Upcoming Webinars

Starting a co-op in Manitoba

Are you based in Manitoba? Is there an opportunity you’ve noticed in your town? An unmet need that you share with other, like-minded people? Have you considered starting a co-op? In this session, our Director of Education, Kyle White, will provide an overview of the steps entrepreneurs take to start a new co-operative business, identify the key processes you’ll work with the Companies Office on, and the forms you’ll need to complete to create your co-op. So if you’re starting a co-op, need more information, or you’re curious if a co-op is right for you, join us to learn more. This session will take place on Tuesday, September 22nd at 2 p.m. MT.

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Lessons from Co-ops: Supporting Participation 

How can co-ops support meaningful member participation? Join us for the next session in our “Lessons from Co-ops” discussion series, “Supporting Participation”. In this round-table session we’ll explore the critical question: How do co-ops make sure members’ voices matter? 

This discussion session will feature leaders from two co-operatives — Prince Albert Child Care Co-op and The Creative Uncommons Artist Cooperative — who will share their proven methods and real-life experiences in fostering member participation. Attendees will be able to ask questions of these leaders and take away lessons they can apply to their own co-operatives and projects. This session takes place September 24 at 12 p.m. MT.

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How to Finance a Co-op Using TFSA/RRSP-Eligible Funds

People in your community regularly invest in the stock market through their RRSP and TFSA accounts — but what if they could direct some of those investments to help finance your co-operative?
Good news — they can! Join us for this webinar discussion with Josh Dyke, Program Administrator for Common Good Capital. This program, run by the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation (CWCF), allows people to invest dollars held in registered accounts in local co-ops to help them get started or expand. This webinar takes place September 28, 2026 at 12 pm MT.

Starting a co-op in Saskatchewan

Do you live in Saskatchewan? Is there an unmet need in your community that you share with other, like-minded people? Have you considered starting a co-op? In this session, we’ll provide an overview of the steps to start a co-op in Saskatchewan. Our Director of Education, Kyle White, will work through the key steps you’ll take with the Information Services Corporation and review the forms you’ll need to complete to create your co-op. So if you’re starting a co-op, need more information, or you’re curious if a co-op is right for you, join us to learn more. This session takes place on Thursday, October 1st at 2 p.m. MT.

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Starting a co-op in Alberta

Are you based in Alberta? Is your town missing an important service? Is there an opportunity for you to collaborate with other entrepreneurs to realize a new opportunity? Why not create a co-op! In this session, our Director of Education, Kyle White, will provide an overview of the journey you’ll take to create a co-op in Alberta. We’ll help you navigate the forms you need to complete and how you’ll work with Alberta Registries to create your co-op. So, if you’re curious about co-ops and want to learn more, join this informative session on Wednesday, October 7th at 2 p.m. MT.

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Starting a co-op in BC

Do you live in British Columbia?  Is there a local challenge that could bring people together? Do you want to learn more about starting a co-op? In this session, we’ll provide insight into the process of starting a co-op in BC. Our Director of Education, Kyle White, will cover the forms you need to create and what you’ll need to work through with BC Registries. So, if there’s an unmet need in your town, a chance for businesses to work together, or a chance to collaborate to create positive change, you won’t want to miss this webinar. This session takes place on Wednesday, October 14th at 2 p.m. MT.

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Create Transportation Solutions with a Carshare Co-op

With the rising cost of gas, vehicles, and maintenance, sharing transportation may be the way to go. But what if your community has limited public transportation options, or you’re looking for an affordable or eco-friendly option to travel?  A car share co-op may be a good fit. But what is it? Join us on October 22 at 12 pm SK time (11 am PT, 12 pm MT, 1 pm CT) as we welcome Michelle Panting from Peg City Car Co-op to discuss:  

  • What car share co-ops are 
  • How they work
  • How they benefit members 
  • How membership works 
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For our webinars about Indigenous-specific topics, visit our Your Way, Together website.

 

Watch Past Webinars

“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