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Resources for Small & Medium Co-ops

Starting out: Is the Co-op Model a Good Fit?

What is a Co-operative?

What is a Co-operative?

Plain Language Explanation of the Co-op Model

Developing a Co-operative

Developing a Co-operative

10 Basic Steps to Start a Co-op

Co-ops vs. Business Corporations

Co-ops vs. Business Corporations

Explains the difference between co-ops and business corporations in Ontario

Co-ops vs. Not-for-profits

Co-ops vs. Not-for-profits

Explains the differences between co-ops and not-for-profit corporations in Ontario.

Common Co-op Myths

Common Co-op Myths

Explore some of the common myths and misconceptions about co-operatives.

Co-op Self Assessment

Co-op Self Assessment

Take this short quiz to find out if the co-operative model might be a good fit for your business venture.

Co-operative Governance

Board Roles & Responsibilities

Board Roles & Responsibilities

Outlines responsibilities of directors.

Member Rights & Obligations

Member Rights & Obligations

Outlines rights and responsibilities of co-op members.

Guide to the Co-operative Act

Guide to the Co-operative Act

Plain language interpretation of the Co-operative Corporations Act

Guide to Robert's Rules

Guide to Robert's Rules

What is Robert's Rules and how to use them.

Consensus Decision-making Process

Consensus Decision-making Process

Guide to Consensus Decision-making

Holding Effective Meetings

Holding Effective Meetings

Guide to holding effective meetings

Guide to Minute Taking

Guide to Minute Taking

How to take effective minutes

Advancing DEI in Co-operatives

Advancing DEI in Co-operatives

Guide to Action: Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in co-operative businesses

Board Meeting Self-Evaluation

Board Meeting Self-Evaluation

Tool to evaluation effectiveness of your co-op's board meetings.

Regulation and Compliance

Co-operative Bylaw Guidelines

Co-operative Bylaw Guidelines

General outline for a good set of bylaws

Bylaws, Articles, Mergers, and Amalgamations

Bylaws, Articles, Mergers, and Amalgamations

How to make fundamental changes to your co-ops bylaws or articles.

Audits for Ontario Co-ops

Audits for Ontario Co-ops

What is an audit and who needs one?

Guide to the Co-operative Act

Guide to the Co-operative Act

Plain language interpretation of the Co-operative Corporations Act

Guide to the Ontario Business Registry

Guide to the Ontario Business Registry

How to navigate the OBR, access your account and more.

Competition Bureau Canada

Competition Bureau Canada

Canada Competition Bureau website

Financing

Co-op Friendly Financing

Co-op Friendly Financing

Comprehensive list of co-op friendly financing from Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada

Finding funding with Fundica

Finding funding with Fundica

Create a free account to find funding for your co-op.

Using Offering Statements to Raise Capital

Using Offering Statements to Raise Capital

Offering statement process and exemptions

Sustainability and Success

Strategic Planning Template

Strategic Planning Template

A guide to facilitating a productive strategic planning session

Succession Planning and Youth Involvement

Succession Planning and Youth Involvement

Engaging youth and planning for the sustainability of your co-op

Evaluating Member Engagement Practices

Evaluating Member Engagement Practices

Self-assessment to identify strengths and opportunities in member engagement

Creating a Value Proposition

Creating a Value Proposition

Workshop: Create a Value Proposition for your Co-operative

Blogs from the Co-op Sector

Blogs from the Co-op Sector

Find insights, ideas, and best practices from those involved with the co-op sector

OCA's YouTube Channel

OCA's YouTube Channel

Selection of videos and webinar recordings on various co-op related topics.

Workshops and Professional Support

Book a Free Consultation

Book a Free Consultation

Book a free consultation with our staff experts

Facilitated Workshops

Facilitated Workshops

Attend a Co-ops 101 and Board Member Basics worksop.

Bookkeeping Services

Bookkeeping Services

OCA can provide bookkeeping services for your co-op.

Virtual AGM Support

Virtual AGM Support

Let OCA help you host smooth, compliant and accessible online Annual General Meetings

Co-op Service Providers

Co-op Service Providers

Access individuals and organizations with specialized expertise on co-operatives.

Become a Member

Become a Member

Become a member of OCA for even more benefits

Free Self-Guided Learning

Co-operative Essentials Course

Co-operative Essentials Course

Free self-guided learning course

Co-ops 101 for Everyone

Co-ops 101 for Everyone

Short self-guided learning course about the co-operative business model.

Digital Resource Library

Digital Resource Library

Access OCA's full library of digital resources

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