Other Resources
This section identifies some resources and tools we hope will be useful to your group, but please contact us if you don’t see what you are looking for and we may be able to provide further assistance.
Information and resources for specific development activities can be found by clicking on one of the headings below on the left side toolbar. If you are still trying to decide what type of co-operative and structure you will form, please refer to our "About Co-ops" section in the main toolbar, above.
Enterprise Saskatchewan also offers a number of resources and tools to assist emerging and existing co-operatives.
What organizational structure is right for you?
Here are a few links to resources that outline some of the differences between organizational structures. Check back here for more information in the future - SCA will be developing more materials to explain some possible co-operative organizational structures.
Understanding Co-operative and Non-Profit Law by Robert Dobrohoczki:
A work commissioned by Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and Le Conseil de la cooperation de la Saskatchewan to clarify the relationship between co-operative law and non-profit and chartiable status in Saskatchewan. Available materials include the complete paper, a fact sheet and an article.
See also:
Not-for-Profits Making Profits from Enterprising Non-Profits on Vimeo.
OnCo-op has several fact sheets about co-operative structure:
Choosing Federal or Provincial Co-op Incorporation
Business Model Comparison Chart
And... here is the link to their whole Co-op Development Toolkit, with several other FactSheets and helpful info.
The BC Centre for Social Enterprise has prepared this guide outlining charitable and non-profit structure information for social enterprises, some of which may assist you: http://www.centreforsocialenterprise.com/f/The_fine_print.pdf
Worker Co-operatives and Employment Law in Canada
This paper, provided by the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation, examines the relationship between worker co-operatives and employment law in Canada. It provides information on the definition of an employee, the rights of members, the rights of employers, the method of proper termination and the role of labour unions. The paper provides recommendations for worker co-operatives to consider as they navigate the legislation in order to create a strong co-operative and a workplace beneficial to its membership.
Find Tools to Support the Start-up of Your Co-op!
Financing Your Co-op
Co-op Development InfoService
This page is the portal for the Co-op Development InfoService, which was created in March, 2010 by the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité (CCCM). On this page you can learn more about virtually every aspect of co-op development, from the basics of starting a co-op and how to incorporate your co-op to where you can go for co-op advisory services and funding. You'll find links to a variety of guides and resources, as well as to provincial/territorial co-op associations and government departments who can help you.
Childcare Co-operatives:
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The Ontario Co-operative Association has assembled a Childcare Co-operative Toolkit that includes a guidebook to starting a childcare co-op, financial planning templates, a business planning guide & much more! Visit On-Co-op online to access the toolkit.
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The Parent Co-operative Pre-School Corporation also has a website full of helpful information and resources for those looking to start their own childcare co-operative.
Local Food Co-ops:
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Working Together for Local Food is a detailed resource guide aimed at inspiring and encouraging people involved in local food activities to form co-operatives. It also includes a resource guide for new and emerging co-operatives, beginning on page 27. Website: http://tinyurl.com/WorkingTogetherLocalFood
Guide to Government Programs Available to Co-operatives
This guide is an initiative of the Government of Canada’s Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat, developed in partnership with the provincial and territorial governments. In addition to a short description of each program, there is also a point of contact where Canadians can go for information by telephone, fax, email or Internet.
The programs are divided into two sections: the first section focuses on the programs offered by the various federal departments; the second section provides information from the provinces and territories.
