Request Support

To start a co-op you only need two key components: an idea, and at least three people who want to move it forward. And if you want to start a co-op (and you’re in Western Canada) we can support you every step of the way. Here’s how to get started:

  • Fill out our Request for Support form. Provide as much detail as possible.
  • A Co-operatives First expert will follow up to schedule a 30-minute call.
  • Your designated Co-operatives First team member will work with you to determine the next steps, including what support and resources you might need. Depending on your group’s needs, you may complete all of the following steps or skip a few.
REQUEST SUPPORT

 

Thanks to the generous funding of Federated Co-operatives Limited and the Co-operative Retailing System, we provide our services for free, or on a cost-recovery basis. This process is an extremely accessible, supportive, and affordable way to get a co-op up and running.

Before you start on this journey, you may want to learn more about co-ops using our free, online resources. For a quick overview, check out this page; for a more comprehensive dive into co-ops, take our free, self-paced Introduction to Co-operatives course. Check these out to see if a co-op could be the right fit for your business idea.

What our clients have said:

We were confused, uncertain, and becoming desperate, but had no real idea about how to proceed. Within a week of our first contact with Co-operatives First, we were incorporated and had a clear path forward. Co-operatives First workers had all the time in the world to explain what needed to be done, how to do it, and finally how they could help. Without Co-operatives First, we really had no chance of getting this done. With them, we have that chance.

– Sooke Community Investment Coop

“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