Co-operatives First and CFDC of CIFN Announce New Partnership to Drive Economic Growth 

Stephanie Fletcher, Co-operative Partnership Liaison in British Columbia

September 24, Kamloops, BC — Co-operatives First and Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at expanding co-op development support for Indigenous entrepreneurs throughout British Columbia. 

This collaboration will leverage the unique strengths of both organizations, providing customized resources, mentorship, and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs interested in starting a co-op. By blending the co-operative development expertise of Co-operatives First with the business development services and financing programs of CFDC of CIFN, this partnership will support local communities and foster resilient economies. 

“BC is an important jurisdiction for Co-operatives First, and we have found a great partner who can help us reach more people who could benefit from knowing about the co-op model,” said Co-operatives First Executive Director, Audra Krueger. “Co-ops are an excellent tool for Indigenous communities to solve problems on their own terms, and CFDC of CIFN is ideally placed to provide awareness and knowledge about the model.”  

“Co-ops are a key part of any economic development strategy, and we are excited to provide expertise about this important model to our clients,” said George Casimir, General Manager of CFDC of CIFN. “By combining our organizations’ services, this partnership will provide a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs in our region who want to start a co-op.” 

Together, Co-operatives First and CFDC of CIFN will offer comprehensive assistance at no cost to those looking to establish their co-ops. The partnership will ensure streamlined access to essential resources, including: 

  • Business coaching and mentorship 
  • Business planning workshops 
  • Incorporation support 
  • Governance training 
  • Online resources 
  • Business loans and grants 

As part of this collaboration, CFDC of CIFN’s Stephanie Fletcher will take on the role of Co-operative Partnership Liaison in British Columbia. She will serve as the main contact for individuals across BC who wish to learn more about co-ops, start a co-operative, and seek guidance on accessing resources from Co-operatives First or CFDC of CIFN. 

Starting October 1, 2025, community members are invited to reach out to Stephanie at stephanie@cfdcofcifn.com for further information about available resources and opportunities. 

“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