The Upper Columbia Co-operative Council (UCCC) was founded in 2008, in partnership with the BC Co-op Association (BCCA). The UCCC operates as the BCCA’s sister organization and focuses on raising awareness and strengthening the co-op sector in the region.

There are 18 active UCCC co-op and credit union members as of 2015, operating in various economic sectors. The UCCC has regional representatives available to provide hands-on co-op development support to help launch new co-ops and grow existing co-op. These reps live in the region, understand the local economic climate and have extensive business contacts.

In the last few years, the UCCC has experienced a surge of interest in co-operative business, and an increased demand for co-op education and support. There has also been more attention paid to the co-op business model due to the high profile of several successful local co-ops.

The UCCC delivers its popular Co-ops 101 workshop to economic development and business groups in the region, to ensure the co-op voice is considered in discussions.