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Thoughts and success stories

5 things a board needs to do once their co-op is up and running

Incorporating is a big step for a co-op. It makes the business a legal entity, allows it to open a bank account, sell memberships, and…

Read More January 26, 2021 • Kyle White

Starting a co-op? Do a business model canvas

A successful business doesn’t just happen. Like a garden, a healthy business requires planning, nurturing, and a hospitable environment. It also requires experimentation, adaptation, and…

Read More November 3, 2020 • Dan Matthews
humanr resources cooperatives

Ask the Expert: Managing HR ‘hotspots’

Welcome to our “Ask the Expert” series for co-op start-ups. In this guest blog post, Michele Hengen from People First HR Services discusses three Human…

Read More October 27, 2020 • Michele Hengen

A delicate balance: how to form a Dream Team board

Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash It’s common knowledge that a board of directors should include members with a mix of skills and experience. Every…

Read More September 17, 2020 • Kyle White

How to Wear Two Hats: A Co-op Governance Challenge

Photo by Joshua Coleman on Unsplash You’ve probably heard someone say they “wear a lot of hats.” For people serving on a co-op board of directors,…

Read More September 10, 2020 • Kyle White

How to be a kick-ass co-op board chair

Photo by Luz Fuertes on Unsplash Want to be a kick-ass board chair? Start the Good Governance Matters course today!   Every board needs a…

Read More September 3, 2020 • Kyle White
leadership

3 Ways to Show Leadership in the “New Normal”

Photo by Mathias Jensen on Unsplash   With the ongoing public health crisis, co-op leaders — like other business leaders — have faced the enormous…

Read More August 20, 2020 • Kyle White

Who pays the bill? Co-op start-up capital 

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…

Read More July 24, 2020 • Kyle White

Get it in writing: the documents your co-op needs

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…

Read More July 6, 2020 • Kyle White
Businesses reopening

What your co-op should know about re-opening

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

Read More July 2, 2020 • Aasa Marshall

Importance of Good Governance in a time of crisis

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…

Read More June 25, 2020 • Dan Matthews

How to run an online meeting

  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…

Read More May 1, 2020 • Kyle White

4 ways to build member engagement while social distancing

Even under normal circumstances, member engagement can be tricky. Co-ops are always looking for effective ways to get members involved. But what about member engagement…

Read More April 21, 2020 • Kyle White

5 reasons to incorporate a co-op sooner rather than later

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…

Read More March 13, 2020 • Kyle White

The Common Share: Investing in Main Street

Community Investment Co-ops are an exciting way to support community development. They allow people to invest in Main Street, or the local businesses and initiatives…

Read More March 6, 2020 • Aasa Marshall

How to get faster rural internet with a co-op

Hamiota Mayor Larry Oakden and The Backroad Diaries’ Jack Thompson The rural municipality of Hamiota, Manitoba is full of creative thinkers who aren’t afraid to…

Read More December 6, 2019 • Aasa Marshall

Why employees make good board members

Every co-op is governed by a board made up of member shareholders, and these directors generally bring different skills and experience to the table. Typically, boards…

Read More November 14, 2019 • Kyle White

Is getting charitable status a good idea?

Collecting charitable donations is a popular way to raise funds. Money is always better when you don’t have to pay it back, right? Maybe. But…

Read More May 3, 2019 • Kyle White

3 reasons no one came to your AGM

Very few people look forward to attending an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Unless you’re part of a small employee-owned co-operative, the percentage of member shareholders…

Read More April 4, 2019 • Kyle White

Explaining legislation and why it matters

Having to refer to “The Cooperatives Act” is often an unpleasant (but necessary) process for those starting or running a co-op. Let’s look at how…

Read More March 14, 2019 • Kyle White

9 features of successful co-op start-ups

Starting a new co-op is exciting, rewarding, and can have far-reaching benefits. It also takes a lot of work. Many business ideas struggle to get…

Read More February 28, 2019 • Kyle White
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Co-operatives First

Funded by the Co-operative Retailing System and Federated Co-operatives Limited, Co-operatives First promotes and supports business development based on the co-operative model in rural and Indigenous communities across Western Canada.

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