The UCCC works in partnership with the BC Co-op Association to educate the public about the co-op model, and to help groups to get started down the co-op development path. The UCCC offers a selection of presentations on co-ops to the public, ranging from a 20-minute “What’s a Co-op?” overview, to a more in-depth 3 hour Co-ops 101 session. Contact us for details and rates.
In conjunction with BCCA’s Momentum Centre, the UCCC also brokers technical assistance to eligible groups by regional co-op developers, who offer their services to consult with your group around feasibility of your co-op idea, and to strategise around steps to its implementation. Please contact us for details.
Although each co-operative undertaking has its own specific development path, there are a number of helpful online co-op resources in Canada:
- Co-op zone, the national network of co-op developers, at www.coopzone.coop , is a great resource.
- The BC Co-op Association has crafted a primer on developing a co-op, available here
- Kootenay Co-operative Radio has crafted a manual on starting a co-op, and, more specifically, a co-op radio station. it can be found here.
One of the many benefits of becoming a co-op is being welcomed into the co-op sector which takes its 6th Principle, Co-operation among Co-operatives seriously. Co-operatives across all sectors are mandated to help the development of other co-ops…so please contact us to find out more about how we can help your co-op get started!