit.ly/4vlXbeO

Every co-op needs a strategic plan to help your team chart a course for the next 3-5 years. Join Cathy and Kyle for our webinar to learn how to make a plan to deliver on your purpose, meet the needs of members, and grow your co-operative. Sign up FREE: bit.ly/4x8ct8E

Can you believe it? Kyle's been with Co-operatives First for 10 years! We celebrated this incredible milestone of the organization's first-ever employee, and all the knowledge, support, and guidance he's given to our clients and team over the years. Congratulations Kyle!

In this month's newsletter, learn about a co-op that's doing great work helping newcomers access the labour market. Plus our new summer student, upcoming webinars, and more! bit.ly/4dUsMNt

Kyle's been at the Rural Innovation Festival and Forum in Estevan, Sask this week! Hosted by the Southeast Tech Hub, the event is focused on how technology, academia, and arts contribute to rural success.

There are infinte ways co-ops can be used to make things better for people — and this includes end-of-life planning and care. Here's how one co-op in Alberta has been making funeral preparation easier for its members and their families since 1966: bit.ly/4a0oUt2

Missed our webinar? Watch it now! Learn five key ways your co-op's board can build better processes, plan for the future, and ensure it's meeting the needs of its members. Watch here: bit.ly/3PDUfej