Discover Co-ops

Inspired by the folk tale of Stone Soup, the Stone Soup Registry envisions a new way to support emerging co-operatives. By pooling small contributions of expertise, mentorship, resources, and connections, established co-ops and supporters can help new ventures overcome start-up challenges and put the principle of co-operation among co-operatives into action.

Building member trust and loyalty takes more than recruitment—it requires consistent communication, meaningful check-ins, and genuine relationship-building. Drawing on nearly 20 years at the Ontario Co-operative Association, this article explores five practical strategies to strengthen member engagement, improve retention, and create lasting partnerships that lead to greater collaboration, support, and shared success.

Preparing an Offering Statement can feel overwhelming for new and growing co-operatives. Yet if your co-op plans to raise capital from members or community investors, it may become an important part of your financing strategy. Understanding when an Offering Statement is required—and when it isn't—is a key first step in exploring funding opportunities and meeting regulatory requirements.

We often talk about climate change at a planetary level. Headlines focus on rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and global emissions targets. But for Canadian communities, the impacts are immediate and local. They show up in flooded basements, encroaching wildfires, heatwaves, disrupted harvests, rising insurance costs, and growing pressure on already stressed systems.

Last month at the Worlding Feminist Economic Symposium at the University of Toronto, conversations around co‑operative economics, ROSCAs, art, and the law revealed a truth our sector rarely says out loud: communities have been building co‑operation long before formal co‑ops existed. From lending circles and mutual aid networks to informal shared‑wealth systems, people have always created ways to meet collective needs when institutions fall short.

Co‑operatives are powerful engines for social and economic change — but in Canada, we’re still far from tapping into their full potential. We know the co‑operative model works. We know it’s built on values and principles that centre community, democracy, and sustainability. And yet, when it comes to inclusion, many co‑ops struggle to understand what it looks like, how to measure it, and most importantly, how to act on it.

Good governance can make or break a co‑operative. It shapes how decisions are made, how members are served, and how the organization adapts to challenges and opportunities. At the center of that governance system are directors - members entrusted with stewarding the co‑op’s mission, assets, and long‑term health. And the single most effective way to strengthen a board is through ongoing education and training.

Co-operatives don’t get the same recognition as traditional businesses, despite doing serious work in communities across Canada and around the world. A lot of students and young professionals are in the same spot, and not long ago, I was too.

Running an Annual General Meeting has never been simple — but doing it virtually adds a whole new set of twists. Luckily, with thoughtful preparation and the right tools, a virtual AGM can be smooth, democratic, and surprisingly energizing.

As a business founder approaching retirement, succession planning can feel challenging. There are numerous considerations—tax implications, legal structures, organizational culture, and the well‑being of employees. For many owners, it is also an opportunity to preserve legacy, support communities, and ensure long‑term stability.

For many co-operative organizations in Ontario, payroll reporting can feel overwhelming—especially if you have a small team, rely on part-time staff, or manage administration with limited resources.

Let's look at how ClimateCare benefits from being structured as a co-operative – and how your business might too!

Co-operatives aren’t just businesses; they’re community-driven organizations that put people before profit. When you support a co-op, you’re investing in your neighbours, strengthening local economies, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Those within the co-operative sector know that co-operatives serve as a stabilizing force against economic challenges, including those from tariffs. By promoting local economic resilience, diversification of markets, and a focus on long-term community well-being rather than short-term profits, co-operatives help mitigate the risks posed by trade disruptions and support a more sustainable economic model.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is at the heart of co-operative business values.Co-ops are built on principles of equality, democracy, and solidarity—values that naturally align with fostering spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ employees, members, and customers feel seen, respected, and valued.