Co-op Development
Co-operative development is the art and science of helping co-operatives get started and grow their enterprises. On Co-op supports the creation, development, funding and enhancement of Ontario co-operatives and credit unions through a variety of programs.
Phone and Email Support
Do you want to know if the co-op model is the right one for your business idea? Do you need tools to effectively govern your new co-operative? Do you want some pointers on how to expand, change, or revitalize your established co-operative?
On Co-op can help! Our staff can provide solutions, referrals and connections to resources that can assist you. You can also make an appointment to speak with our co-op development staff to work through your idea and get answers to detailed questions that can help you plan out your next steps.
Development Resources
To help your co-op grow, On Co-op has developed a variety of tools and documents.
- Our series of FactSheets include a wide range of information: fundamental lessons on the co-op model, detailed information on co-operative issues such as audits and directors' liability, and information on specific portions of the co-op sector such as child care and renewable energy are all included. Download the series from the 'For More Information' link at the bottom of this page or download a document containing the list of all titles in the co-op Factsheet series from the 'Related Documents' area at the right.
- On Co-op has created a plain-language Guide to the Co-operative Corporations Act to help you navigate the legal side of running a co-op. This comprehensive document should be in every forming and existing co-op's toolkit.
- On Co-op's series of presentations provide valuable information on a variety of subjects.
- Resources for initial co-op development can be found on our Starting a Co-op page.
- Our co-op resources library includes any number of other helpful documents, and can be searched by keyword, document type or strategic area. Many of those documents do not appear elsewhere on the On Co-op site!
Contact our Co-op Development Manager using the contact information at the bottom of this page for information on these or other resources.
Co-operative Developers
On Co-op is part of the national CoopZone Developers' Network Co-op. CoopZone links those co-ops requiring development expertise with people and organizations who have the skills and the understanding to provide co-operative development.
Member, Staff and Board Training
Does your organization need training or development in areas such as board relations, strategic planning, member engagement, running effective meetings, or even Co-ops 101? On Co-op can provide customized sessions on a fee-for-service basis in many areas relating to co-operatives, democracy and good governance. On Co-op can also facilitate meetings, source speakers and help to plan conferences. Contact us with your request.
Technical Assistance Funding (CDI)
On Co-op manages a small technical assistance funding program, that allows co-ops to get access to the specialized help of consultants that they might need in order to start or grow their co-operative. This funding program originated with the Co-operative Development Initiative which was created in 2003 to focus on advisory services, innovations and research.
Co-operative Funders
Co-op funders and financers are important partners in the development of co-operatives. On Co-op, maintains a List of Co-op Funders and Financers.
Networking and Sharing
As an association, one of On Co-op's key objectives is to bring together co-operatives from across the province. Often the feeling of isolation is strongest with new or smaller co-ops. Through membership in On Co-op, co-ops have unparallelled access to our resources, staffing, marketing, government relations and our other members. On Co-op also promotes co-ops and credit unions to the rest of the sector, public policy makers and to the general public.
