News & Events - Canadian Worker Co-op Federation

CWCF Accepting Applications for an Executive Assistant

July 11, 2023

Executive Assistant (Remote)(Le français suit)Developed: July 11, 2023 (Closed) The Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation (CWCF) is a national, bilingual grassroots membership organization of and for worker co-operatives, related types of co-operatives, and organizations that support the growth and development of worker co-operatives. CWCF is seeing an ambitious, results-driven Executive Assistant to support the Executive Director … CWCF Accepting Applications for an Executive Assistant

Nanaimo Co-op Does Yeoman’s Work

July 10, 2023

By Kenzie Love Ten years into the sole proprietorship he had founded in Nanaimo, BC, in 2013 Ben Geselbracht was looking for a change. Geselbracht wanted to remain involved with the business without having to shoulder all the day-to-day responsibilities by himself. The worker co-op model beckoned, and armed with a technical assistance grant from … Nanaimo Co-op Does Yeoman’s Work

What Worker Co-ops Can Learn from SSG

July 10, 2023

By Kenzie Love The question of why some worker co-ops succeed while others do not has no simple answers. But one clear measure of “failure” would be for worker co-ops not to learn from the experiences their peers have had in navigating the challenges many of them face. With over 20 years in business as … What Worker Co-ops Can Learn from SSG

Sope Ogunrinde

July 10, 2023

Sope Ogunrinde is assisting CWCF as a consultant to its JEDDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, and Inclusion) Business Conversions project. Sope is currently the Project manager for Social Innovation and Social Finance at Co-operative and Mutuals Canada and works with sector stakeholders to mobilize co-operatives to apply for capacity-building grants and collaborates with numerous other … Sope Ogunrinde

The Allium’s Closure Offers Lessons for Other Worker Co-ops

June 19, 2023

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 Welcomes Ashley Igboanugo as JEDDI Intern

June 19, 2023

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

CoActive Developments Has Zeal for Co-op Conversions

June 11, 2023

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 Awards Racial Justice Project Grants

June 11, 2023

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 Drake

June 10, 2023

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

Report from the Executive Director, June 2023

June 10, 2023

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