By Kenzie Love Worker co-ops have proven to be more resilient than conventional businesses. But like any business, some of them still inevitably close. Such was the case for Calgary’s The Allium Restaurant, which opened in 2019 and shut its doors last month. Despite the critical acclaim it garnered, the restaurant struggled with factors beyond … The Allium’s Closure Offers Lessons for Other Worker Co-ops
CWCF is thrilled to welcome Ashley Igboanugo as our JEDDI Intern, supported by the CreateAction youth employment program. With an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and expertise and passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ashley’s qualifications align perfectly with the transformative goals of the JEDDI Social Acquisition/Business Conversion Project. In her role, Ashley … CWCF Welcomes Ashley Igboanugo as JEDDI Intern
By Kenzie Love Co-op conversions are a hot topic of conversation these days, with many small business owners across Canada poised to retire in the coming years, and few with a succession plan in place. Research suggests that while it may not work in all instances, converting to a worker co-op is one way … CoActive Developments Has Zeal for Co-op Conversions
CWCF’s Racial Justice Project Grant fund was established in 2022, as a part of the Racial Justice Action Plan drafted by CWCF’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization & Inclusion (JEDDI) Committee. This Action Plan has the long-term objective of a worker co-operative movement in Canada which is racially diverse, inclusive, and just. This granting pool is … CWCF Awards Racial Justice Project Grants
Ven, based in Campbellford, Ontario, is drawn to CWCF for their strong belief in empowering workers. With a programming background and experience at auticon and ethical digital, they bring valuable skills and knowledge. Ven’s interests span gaming, writing, pixel art, cooking, and D&D. Proficient in programming languages like JAVA, SQL, SAS, CSS, HTL, Python, Flask, … Ven Drake
By Hazel Corcoran This month: Conference 2023 JEDDI Business Conversions Project New Staff Lobbying Update Conference 2023 As we head into the summer, CWCF is busy preparing for our upcoming Conference this November. Our Conference theme of Stronger Together will explore challenges many worker co-ops are currently facing, such as burnout and conflict management, … Report from the Executive Director, June 2023
The federal government’s Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program offered interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits at the height of the pandemic, a program that several CWCF members participated in. For eligible CEBA borrowers in good standing, repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2023 will … Call for expressions of interest for a CEBA loan from Tenacity Works fund
By Kenzie Love Local Investing YYC, an associate member of CWCF through its participation in Common Good Capital, was incorporated in the fall of 2017. Its founders were looking for ways that all types of investors could invest into the local economy in businesses having a positive environmental or social impact. Travis Inlow, the Co-op’s … Local Investing YYC Looks Beyond the Bottom Line
CWCF’s Worker Co-op Academy is an online incubator program that coaches start-up groups through the process of developing and launching their worker co-op enterprises in a supportive cohort, with the help of experienced co-op developers. CWCF has run two cohorts through the program and is planning to launch the third cohort this May. Members of … Worker Co-op Academy Participants Offer Testimonies in Support of Program
Highlights Co-op Mixers Worker Co-op Academy New Member Orientation Lobbying CEBA Loans JEDDI Project Spring is in the air across Canada, and CWCF is gearing up for a busy stretch as the days get warmer and longer. One highlight of this period has been our co-op mixers, which have already taken place in Toronto and … Report from the Executive Director, April 2023