Become a Certified Co-op Entrepreneur

Co-operatives are businesses that can have a big impact. They’re started by groups of regular people who want to improve their own lives and find their own solutions. The Introduction to Co-operatives’ Entrepreneurship pathway covers everything you need to know to get a co-op up and running.

Using a micro-learning approach, these modules cover topics like: 

  • Basics of the co-operative business model  
  • Indigenous co-operatives in Canada 
  • Who your co-op’s members should be 
  • How to incorporate a co-operative
  • The elements of your co-op’s business plan

By the end of this course, you will have an understanding of how a co-op works, whether it is the right choice for your business idea, how to fill out the paperwork you need to incorporate it, and how to create a business model canvas, which will help you write a comprehensive business plan. If you want to start a co-op, this is the best place to start.

 

Our Co-op Entrepreneurs course takes you step-by-step through the process of starting a co-operative business. From early planning and incorporation to board governance and business plans, this course will help you take your business venture or community-based initiative to the next level. To earn the Co-op Entrepreneur Certificate, you’ll complete these five modules in our Introduction to Co-operatives Course: 

  • Intro to Co-ops Orientation  
  • Business Model Basics  
  • Starting a Co-op Part 1 
  • Starting a Co-op Part 2 
  • Starting a Co-op Part 3 

Complete this form to receive your personal invitation to get your access to the course:


Already Signed Up? Login Here

Here’s what people are saying about the Co-op Entrepreneurs course:

I want to thank Co-operatives First for providing the one of the best online training courses with no cost at all. Before this training I was totally nil information on co-ops, and now I am planning to establish a co-operative, and I am motivated by this training.

Both sets of courses were extremely useful and helpful. The courses are structured in a flowing and progressive manner. The Co-op Entrepreneur course helped me appreciate how a business idea is conceived, be it from a need, a problem to be addressed, or a purpose to be accomplished for a group or community. The Co-op Professional course exposed me to everything cooperatives – running a cooperative business or enterprise in a viable and sustainable way… I am still using and referencing your resources which are a real gold mine to me and my 10 associates who I have since encouraged to take the courses. Thank you so much for affording me the opportunity to learn from your institution. I am profoundly grateful.

 

 

“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