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Co-op Development

Co-op development is at the core of what the BC Co-op Association does. We have the information, services, networks and communications tools in place to support the sustainability of co-ops and credit unions from idea incubation and pre-development to launch, operations and growth.

Information

  • The BC Co-op Association’s (BCCA) Knowledge Centre includes resources and tools for self-guided learning for prospective, new and established co-op owners, and a lot of valuable information they can apply immediately to enhance their co-op businesses
  • Our recently-updated Cultivating Co-ops Guide is a comprehensive how-to workbook that answers most of the questions prospective co-op groups may have; the guide includes a section dedicated to co-op growth and long-term sustainability

Services

  • Many of the BCCA’s existing programs and services, such as the Cooperate Now Bootcamp, support prospective co-ops, to contribute to the growth of BC’s co-op sector
  • The BCCA is also working to develop well-defined, custom programs and services for new and established co-op entrepreneurs, to help them address their growing pains
  • Our advocacy efforts often emerge as inquiries from individual co-ops or co-op groups; we help co-ops to navigate government policies and regulations at any point of their business evolution

Networks

  • As the go-to organization for co-ops in BC, we know all the players in the province’s co-op sector, and can foster connections between BCCA members and non-members, regional business communities and sector stakeholders
  • The BCCA also works with an exclusive network of experienced co-op developers including lawyers, who know BC’s co-op landscape inside and out and offer specialized consulting services at a fair price
  • A referral from the BCCA gives prospective, new and established co-op owners priority access to co-op development services
  • Prospective co-op owners can receive one to two hours of free consulting time to help them get their co-op off the ground; New and established co-ops can also access our co-op developers to receive sound advice on co-op operations and growth, or legal issues

Communication Tools

  • We use the BCCA’s communications and marketing tools to promote and highlight co-ops across BC
  • Our member directory allows co-ops and credit unions to promote their products and services through a customized profile page
  • We share BCCA member news and event announcements and help them recruit new employees and talent through the BCCA newsletter and our social media channels

Here are some additional resources for co-op development:

For more information, please email connect@bcca.coop.

90+ BC Co-op members and growing!