Curbside Community Farms Cooperative

In Victoria, BC, a group of young, eager gardeners wanted to improve food security and affordability. They decided to work together to help others produce and distribute edible crops, build low-cost garden beds, and access education about growing food locally.

The group incorporated Curbside Community Farms Cooperative in October, 2022.

By operating as a co-operative, the group knew it could invest surplus funds into buying bulk materials like soil and seeds for its members.

Curbside’s membership currently consists of the four founding members, but hopes to grow its membership. They want to provide early members with virtual and in-person gardening support, partnership deals with local businesses, and opportunities to learn new gardening skills through workshops.

Eventually, the co-op would like to build space for garden bed construction, finalize its automatic water dispenser prototype, and welcome established local gardeners as official co-op members.

Co-operatives First was pleased to provide Curbside Community Farms Cooperative with a Board Basics workshop to get their governance started on the right foot. Members said they have also taken the Co-op Professional online course which was valuable to their co-op education.

Back

“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