Demystifying the Co-operative Model workshop

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop to explore the world of co-operatives and their impact on communities. We’ll explain what co-ops are about, how they work, and why they’re an excellent option for building strong communities.  

You’ll learn:

  • What is a co-operative? Learn the basic features of the co-op model
  • Benefits of Co-operatives: Understand co-operative enterprises’ advantages and their role in sustainable community development. 
  • Building Your Own Co-operative: Get practical tips and resources on starting a co-operative and the support available.  
  • Case Studies: Examine successful co-operative examples across Turtle Island and how they have positively transformed their communities. 

This workshop is perfect for economic development professionals, entrepreneurs, local business owners, students, and anyone interested in learning how co-operatives can contribute to a more sustainable economy. 

Join us! November 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre (The Ida Room) 

 You can also choose to stay for the workshop featuring the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) about funding options for all businesses.  

Sign up FREE:


“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