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Growing a Co-op

Growing a Co-op. Presenter — Carol Murray BC Co-operative Association Powell River ~ February 9, 2011. Objectives of the Session. To give you some basic knowledge of the co-op model To outline the benefits of the co-op model To stimulate your thinking of how you might apply the co-op model

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Growing a Co-op

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  1. Growing a Co-op Presenter — Carol Murray BC Co-operative Association Powell River ~ February 9, 2011

  2. Objectives of the Session • To give you some basic knowledge of the co-op model • To outline the benefits of the co-op model • To stimulate your thinking of how you might apply the co-op model • To outline some steps for co-op development • To provide some examples of co-ops • To give you an opportunity to ask questions about co-ops

  3. What is a co-op? • A co-operative is any enterprise which is collectively owned and democratically controlled by its users for their mutual benefit

  4. The Co-operative Principles Seven Principles of Co-operatives Worldwide 1 - Voluntary and open membership • 2 - Democratic Member Control 3 - Member Economic Participation 4 - Autonomy and Independence 5 - Education, Training and Information 6 - Co-operation among Co-operatives 7 - Concern for Community

  5. The Co-operative Difference • A different purpose – • co-ops care about members’ needs • A different set of values – • based on self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity & solidarity • A different control structure – • each member has only one vote • A different allocation of profit – • non-profit co-ops use surplus to increase or improve services to clients

  6. Types of co-ops • Financial co-ops • Producer co-ops • Consumer co-ops • Worker co-ops • Service co-ops • Multi-stakeholder co-ops

  7. Local Food Co-ops — Opportunities – 3 considerations Type of co-op (producer, consumer, etc) Point on the value chain (production, distribution, value-added, retail) Social issues (poverty, malnourishment, peak oil, food safety, farm income crisis, high cost of agricultural land, barriers to food distribution, working conditions/wages)

  8. Local Food Co-ops — Issues What does local meant? Perhaps regional is a better concept? Value chain issues – scale, commercially operated/managed Industry knowledge e.g., labeling laws, traceability regulations, food safety, grading standards, etc. Legislated marketing Red tape e.g., packaging Infrastructure Access to financing

  9. Local Food Co-ops — Key Ingredients (Source: ACENet) Food & farm entrepreneurs Infrastructure (land, processing facilities, farmers’ markets, distribution hubs, co-packers) Local & independent retail Engaged consumers Civic investment/community pride Leaders & champions Policy commitment & change Network weaving & collaboration

  10. Examples… • City Harvest is an urban farming co-operative that transforms backyards and unused urban spaces into thriving food gardens, providing an abundance of healthy, accessible food for our communities and a sustainable livelihood for our members.

  11. Examples…. • The primary focus for NOWBC Co-op’s on-line market is seasonal, local, organic foods sourced directly from small farms and processors.

  12. Examples… • Welcome to the the Kettle Valley Food Co-op’s online shopping system! Producers and Shoppers come together here on a weekly basis to buy and sell local products.

  13. Examples… • The purpose of the Vancouver Island Heritage Foodservice Co-op is to mobilize partners to rebuild local food systems in the Island Coastal region.  The co-op’s business plan includes providing distribution, warehousing, co-packing services aimed at the ‘foodservice’ market channel.   • Contending with the Local Food Access Puzzle – report • http://www.heritagefoodservice.coop/FinalReport_BCMSF.pdf

  14. O.U.R. Ecovillage • O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE Co-op is a sustainable learning community and demonstration site located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

  15. Examples… • Roofs and Roots is our answer to this unnecessary housing crisis in Victoria. We are developing a new model for co-operatively owned, non-profit continuous housing. The co-op is designed to allow members, with little to no money, find a home that satisfies their individual needs and work co-operatively to purchase it.

  16. Examples… • The Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative (KCSHC) is a Not-For-Profit Housing Development catering to seniors seeking to live the rest of their lives in a self-governed community.

  17. Setting up your co-op The BIG Three • Do you have your Steering Committee together? • Who are your members? • How will your co-op make money?

  18. Steps to Co-op Development Group Development Needs & Opportunities Co-op Suitability Development of your Idea or Concept Determining the Co-op Structure Feasibility Study/Business Plan Incorporating your Co-op Internal Structure & Roles Maintenance, Aftercare & Growth

  19. The Co-op Advantage • Address a common need that individuals cannot meet alone • All members own and control the enterprise • Members benefit in proportion to their use of the co-operative Advantages for Members

  20. The Co-op Advantage Advantages for Communities • Provides local goods & services, stable jobs and economic opportunities • Retains wealth and control in the community • Builds local leadership & business skills • Builds communities through providing services

  21. Thank You! For more information, visit: www.bcca.coop www.coopscanada.coop

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