Saskatoon Cleaning Cooperative

When a group of young men wanted to create their own jobs, they joined forces. Jessy Carrasco (left) was familiar with the cleaning industry, but knew it could be frustrating to work for a company and not have control of your own schedule or working conditions. Together with his friends Tanner Bauer and Grayson Nowoselski, they created the Saskatoon Cleaning Cooperative to take back that control.

The co-op provides commercial cleaning services, and has plans to expand to residential and industrial cleaning as well. The founders also hope to eventually recruit more members, creating jobs that allow each employee to have a say in their work situation and the direction of the company. They were drawn to the co-op model because its democratic structure, giving all members a feeling of ownership and control.

A member of the group said Co-operatives First was key in their business’s start-up, providing both business planning and incorporation support.

“They helped us in every way possible and we couldn’t appreciate it more. They helped us from step one to the last step…This being our first business venture, we really appreciate all the help and highly recommend their services to anyone starting their own business.”

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“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block