Co-operatives First

06/19/2026

Co-ops don't get created without someone leading the way. Over the past 10 years, we've worked with many "co-op champions" who are at the forefront of making change in their communities — champions like Dr. Judith Harris.

We spoke to Judith, a retired Associate Professor from the University of Winnipeg, about her involvement in helping to start The Village Co-op, her work with the Walls to Bridges program at Stony Mountain Penitentiary, and her thoughts on leadership and the importance of building community.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/43MXP9n

06/18/2026

Yesterday was an incredible day for us: along with some of our biggest supporters and dedicated clients, we celebrated our 10th anniversary!

Thanks to a decade of funding from Federated Co-operatives Limited and the Co-operative Retailing System, we have accomplished some big goals. We have helped to create 170 co-operatives, built strong relationships with economic developers and communities across Western Canada, and educated thousands of people about the co-op model.

We couldn't do this work without the champions who support us, promote co-ops, and do the hard work of getting these incredible businesses and organizations started.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us yesterday, who got to know each other better, and who have championed co-ops over the years. We are looking forward to the next decade 🎉

06/17/2026

Co-operatives First is 10! And to celebrate we're looking back on the lessons we've learned from a decade of helping to create co-operatives.

If you want to start a co-op, here are 10 pearls of wisdom from our team of experts: https://bit.ly/44d5JZP

In 2026, Co-operatives First turned 10! And over the past decade, our team has learned a lot about entrepreneurship, policy, governance, and so much more.

06/16/2026

If you work in economic development, the co-op model is a key tool for you have in your toolbelt.

Join us for this free, three-hour workshop to learn how the co-op model works, and how you can use it in your regional ec dev strategies. You don't want to miss it!

Sign up: https://cooperativesfirst.com/creating-connections/

06/15/2026

Considering a co-op? This webinar is for you. Join us to hear about grants, funding, and advisory services, co-op success stories, and practical tips for accessing resources and navigating the start-up process.

Sign up FREE: https://bit.ly/4eCCgOY

06/12/2026

Kyle was in Toronto this week for Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada's Congress and Co-op Developer Day! He joined a panel to discuss "The co-op development ecosystem."

06/12/2026

Co-ops don't get created without someone leading the way. Over the past 10 years, we've worked with many "co-op champions" who are at the forefront of making change in their communities.

In this episode we spoke to George Casimir from Community Futures of Central Interior First Nations. George has become a key partner, providing information about co-ops to people in his region and collaborating with us to support Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Learn more about the key services his organization offers and the role he thinks co-ops play in local economic development.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/4eaHIXO

06/11/2026

This week Kevin is at the Keeping it Rural Conference in Kelowna to talk about successful and innovative rural development initiatives and how co-ops can play a role. Thanks to the BC Rural Centre for a great event!

06/11/2026

A big part of starting a co-op is finding those start-up funds. Join us and Catalyst Community Finance for our next webinar on how community investment and social finance can help unlock local capital and get your project up and running!

Find out more and sign up FREE: https://bit.ly/4eb8Gia

06/10/2026

The Southwest Saskatchewan Investment Attraction Hub is a co-operative that raises awareness and actively promotes economic development in the region. It’s designed to showcase tourism and investment opportunities, while reimagining and redeveloping the traditional visitor centre.

Find out more about them here: https://bit.ly/3Sf5iLM