Vision: An Ontario where co-operatives contribute to the sustainability and growth of our economy and communities.

Mission: To lead, cultivate and connect the co-operative sector

Ontario Co-operative Association

Topics

Co-operatives in GeneralLocal Food Co-ops – OpportunitiesLocal Food Co-ops – IssuesSteps to Starting a Co-opResources

A Co-operative is . . . An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

Where do Co-ops come from?

Co-ops have strong roots in both 19th century rural communities and the newly industrialized urban areas of the late 1800sFocus on providing goods and services to members meant co-ops were formed to provide:

Essential services in under-resourced communitiesFair and accessible alternatives to existing services

Many of these same motivations exist today, but with additional pressures and trends

Co-operative Principles

1. Voluntary and open membership2. Democratic member control3. Member economic participation4. Autonomy and independence5. Education, training and information sharing6. Co-operation among co-operatives7. Concern for community

Elaborated in 1995 by the International Co-operative Alliance

Co-op Values

Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.

In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Co-ops Around the World

One billion people25% increase since 2007

Driven by principles and values100 million jobs

Co-operatives by Sector(Canada 2007)

Co-ops in CanadaCanada’s 10,000+ co-ops and credit unions have combined assets of approximately $167 billionCo-ops and credit unions employ over 160,000 peopleCo-op success rate is 2x private businessFor profit and not-for-profit8 out of 10 Canadians support co-ops over large corporations

Benefits of Co-operatives Fulfills people’s needs

Creates jobs

Supports the triple bottom line (economic, social and ecological)

Builds and enhances local prosperity

Enhances democratic participation

Twice the survival rate of regular businesses

Opportunities

Fastest growing co-operative sector in OntarioGrowing interest in local/known foodMomentum in Northern Ontario and established co-operativesResources availableDemocracy

Issues

GovernanceGrant RelianceFinancialEnergy DissipationMembership EngagementMust meet the needs of customersDemocracy

Best Advice-Strong Planning and Development

Basic Business FeasibilityGovernance StructureBusiness Plan

Decrease risk of business failingDiminish Risk of Costly Mistakes

10 Steps to Develop a Co-op

Identify a real need/opportunityAssemble a committed group of interested peopleConduct a basic feasibility study: market review and financial feasibilityWrite a comprehensive business planDetermine the organizational structure/governance decisions

10 steps continued

Incorporate the co-operativeRecruit and educate membersHave the first General MeetingOpen for business

Notes on 10 steps

Not linearStarting a business is a complex activityRange of skills required, range of people involvedWeeks, monthsYou do not have to re-invent the wheel

Incorporating a Co-operative

5 people (3 for a worker co-op)Co-operative Corporations Act (Guide Available through On Co-op)Articles of Incorporation and bylawsRegulating body: Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO)

Contact InformationMaureen Strickland 705-207-1913

Ontario Co-operative Associationwww.ontario.coop

LOFC – Local Organic Food Co-operatives

www.cultivatingfoodcoops.net