Applications are open for round 2 of the Investment Readiness Program (IRP). Deadline to apply is October 9, 2020. The IRP offers funding between $10,000 – $100,000 to support social purpose organizations (including non-profits, charities, co-ops, and for-profit social enterprises) to take steps towards becoming investment-ready. In the midst of COVID-19, social purpose organizations are especially critical … Continued
This year, BCCA is seeking candidates for four board vacancies (two-year terms). The BCCA has identified a need for a number of skills among Board members, including but not limited to Human Resources and Risk Management. Nominations must be received by noon on September 3, 2020. Please Include a short 50-word bio and a recent … Continued
Join us in celebrating Co-op Week 2020 with a virtual Annual General Meeting and other online activities! COVID-19 and Co-ops: Strategic Foresight Presentation [REGISTER HERE] Wednesday, October 14, 9 – 11 a.m., Zoom meeting Does your co-operative have a winning strategy to excel in these unprecedented and uncertain times? This two-hour session explores the factors … Continued
In our June 29 newsletter, we reported that BCCA had sent its submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of the Budget 2021 consultation. Following our submission, BCCA was asked to present at the Economic Recovery Roundtable with Premier John Horgan. In his presentation, BCCA Board Chair Ben Hyman … Continued
We recently welcomed two new members to the BCCA family: Shift Delivery and BC Craft Farmers Co-op. Shift Delivery is a worker-owned co-op located in East Vancouver. They specialized in “last mile” delivery services utilizing trikes, allowing them to utilize bike lanes and park and unload almost anywhere. They can haul up to 500 lbs and deliver … Continued
BCCA recently conducted a review of the Co-operate Now! program offered in partnership with Vancity. Our hope was to gather some insights into how we might improve it and better understand the impact of this popular three-day intensive co-op bootcamp. Co-operate Now! is the brainchild of Vancity’s Co-operative Portfolio Manager, Elvy DelBianco, and has resulted … Continued
BCCA is excited to announce we will be hosting a Grocery Co-op Meet-Up on September 21, at 6 pm! This event will be held on Zoom and will allow co-ops in the sector to convene, share ideas, ask questions, and participate in a facilitated discussion surrounding best practices. These sessions will be customized and will … Continued
By Madelyn Read Welcome to our series “We Are Co-ops” in which we profile our diverse membership and demonstrate the innovation the flexible co-op model supports and enables! BCCA had the chance to catch up with Lisa Giroday of Victory Gardens and learn about their resiliency and growth as a co-operative. Who and what is Victory Gardens? … Continued
Message from the Chair of the BCCA Board of Directors Dear valued members, On July 14, 2020, I was honoured to be part of an Economic Recovery Roundtable with Premier John Horgan on behalf of the BC Co-op Association. The Agenda focused on three key questions: The Impact of COVID-19 and initiatives the government can … Continued
On June 26, BCCA sent its submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of the Budget 2021 Consultation. The document acknowledges the challenges BC has faced with the global pandemic and the economic downturn, and how co-ops are at the forefront of these challenges. The recommendations in the submission outline how … Continued