Co-operatives First launches resources to create childcare co-ops in prairie provinces

SASKATOON, SK — November 21, 2024 — Co-operatives First is proud to announce the launch of the Create Your Own Space resource website, a key piece of its initiative to help communities create childcare co-operatives in the prairie provinces. The site – www.childcarecoops.ca – includes webinars, templates, and workbooks specific to the regulatory landscapes of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada in 2023, the Create Your Own Space initiative aims to support the creation of 15 childcare co-ops in the prairies by 2026. The newly-launched site is in addition to Co-operatives First existing support for childcare co-op start-ups, which includes customized, expert guidance through the process of planning, incorporating, and funding a childcare co-op.

“Ensuring families can access high-quality, affordable, and flexible early learning and childcare services is a priority for our government,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “Our support for organizations like Co-operatives First not only increases access to childcare, but makes it possible for more parents to go to work or school, and for businesses to hire the workforce they need so that communities can thrive.”

“When communities have the childcare spaces they need, it has an immense impact on their local economy and the well-being of families,” said Audra Krueger, Executive Director of Co-operatives First. “We know the co-operative model is an ideal solution, and our business development support and resources provide a customized, step-by-step road map for groups to start much-needed childcare spaces in their area.”

Childcare co-ops are formed by three or more individuals, usually parents, or by local municipalities and institutions. Because childcare co-ops are run by a local board of directors on a not-for-profit basis, they are an ideal way to provide this critical service.

Our online resources are available for free to anyone who wants to start a childcare co-operative.

 

For more information, please contact:

Aasa Marshall

Director of Communications, Co-operatives First

aasa@cooperativesfirst.com

 

Background

Co-operatives First is a non-profit organization funded by Federated Co-operatives Limited and the Co-operative Retailing System. Founded in 2016, the organization provides co-op start-up resources, such as business coaching, online education, and incorporation support to entrepreneurs across western Canada. Our goal is to help community leaders build new businesses, grow local economies, and support community development.

 

 

“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