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 MoreStarting 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 MoreAsk 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 MoreA 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 MoreHow 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 MoreHow 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 More3 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 MoreWho 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 MoreGet 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 MoreWhat 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 MoreImportance 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 MoreHow 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 More4 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 More5 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 MoreThe 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 MoreHow 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 MoreWhy 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 MoreIs 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 More3 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 MoreExplaining 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 More9 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…
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