Thoughts and success stories

Photo by Loic Leray on Unsplash When deciding whether to start a co-op, people’s first question is often about risk. How much risk am I…

When you’re at a pub with friends, and the waiter brings the cheque, what do you do? Do you split the bill evenly? Pay the…

  It’s a misconception that co-ops don’t have or need profit. In fact, it’s just as important for co-ops to be profitable as other types…

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash Creating rules for a co-op? Write it down. Encouraging members to run for the board? Write it down. Entering into…

  Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash Across Canada, provinces are relaxing restrictions on businesses, after three months of social distancing measures. As businesses start…

During a crisis, an organization’s decision-making process is put to the test. While there is no template for how best to manage a crisis, a…

For National Indigenous Peoples Day, we usually attend a large gathering in Saskatoon called Rock your Roots Walk for Reconciliation. The event is a celebration…

The most important thing to understand about being a member of a co-op is this: as a member, you are an owner of the business. …

What started as a conversation about a lack of “cut and wrap” services on a ranch driveway in the Boundary region of BC is about…

Surviving a pandemic will be hard for most small businesses. But if you’re an artist-run start up with a revenue model based in events ……

Photo by Frederick Tubiermont on Unsplash When the economy takes a downturn, it’s hard on businesses — small to medium business (SMBs), in particular — and not every…

  Click here to download our Guide to Online Meetings Hosting online meetings complicates things, but it’s not impossible. Numerous online platforms and conference call…

Main streets across the western provinces are going through significant change. Numerous businesses are or are about to change hands. If there are no buyers…

Even under normal circumstances, member engagement can be tricky. Co-ops are always looking for effective ways to get members involved. At the moment, though, engaging…

It’s Annual General Meeting time again — but this year AGMs will be a bit more complicated than usual. Co-operatives First has a lot of…

Manitoba AGM and Annual Returns Co-operatives in Manitoba should have received notice encouraging them to delay or postpone annual meetings. Learn more. Tax deferrals and…

Co-ops play a big role in keeping communities vibrant in Canada’s North. In the latest podcast episode, we spoke to Mary Nirlungayuk from Arctic Co-operatives…

A co-operative is an incorporated business and this legal status comes with some distinct advantages. So, at what point should a group consider incorporating their…

Community Investment Co-ops are an exciting way to support community development. They allow people to invest their money in local businesses and initiatives. A CIC…

Sangudo, Alberta is nestled within a bend of Pembina River and is home to just under 300 residents. Like many rural communities across the prairies,…