Blog - Canadian Worker Co-op Federation

What If We had an Antidote to Worker Co-ops Selling out? The case for indivisible reserves in worker co-operatives

January 17, 2020

By Hazel Corcoran I read with great concern about the sale of New Belgium Brewery to Kirin-owned Lion Little World Beverages. The concern is not only for the loss of this ESOP, as disappointing as that is. Rather, it is because we know that every ESOP, worker co-operative and enterprise in the solidarity economy is … What If We had an Antidote to Worker Co-ops Selling out? The case for indivisible reserves in worker co-operatives

Worker Co-ops and the Social and Solidarity Economy

December 19, 2019

By Kenzie Love Strengthening ties to the social and solidarity economy (SSE) is a key part of CWCF’s strategic plan. But what exactly is the SSE, how do worker co-ops fit into it, and how can they best collaborate with it? And what about social enterprises? Here’s a start at answering these questions. What is … Worker Co-ops and the Social and Solidarity Economy

How Co-ops Are Responding to Climate Change

August 20, 2019

By Kenzie Love As with all businesses, the climate crisis presents a challenge for worker co-ops, and at this point there may be as many questions as there are answers. But here’s a start at understanding some of the issues they face. How are co-ops uniquely positioned to respond to climate change? Co-ops’ unique ability … How Co-ops Are Responding to Climate Change

Leading Effective Meetings Webinar

May 31, 2019

This webinar provided insights into how we think and process information, then presented some models that can be used to keep discussions on track and arrive at decisions that can be supported by the whole group. The webinar was presented by Rick Proven. Rick is an adult educator and worker cooperative member. After 32 years … Leading Effective Meetings Webinar

The Take

November 23, 2018

The Inclusive Economy: Stories of Community Economic Development in Manitoba

November 22, 2018

Technical Assistance Grants

July 21, 2015

Funding & Eligible Activities CWCF offers grants up to $4,000 for member organizations to cover specialty consulting services such as marketing, financial administration, governance, expansion, conflict resolution or legal issues, as mutually agreed among the group, the co-op developer/consultant, and CWCF. Grants for co-op start-ups, co-op conversions, and expansions cover consulting services provided by members … Technical Assistance Grants

The Society for Cooperative Studies

April 7, 2015

The Society for Cooperative Studies The Society for Cooperative Studies seeks to advance the education of members and the public on all aspects of the Co-op Movement and co-op forms of structure, and in particular, to commission, identify, and publish research on the Co-op Movement.

Succession Planning Using the Worker Co-op Option

December 14, 2012

Excerpt: Succession Planning: An Opportunity & a Challenge The succession issue for small and family-owned businesses has grown due to the large number of small business owners nearing retirement. Studies in places as diverse as Australia and Quebec, have demonstrated that well over 50 per cent of small and medium sized businesses will face this … Succession Planning Using the Worker Co-op Option

Strategies for Developing Immigrant Worker Co-ops

December 10, 2012

Immigrant Worker Co-op Strategies paper drafted by Hazel Corcoran of the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation. Excerpt: I. Background Through the current Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI) Innovation and Research (I & R) Project, the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation (CWCF), in consultation with its Diversity Committee, is prioritizing worker co-op development in immigrant communities, including approaches and … Strategies for Developing Immigrant Worker Co-ops